In the above scene from my recent announcement about our new low-low price at Worship Design Studio, we focused on the fact that dollars are not stretching very far right now. Whether you are feeling that in your church or not, guaranteed your givers are. So what do we do with the Stewardship Season “money-ask” this year?

Perhaps we could focus on something different than just a “please-give-so-we-can-pay-the-bills” message. We’ve got three (ok… FOUR) series in WDS that can help you do that:

“The Changemakers” - this fully-scripted series is about discovering what each person is passionate about in making the world a better place. When we tap into the ways we feel called that has our energy behind it, we can see more clearly how the infrastructure of the church can support the organic desires of the congregation. This series comes with excellent materials for discernment from our partners at The Changemakers Initiative. Available to paid full-year subscribers and a la carte for non-paid subscribers.

“A Wonder-Full Life” - This fully-scripted series is about our individual relationship with money (including past negative messages, present woes, and worries about the future). Drawing from the characters of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, we examine and realign our values with the ways we manage our money. Available to paid full-year subscribers and a la carte for non-paid subscribers.

“Love One Another” - This new fully-scripted series for Fall was not created with stewardship season in mind but after looking at it, several WDS subscribers have commented that they think it is perfect for their communities for stewardship season. When we rally around a shared value like loving our neighbors, we feel we want to contribute to this shared purpose. Available to paid full-year subscribers and a la carte donation for non-paid subscribers.

“Moving Out of Scare City” - This is a DIY series (not fully-scripted yet full of ideas for every worship art for every week) is about transforming an attitude of lack (“scarcity”) into an attitude of abundance and trust. This is for paid full-year subscribers only.

Let us know what we can do to help you dive into these series! All our annual paid subscribers get access to EVERYTHING (48 fully-scripted series and dozens more DIY format) so they can look deeply at all the resource choices. If you are a current subscriber and need help getting into this new platform, e-mail us at marcia@marciamcfee.com!

Peace & Passion,

Marcia McFee, PhD

About this series theme

“The wolf will lie down with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them.” - Isaiah 11: 6

Like notes on a music staff, we are called to join together to sing songs that proclaim the renewed creation of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. This year throughout the Advent and Christmas season, we will encounter familiar and new Carols for the Coming Christ and pause to consider their messages in fresh ways. As a popular quote attributed to Hans Christian Anderson says, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Song poets have long helped us “speak” when our own words fail in the face of our human struggle. The promise of the Coming Christ is that our hearts can hold the world and that the songs in our hearts can heal our weariness.

This series is inspired by a new Advent devotional book by Adam Tice, a hymn writer with copious contributions published in our hymnals, many with powerful justice themes. Tice’s book weaves daily reflections about songs of the season and invites us to our own reflection. Each entry pairs a song text with scripture, thoughtful commentary, and reflection questions. Creative response prompts throughout encourage deeper engagement through writing, music, and visual art. Each worship service features two carols/hymns (Tice uses these terms interchangeably) featured in the devotional book–one familiar to our traditions, and one by a newer composer. This package of worship materials offers a way to seamlessly integrate worship, individual devotions, small group activities, and ideas for interaction with the larger community.

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Worship Scripts for Advent 1-4, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas, Epiphany Sunday (including suggestions for hymns/songs)

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources suggestions

• Study your Own Carol Guide

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• Interview with the author of our inspiration book, Carols for the Coming Christ

Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this series (see and add photos, ideas, experiences, questions)

Access the Series

Purchase a la carte

When you purchase the series a la carte, the confirmation page will direct you to the file-sharing site called Hightail/Open Text. 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.

Subscribe now

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

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I created this interactive Great Thanksgiving liturgy years ago and then set it to Barbara Hamm's "Come to the Table of Grace" song (that has become a favorite of so many congregations). Whether you use that song or another, this call and response liturgy is generational-friendly! No paper needed for the congregation!

World Communion Liturgy Pdf

111KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

See a version of this liturgy demonstrated in a workshop setting in this video!

There are many ways to offer meaningful and memorable worship experiences for the remembering of those we lost this year. Here is a download for you that includes three different ideas (and one of them includes a fully scripted service).

