Follow the peacemaking circle practice of an opening ceremony to mark the circle as a sacred space. The opening I have developed consists of four elements:
- Light a candle. Artificial candles not only look real but some are even scented. Say something like: “We light a candle as a symbol of the Spirit’s presence with us, helping us hear what God would say to us through today’s story.” Give a very brief introduction to the story to set it in canonical context; for example, “Today’s story is from John 20 and tells what happened on Sunday morning after Jesus was resurrected.”
- Sing Listen to the Word. This is an adaptation of #455 in Glory to God: the Presbyterian Hymnal, ed. David Eicher (Louisville, KY: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 2013), For tune visit Hymnary.org. I rearrange the order of phrases as follows:
- Listen to the Word that God has spoken;
- Listen even if you don’t understand;
- Listen to the voice that began creation;
- Listen to the one who is close at hand.
- Tell the story. Tell, do not read, the biblical story, as best you can. It does not have to be word-for word, but it should closely resemble the story as told by the biblical composers. Sometimes you may wish to use concrete figures as you tell the story. These are available from WorshipWoodworks.com and are popular with all ages to help focus and visualize the narrative.
- Pray. Offer a short, simple prayer from the heart. I usually give thanks for those who came, for the story we have been given, and for time apart to engage it.