Worship Cards

From the Open Files of:

NW Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center, (715) 833-1153

Contributed by:

Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford, WI

This file is available in Rich Text Format version for editing

These cards are printed on colored paper in varying heights to make it visually appealing in the pew.

"A Candle"

A lighted candle is a symbol of hope. St. John says of light, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:15) Jesus says of himself, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." (John 8:12) Jesus says of you, "You are the light of the world." A city built on a hill cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14) At baptism, these words are spoken as you receive the baptismal candle, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Other verses to read and reflect on:

Genesis 1:1-5
Isaiah 9:2-3
Psalm 27:1-5
Romans 13:12-14
1 John 1:5-9

"The Chalice"

The chalice is a symbol of a very special meal that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. The Bible says, "Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you: for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28) Jesus extends an open invitation to all people to come to the table to be in communion with him and with one another. Jesus used the cup to talk about his death. The "cup he would drink" would be his suffering for us on the cross.

Other verses to read and reflect on:

Matthew 26:17-29
Mark 10:35-40
Luke 22:39-42
1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29

The Word of God - "A Little Bible"

When God created us in his image, he created us with the ability to communicate with him through words and language. The Word is our link with God. We use words to pray to God. God comes to us through the Holy Scriptures and through his Son, Jesus, the Word made flesh. God's Word has power; the power to transform us, to forgive us, to guide us, even the power to raise Jesus from the dead. Keep God's word close to you. As Jesus said, "If you continue in my Word, you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." (John 8:31)

Other Bible passages on the Word:

Psalm 119:105
John 1:1-5, 14
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Isaiah 55:10-11

The Cross

All Christians live under the sign of the cross. The sign of the cross was made at your baptism. It will be made over your remains at your funeral. From life's beginnings, to the end, our identity is determined by the cross of Christ. The cross is an eternal sign of hope that God can turn even the darkest evil into a victory for good.

Read these verses and ponder the gift of the cross:

Mark 8:34-35
Mark 15:21-32
Philippians 2:5-11
1 Corinthians 1:18

Baptism - The Shell

The shell is an early Christian symbol of baptism. As drops of water, scooped up with the shell, fall upon your head, your life is joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The baptismal font reminds us as we enter the sanctuary that God has graciously received us into his family and has freely given us the gift of salvation.

Read and Meditate on these passages about baptism:

Romans 6:3-4
Ephesians 4:4-6
Matthew 28:18-20
Acts 16:30-33
Acts 16:13-15

"They clothed him in a purple cloak." (Mark 15:17)

The purple cloth signifies the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Purple is the color of royalty. In an ironic way, Jesus' purple robe, put on him mockingly by the soldiers, reveals him as our true King. Use this purple cloth as the altar cloth, the first piece of your Home Altar, as you worship the King.

Read:

Mark 15:16-20
John 19:1-7
John 19:16-25
Exodus 39:1-5

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