All Saints Sunday Ideas Pdf

4.6MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Go to THIS chat thread to see how our subscribers have incorporated these ideas in the past!

When the going gets rough, our rituals take on heightened importance. Sharing a simple meal with a neighbor is somehow more poignant when you’ve all been without power because of the damaging storm. Picking vegetables from the garden feels like sacred action when the ground it grows from is still black from the fires. Lighting a candle is different when you’ve just lost someone.

I’m sure the disciples ate together often in the years they were together. But that Last Supper was different. As the air was thick with the threat of doom, the usual acts of breaking the bread and blessing the cup became important moments full of more than ordinary routine. Finding ways to open our hearts in difficult moments requires the work of ritual.

At the core of ritual is symbol and story. When I was invited by the Greater Northwest area of the United Methodist Church to write a ritual “container” for conversations throughout their conferences, I was pleased to hear that the design team wanted communion to be a part of their Table Talks. No story or symbol could be more appropriate for breaking open our hearts in distressing times. And so, I created a ritual that connects the pain and discord at that Last Supper to the kitchen table conversations of our families of origin as a way of getting in touch with our personal reactions to conflict, which leads into table talk conversations about conflict in the church.

While these liturgies were created for that specific context, they could easily be used outside of that context as well. I have worked to help churches become more vital in their worship for over 20 years. This work has been my mission because I know the good that churches can bring to this world. I also know that conflict often robs us of our agency and vitality. Not talking about it doesn’t help. So I want to gift these liturgies to any church or regional body out there that could use a ritual container for difficult conversations. There is a communion version and a “love feast” version (in case your denominational polity requires clergy present for communion and there is none available for your conversation).

Download Table Talks Resources

Includes Tips for Facilitators and scripts for Leaders, Readers, and Participants.

About this series theme

We spend too much time being “driven” rather than “drawn in.” We focus on what we “should” do rather than what we feel excited and compelled to do in our lives, in this world. During this retreat, we will connect with our inherent creativity and nurture this foundational aspect of being human, giving us renewed energy for passionate work, delightful play, and creative problem solving to make this world a better place for all.

This was such a fun and positive theme that we decided to make it into a retreat version. What we have created is adaptable for any length of retreat–from one day to a whole weekend!

Watch the “unpacking” webinar

This series was adapted into a retreat by Kristen Wall-Love and Jenna Duxbury for the Worship Design Studio. You can find out more by checking out this webinar we did to introduce you to the materials and the format and the possibilities!

This retreat includes:

• Scripts for six sessions to spread out over your retreat

• Leader Guide

• Creativity Materials document

• Children and Youth suggestions (make it a multigenerational retreat!)

• Guided Companion Journal

• Session slides

• Logo

• Theme song

• Theme Videos for each session

Here is a wonderful group that did this retreat (look at those colors!). Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this resource to see more photos from their retreat and add your own!

Access the Series

Purchase A La Carte Here

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.

Subscribe now

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

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I love reading the editorial messages in the front of magazines. In a recent one, the editor was exclaiming the fact that even though it was early fall, the magazine was focused on spring already. Of course they are! A good magazine must be looking ahead and preparing material that its readers will experience months later. It made me think about how similar this is to planning ahead for worship. For example, even though we would rather just be reveling in the Advent plans that are being fleshed out within the community, we must also have an eye to Epiphany and Lent. It can be a difficult discipline sometimes.

One practice I have learned helps me a lot–steeping in what I call an “anchor image.” For me, the starting point to planning a worship series is getting a good metaphor that can anchor us in the spiritual journey. I once led a group on a summer pilgrimage to the beautiful Santa Cruz forest of giant redwood trees. At that point, I was already thinking ahead to a year’s worth of worship themes and our walks through these woods offered so many images of “road,” “path,” “journey.” I began to play with this as an anchor image. I engaged in lectio divina of the scriptures for Lent and, amazingly, there were many references to “making a way,” “making crooked paths straight,” etc.

