About this series theme
At certain times in history, sorrow has threatened to drown out the music and snuff out the light. Such was the time when this series was created (2020). And so we wondered…
…what if? Instead of turning away from this moment in sorrow, we embrace it and turn our attention toward the stories of the indelible human spirit that has always been accompanied by the power of music to illuminate the dark night? What if we found other ways–unforgettable ways– to fill the void left by our loss? To “fill the night with music and light?” What if we gain more insight about the significance of the birth of Jesus, the life that was the “light” for the people?
This worship series brought a powerful message of hope in a time of pandemic terror. But we still suffer at times from despair. Reworked to apply to any time, let this series and its stories about the power of music bolster hope in your congregation.
See more about the scriptures, theology, content, and format of the series by checking out these files:
Theme Anthem
The theme anthem and title of this series, “I Believe,” is a beloved musical arrangement by Mark A. Miller of an anonymous Jewish poem found scrawled on a wall during the Holocaust. We believe that we are called to examine humanity’s history of pain accompanied by fear that leads to oppression and violence of one people against another. This is the world into which Jesus was born, and through which his teachings would challenge and call for a new way of being in relationship with each other. This Advent and Christmas, let us fill the night with music and light and affirm and act on the reasons why we can still “believe, even when” we are discouraged.
This fully-scripted series includes:
Six fully-scripted worship experiences, including all words, music suggestions, children’s time, and suggestions for ritual action like lighting the Advent wreath.
Ideas for Blue Christmas
Sermon fodder
Original Introit and prayer music by composer Mark Miller, anthem suggestions from Mark’s repertoire
A handbell benediction for the services and suggestions for handbell pieces by guest expert Stephanie Rhoades
Visual and media ideas, including a film festival for individuals or small groups that highlights our themes each week using films that tell powerful stories of music in hard times
WDS children’s expert, Mark Burrows created a separate film festival for the kiddos too for educational folks to utilize
Logo and video trailers ready to be customized for your church.
Watch the webinar focusing on utilizing the sermon fodder and film festival suggestions for small groups and individuals (done in the midst of pandemic) HERE
Watch the “Get-Ready” webinar HERE (please note that this was done in the midst of pandemic so many of the suggestions are based on that context. Also, some references in the video to former platforms where the materials resided are obsolete… you will simply download files in this new format… EASY!)
Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this series (see and add photos, ideas, experiences, questions)
Access the Series
Paid Subscribers, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page to get to your download button. 👇 If you do not have a paid subscription, you may purchase this series a la carte for $50.
When you purchase the series a la carte, you will be redirected to the file-sharing site called Hightail/Open Text immediately. You do not need an account in Hightail, simply download all the files to your computer. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at marcia@marciamcfee.com.
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Looking for other series possibilities? We’ve got over 40!
See the full list of series HERE
Marcia McFee, PhD is the creator and visionary of the Worship Design Studio. Find out more about her work HERE. Questions? E-mail marcia@marciamcfee.com
