The sacraments of baptism and communion are foundational acts of the Christian faith -- in addition to affirming God's grace, they have the power to transform us in the living presence of the Almighty. Elaine Ward believes that the sacraments also "enable us to become aware of the holy." "Dancing The Sacraments" is an extensive collection of 20 complete worship services that will help congregations experience the holiness in these rituals.
Each thematically unified service provides the framework for a celebration of communion or baptism, and includes:
- a sermon
- a children's message (with brief talking points to reinforce the theme)
- scripture readings
- hymns
- a complete set of prayers
There's also original poetry, plus an informative discussion of ways to help children understand the symbolism of the sacraments, including suggestions for specific activities. Renew the power and potency of your baptism and communion services -- "Dancing The Sacraments" gives you a wealth of inventive material for observing them with awe and reverence.
Elaine M. Ward, a resident of Austin, Texas, is a storyteller and prolific creator of worship and children's ministry materials. She served for nearly twenty years as Minister of Children at University Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, and is a graduate of Capital University, Union Theological Seminary (New York City) and Lancaster Theological Seminary, where she was writer-in-residence for seven years. Ward is also the author of the CSS titles "Asking For Wonder," "And The Sea Lay Down," "Alleluia " and "Story Time At The Altar," as well as "Love In A Lunchbox: Poems And Parables For Children's Worship" (Abingdon)."