At this point in my creative process, I begin to “steep.” This means two things: 1) that my “noticer” is on high alert; and 2) I let the image play in the background of my consciousness. I begin to see things related to “paths” all over the place! I make notes and simply start collecting and collaging. One night while looking for a movie to watch on Netflix, I ran across a movie I had heard was good but had never watched called “The Way.” Bingo. “Watch it!” was the Spirit’s nudge. In the middle of it, I remembered that a friend was actually on the pilgrimage depicted in the movie. Went to her Facebook page… she was just about to arrive at the destination the next day after a month of walking. Goosebumps.

My redwood forest pilgrimage, The Way film, my friend’s trip, and the scriptures all became rich fodder for my Lent worship series, “The Way.” By giving ourselves time to steep in creativity and ample sources for inspiration, we can enjoy the present season knowing we’ve got so much to work with in the next one.

We have a fully-scripted version of this series for Lent available now!

https://worshipdesignstudio.com/theway

May you be blessed in your work of worship design.

Peace & Passion,

Marcia McFee, PhD

This picture ran its course on Facebook a little while back. I’ve found that when it comes to topics of change, we like to–and need to–laugh at ourselves. And when it comes to change in worship, we need an extra dose of levity.

Did you notice how I just put that? I said, “uncomfortable situations that occur when worship change unearths larger issues.” I have found that conflict about worship is rarely just about worship. More likely something “lies beneath” such as fear, a power struggle, issues of identity or grief over a bygone era. Those candlesticks endowed with the memorial plaque commemorating Aunt Betty (stalwart saint of the church) become much more than candlesticks. They become a symbol of “what was” and changing them out for something else for a Sunday or season can all of a sudden create an intensity not anticipated. A change in the order of worship can take on more anxiety than an earthquake because it can feel like things are shifting out of control.

When I began this work of worship consultation, I never imagined I would do so much pastoral care and conflict mediation. I studied systems and trained in restorative justice practices so that I could have a better handle on the dynamics and effects of change on group bodies. There are mighty powerful reasons why folks react to change in worship forms and expressions.

So let me start with the bottom line and then we’ll flesh it out. (I have a whole section of the Educational Materials dedicated to the “Politics of Change.”)

Let me explain:

If I have been coming to this church for, lo this many decades, and I’ve had some of my most fragile and profound moments here in this place, and now you want to change the way we do things(?!), my gut reaction (unarticulated feeling) is that I won’t have access to those deeply felt moments anymore. It is a fear of loss–which is one of our most dreaded emotions as humans. We can’t imagine life being different than we know it right now. And what we can’t imagine, we fear.

What can happen, actually, is that with good spiritual leadership, the experience of change itself can become a deeply meaningful opportunity for spiritual growth. We can ground the changes theologically, biblically, liturgically, traditionally. We can offer a reason why we are utilizing many candles on the table rather than Aunt Betty’s two candles because our thematic journey in this worship series affirms the light of Christ in each one of us. We can offer the idea that the order of worship this season will include a time of meditative lighting of candles at stations around the sanctuary to continue to underscore the prayers of all the people instead of the “usual” way we have a pastoral prayer.

Dealing with anxiety about change starts with good leadership. It starts with building trust that whatever you do will have been thought through with the spiritual journey of the people in mind. A deeply meaningful experience of something new will go a long way in opening the door to the next opportunity for creative expression.

The Latin root of the word “tradition” is traditio, which literally means “to hand on or to surrender”... not to “hang on!” What this means is that tradition is fluid, is always moving as it is handed on. Tradition is always changing, actually, because it is handed on!

Dig deeper into the “Politics of Change” HERE.

Blessings on your work of worship design.

Peace & Passion,

Marcia McFee, PhD

About this series theme

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

– Jesus (The Gospel according to John)

The scene is set. Jesus gathers at the table with his disciples to break bread and break the news that this is their Last Supper together. Alarming fear, bitter betrayal, and tension-laden uncertainty fill the room. In the midst of this unsettling moment, the Gospel of John records Jesus’ “famous last words.” Central among these was the commandment to love one another. How do we survive, or even thrive, in times like these? We put love into action, replacing “othering” with “neighboring.”

