A framework for leading Walk Church

The Welcome

Introduction

• Introduce the theme.
• Welcome people, especially those who have not been before. It may be appropriate for people to go round and introduce their names
• Provide an introduction to Walk church if there are newcomers ie
  • We walk together,
  • There is prayer, reading of the bible
  • We talk and discuss questions.
  • There is silence.
  • There is reflection.
• We’re out side seeking to encounter God, to celebrate our natural world. Please look out for at least one thing you will want to share and speak about at the end.

Practical stuff

• Ensure everyone signs in
• Appoint a backstop.
• Emergency phone number.
• Describe the route, and it’s length

Opening responses

This varies. Sometimes this Psalm is used:

The earth and all it’s people.

The world belongs to God

The earth and all it’s people.

The earth and all it’s people.

How good and lovely it is

To seek fellowship and unity

The earth and all it’s people.

When Love and faith come together

Then justice and peace join hands.

The earth and all it’s people.

If the Lord’s disciples keep silent

Then trees of forest will sing.

The earth and all it’s people.

Open our lips

And our mouths shall proclaim your praise.

The earth and all it’s people.

An ice breaker question at the start of the walk, reflecting the theme of the service

The ice breaker question

Often this is related to the theme – but not always. It’s designed to get us talking.

Walk

Confession

A time of reflection and confession. Alex plans to offer additional suggestions about what has been offered in the past.

For the times we have taken the earth’s resource, for granted, and just not cared enough.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

For all those who suffer as a result of our waste, greed and indifference.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

For what we have wasted what you have given us. For our lack faith in ourselves that we can make a difference.

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Absolution

Walk

Bible Reading

We often read through twice, with different voices, inviting questions and response to the reading.

Silence

Silence is always part of Walk Church. Silence after the reading, or after the reflection.

Reflection and discussion on the reading.

Some more reflection and input on the reading. May be another question to discuss for the next section of walking.

Walk

Prayers of Intercession.

Walk

At the end of the walk

Back at the point we started.

A blessing. Finish with a Blessing.

You will have needed to work out rough North South East and West.

Leader:
Let us turn to the WEST,
the place from where the thunderstorms and darkness come. We pray that we may face our fears of darkness and of suffering and return to the land God has promised us

Silence

Let us pray

Lord Christ, When the storms of live pass among us, we ask your blessing on our faith, that we may not loose the faith that neither live nor death can separate us from your love.

May we find strength and growth in your light,

In the name of the God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us turn to the NORTH,
the place of the cold winds and waiting,
that we may learn to wait with patience and hope,

Longing for the redemption and freedom of all creation.

Silence

Let us pray:

As we have walked the fields, and land, give us your patience to witness what you seek to bring to birth, both on the land, but in our community and church.

Give us the patience to see your love at work in our lives.

In the Name of God, Creator, Redeemer, & Sustainer. Amen.

Let us turn to the EAST,
The place of the rising sun,

We look to the East for the Resurrection

We look to receive the Holy Spirit.
to renew our lives and the face of the earth.

May acknowledge your blessings in our lives.

Silence

Let us pray:

We ask your blessing on all that we are this day,

for your resurrection power to redeem

the brokenness of our lives

We ask your blessing this your good earth and all creation,
that we may live together in harmony.
In the Name of God, giver of life, bearer of pain, the source of love. Amen.

Let us turn to the SOUTH,
the place from where the warm winds come,
asking that our lives and all creation may grow in harmony, and be fruitful.

Silence

Let us pray:

Creator God we ask your blessing as we walk into the future,
that we may be united in your love, and with all creation,
and that we ourselves are fertile soil,

producing abundant growth, rich in the fruits of the Spirit.
In the Name of God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Finish with Grace,

Praying for our homes, holding hands.

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit with us, now always. Amen.

These notes are work in progress. Please let me have your corrections or comments.