This series is offered in collaboration with Resurrection: a United Methodist Church as part of their Campaign for Kindness, 2026. Resurrection’s kindness campaigns are developed to increase the levels of civility and kindness across our community and counter the growing polarization.

Besides the Worship Design Studio fully-scripted series resources, you will have access to the materials produced by Church of the Resurrection. Find out more at https://campaignforkindness.com/

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Worship scripts for five weeks (including suggestions for hymns/songs/anthems)

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• A “Longest Table” how-to for creating amazing neighborhood gatherings

• Resources from Church of the Resurrection Kindness Campaign, including graphics, a “love-in-action” journal, yard signs, t-shirts, and more!

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• Watch the webinar about hosting a Longest Table event HERE

Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this series (see and add photos, ideas, experiences, questions)

Access the Series

Pay What You Can Donation

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.

Subscribe now

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

Download for Paid Subscribers (and those who cannot donate)!

Go to the file sharing site for this series by clicking on the button below. You do not need an account on Hightail to download. You can simply take a deeper look by clicking on any of the file names or you can download the whole series to your computer. See more about how to access and share the resources with your team HERE.

Download the Series Materials

Evaluating worship ought not be like the evaluating we do in our politics–with people taking “sides.” But too often it is.

In my workshops and retreat experiences, I often present the concept of “M-M-Good” worship–that’s “meaningful and memorable.” This is what I believe constitutes the standard by which we measure, or evaluate, our worship. Did our faith story and life story intersect, creating meaning for our living? Will we remember the worship’s images, words, melodies, actions beyond the time and place of worship so that it can shape our lives outside of Sunday morning?

Did you notice something? Those questions did not even remotely look like “did I LIKE it?” Too often we think that worship is good if we “liked” the songs and the sermon. But this is not the mission of worship… whether we “like” it or not. Too often we begin to evaluate our worship by our preferences and we begin to caucus with others who think like us. But, just like politics, side-taking as an end-goal is not good for the whole body. So let’s look at a different mission for worship by which to evaluate:

And because the Body is inherently diverse (yep, EVERY congregation), there will be times when what we are doing in worship is not necessarily my “cup of tea.” But all I have to do is just look down the pew or the aisle. There is someone who is being filled in that moment, and when one part of the Body is built up, it is good for the whole. AND if we have committed to our diversity of expression as a community, I can trust that we will get to “my thing.”

So let’s reevaluate the process of evaluating our worship. We need something OTHER than just what we “like” and “don’t like.”

Try this exercise I often offer in teaching sessions: Think of an “M-M-Good” moment of worship… something you will never forget. Tell that story to each other as a worship team. Then collect stories of those moments from other members of the community. Analyze them a bit to get to the characteristics that underlie the memories (such as: visual element, sense of community, intimacy, beautiful environment, anticipation, embodiment, involvement of all generations). You will soon have a great list of things that are of “value” to the community that are worth working to incorporate over time.

Here is an example of this exercise:

1. I remember an “M-M-Good” (meaningful and memorable) moment when… the preacher brought out a roll of yellow “Caution - Do Not Cross” tape while preaching about Jesus’ practice of eating with people others thought should not be invited. Then she laid that tape on the ground right where we would have to step over it in order to come receive communion. She asked us to imagine what self-made boundaries we would be willing to let Jesus help us cross in order to be in right relationship with our neighbors–especially those not “like us” or disparaged by society.

2. My analysis is that I remember that because it was a very powerful (and common) visual symbol that got related to scripture and to a profound message of inclusion. It sticks with me because every time I see that yellow tape out in the world (construction sites, for example), the message is reinforced in my memory. Also, stepping over the yellow tape while coming to communion reinforced the message with a kinesthetic memory as well as a visual memory, adding to the number of neurons firing off to cement the message.

3. My conclusion is that when we use ordinary things from our everyday lives to connect with a message, and we get to see and experience it, the moment is much more solidified in our lives, therefore shaping us into the sorts of persons who “go and do likewise” in the world–welcoming those who may not feel welcome.

So, collect some stories, analyze them as a worship team, and continue to create a list of ways to help worship be “meaningful and memorable,” which in turn makes it a guiding principle for our work in the world.

May you be blessed in your work of worship design.

Peace & Passion,

Marcia McFee, PhD

I had the amazing privilege of leading the Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar in Salisbury, MD and again in Wilmington, DE. I focused on the “Power of Presence” in preaching because how we deliver sermons makes all the difference for how people receive the message (many of you have heard me say about worship, “monotony comes in many forms” - it is especially true for preaching). It was a lively and interactive time as I coached preachers on intonation, pause, timbre, energy, and being more kinesthetically alive in their preaching through gesture, posture, and placement. What a joy to help pastors and lay speakers hone their craft for more effective messages! When is the last time you watched yourself preaching on video with an eye to improving? With a first career in professional dance and theater, I know how hard it is to watch yourself on video. And yet, it really is important as we seek to always be improving our communication skills. Here are some things to consider when watching your preaching on video:

Watching Your Preaching on Video

What are your observations about each one of these vocal attributes listed above?

• Are there times when you feel your voice fades out or drops because you don’t have enough breath support?

• Does your voice sound thin or nasal or do you “swallow” your words when you stop projecting properly?

• Do you slur or run words together when better articulation and enunciation would help you be better understood?

• Does your voice sound flat or fail to carry the right “feel” for the content?

• Are you too monotone, not allowing variety to help you convey differences in content?

What are your observations about each one of these interpretive attributes listed above?

• Are there vocal and rhythmic patterns that are “predictable” and therefore, “numbing?”

• Do you have speech patterns that are “lulling” because of their regularity? For instance, do you have the same rhythm for every sentence?

• Are you dropping the ends of the sentences by dropping your head?

• Are you always lilting sentences up in pitch instead of finding a “landing” for a statement?

• Are you using pauses at intentional places in the narrative, or are you “running on” without noticing that listeners need a moment to take in a particular point?

The research above shows that a small percentage of people are getting the message through the words alone. How well are you connecting with those who learn primarily through visual and kinesthetic means?

• Are you “painting pictures” with your words?

• Are you using supporting visuals?

• Are you giving kinesthetic cues about the story with intentional “stage” movements?

• Are you offering movement through the use of your voice in pacing, pitch, and pause?

In my book, Think Like a Filmmaker: Sensory-Rich Worship for Unforgettable Messages, I researched the art of filmmaking and acting to determine what we could learn to help our worship and preaching. “Telling too much” was a screenwriter’s warning that would end up having to be fixed in “post production” (in the editing room). But what if we don’t ever get to the editing part of our preaching process?

• Is “editing” part of your preparation in rehearsal? Do you rehearse in any way that helps you feel when a section is too long or too much?

• Is editing part of your delivery? In other words, are you listening to yourself as you are speaking and adjusting accordingly? Are you feeling your own energy? Are you aware of whether the congregation is “with you” or not?

• Are there segments in which you are “telling too much?” How can you tell? What does that feel like to you? Can you imagine how it feels to the congregation?

• Do you “come in for a landing” multiple times? In other words, how honed is your ending and are you trying to get in “just one more thing?” when the congregation has already been satisfied?

We all have a “kinesthetic vocabulary” for moving through the world. My own research into the “neuromuscular excitation patterns” listed above that show themselves through energy patterns can be helpful in identifying the effects of various dynamics of speech and when “too much of a good thing is too much.” No one pattern is more “right” or “wrong,” but we have to be aware when our “home patterns” (the ones that feel natural to us and therefore we are less aware of) are creating numbing or overwhelming effects on our listeners.

• Looking at the descriptions of energy patterns above, which pattern do you think is your “home” pattern?

• Take a look at your video and see if you can map out your energy patterns. Do different parts of your sermon offer appropriate changes in energy?

• Various scriptural narratives may invite a different “style” of preaching than others. Can you look at the patterns above and think about how various scriptural “scenes” might need approaches?

In her book, Performing the Word: Preaching as Performance (highly recommended), Jana Childers offers the “orientation” categories above as a way to notice differences in preaching.

• What is your most comfortable “orientation” and how does it help you or sometimes limit you?

• Have you ever looked this intently at your own energy, orientation, and “style?” How do you image knowing these things about yourself could help you become a better orator?

Preachers, whether you use a pulpit or not, we have to “block” out our movements ad gestures (or at least consider them). The attributes listed above make a big difference to communication since cognitive scientists place body language and facial expression as the most important parts of an orator’s toolkit. These have the biggest influence on the listener’s ability to take in concepts and remember them.

• What is your spatial relationship with the listeners? Do you feel connected or far away? What do you notice about your eye contact?

• Do you “make a move” at any time? Why? Why not?

• Next time you preach, plan for a move at some point (for a story, for a more intimate tone of voice, for a symbolic placement in space). Even if you are a manuscript preacher (or perhaps particularly if you are), plan to do one small section away from your manuscript and then simply move back to it.

• What is your posture saying? (I’m glad to be here? I want to connect with you? or is it more hesitant and withdrawn? what does your posture say about your confidence?

• What are your movement “habits?” Are you repeating a gesture too much? Are you swaying or bouncing or fidgeting and fiddling with things/papers/microphone/hair/pocket change?

Friends, you do something that is getting more rare these days–talking for a sustained period of time and trying to hold the attention of people who rarely encounter this mode of communication in their daily lives (or entertainment). Yes, content is VERY important and yet, no matter how much we’ve worked on that content, if people aren’t engaged and staying with you, all that work is for naught.

Get in touch if you would like to have a workshop on the “Power of Presence in Preaching” for preachers in your region. Contact me at marcia@marciamcfee.com.

May you be blessed in your work of worship design.

Peace & Passion,

Marcia McFee, PhD

Holy Week is special to me. It is what ritual studies calls a “liminal time.” Liminality is when we are no longer who we have been and not yet quite what we are becoming. It is the chrysalis moment for me and usually a week that I create some sort of heightened spiritual practices and make some of the most important decisions of my life.

I remember a phone call with a Jewish cantor just before Holy Week over 30 years ago when I had started the Foundation for Religion and the Arts in Kansas City while going to seminary. At the end of our call about an event, he said to me, “Many blessings on your High Holy Days.” It stopped me in my tracks. I had never considered that I, a progressive Protestant, had High Holy Days. It changed my relationship to that week immediately.

I seek out the dark. I light candles, I sit in empty sanctuaries, I get up earlier than usual to contemplate. I keep my schedule less busy, carving out time in ways that give me more space to listen to the Holy. And I remember my baptism (usually in long soaks in the hot tub).

The three resources I have for you in this section are experiences that can be corporate and individual. They can stand alone or be part of a series. Indeed, most of them were conceived originally as part of a Lent series. In fact, all my Lent series include Holy Week services as part of the downloads. But I wanted to make these three things free for anyone.

Poured Out: Elements of a Resurrection

This piece literally poured out of me on a plane ride in the middle of the night. I read through the events of Holy Week in the scriptures and then chose six characters that were with Jesus and wrote monologues from their perspectives. I have “staged” this in many places during Holy Week residencies, both in English and Spanish. The whole ritual weaving with scripture and dramatic monologues is powerful. I highly recommend putting it together (please note that I’ve never made any of the characters memorize lines!).

Stations of the Cross: Then and Now

I love the artwork for this experience. I collaborated with the folks at the Vanderbilt Lectionary Library to use some of the images available in their vast art library to depict the stations, as well as modern photography to depict analogous scenes from our modern times. The stations can be experienced during a service, as a “come and go” walkthrough experience, or simply as a video that I’ve provided.

Ritual of Three Anointings

This is a video meditation for Holy Week that can be experienced in a service or sent out for people to do at home or with small groups. It uses the element of oil in three different ways to commemorate the brokenness of the world and the hope for healing. I collaborated with two of my dearest friends, visual artist Ted Lyddon Hatten, and musician Chuck Bell. The result is provocative, dramatic, and moving.

Enjoy, friends. And if you have a congregation that doesn’t really come to Holy Week things, leaping right from Palm Sunday to Easter resurrection (I mean, we all like to avoid pain, but we actually can’t), I would recommend using my series “Entering the Passion of Jesus” Lent series so the incredible story of Holy Week can be treated over several weeks and unpacked for those who are missing out. There’s so much to gain.

Blessings, dear ones. Dr. Marcia

“Poured Out” Dramatic Monologues

This collection of dramatic monologues features six ritual elements and six biblical characters who share their witness of the events of Holy Week. The scripts weave ritual moments for congregants in between scripture reading and the monologues. Especially good for a combination Maundy Thursday and Good Friday experience.

Watch a dramatization of these monologues in a powerful Holy Week ritual experience from the 2023 worship planning retreat:

Palm/Passion Sunday Elements

If you choose to the full service on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, you may wish to offer your community a “preview” by introducing the characters in a dramatic tableau on Palm/Passion Sunday! The script below includes a call worship, prayer of confession, and palm procession liturgy, followed by a teaser of sorts for the rich experience you will offer later in the week.

Easter Vigil / Easter Sunrise Ritual

The following document contains some elements for an Easter sunrise service or vigil that feature a final encore performance of your dramatists, and a celebration of the resurrection that can easily be included in or lead up to your full-blown Easter service.

Download all scripts

Download the complete scripts for a single service experience of "Poured Out." We have two versions available in English and Spanish.

Download Here

When sharing, please note “Poured Out: Elements of a Resurrection” ©www.worshipdesignstudio.com. Used with permission.

Each Lent series in the Worship Design Studio includes a fully-scripted Holy Week experience as part of the theme. The rituals in this section can stand alone as part of a service or separately as a link that you send out for people to experience on their own during Holy Week.

This virtual Holy Week experience features a journey with Jesus from the table to the tomb. The tradition of the Stations of the Cross which developed in the early church became a way to make pilgrimage and walk the Way of Sorrow with Jesus in those last hours of his life. Pilgrims to Jerusalem around the 4th century would journey and stop where they believed the events happened. Eventually it became difficult for most people to make an actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These stations, then, in a sanctuary or on church grounds, became a way to make a pilgrimage to an “interior Jerusalem”–to journey to that place Augustine called “more inward than [our] most inward part.” Just as the disciples, and Jesus himself, searched their hearts in that moment of trauma and tragedy, we search our own hearts. Our stations will invite us not only to examine ourselves, but also to intercede on behalf of others. It is a journey of finding Jesus in all the moments of our lives and of our world.

Watch this short version of the full video that includes visuals of the Stations only [~5 minutes]

Watch the full-length experience below [~40 minutes] that comes from its parent worship series, “Listen”

Download all the materials needed to create your own stations experience for free

Download Here

Please use “Stations of the Cross” experience ©worshipdesignstudio.com. Used with permission.

Each Lent series in the Worship Design Studio includes a fully-scripted Holy Week experience as part of the theme. The rituals in this section can stand alone as part of a service or separately as a link that you send out for people to experience on their own during Holy Week.

I teamed up with my collaborators, visual artist Ted Lyddon Hatten and music artist Chuck Bell, to create this Holy Week Ritual of Three Anointings. It is timeless in its message and rich in its symbolism (especially around the brokenness of our world). Oil was used in the ancient world for many things, including healing. I wanted to create something that would recognize brokenness and the journey toward wholeness.

The full version is 12-minutes and can be used as a whole in worship or in six separate pieces inserted into your worship. Or you can simply share it with your folks as an individual meditation at some point in the week, inviting them to have a little bit of oil to use at each of the three moments of anointing.

Download all versions of the video and liturgy for free here

Download here

Contact us at marcia@marciamcfee.com if you have questions. Blessings!

About this series theme

Prayer can be an abstract idea for some of us. When, where, what, and how do we pray? And why would we do it? Cultures and religions throughout time and space have turned to tangible objects to help them answer these questions. In this worship series, we will explore the ancient and cross-traditional use of prayer beads as a way to connect with the Holy and with each other for “all our days.”

“I decided to add a series on prayer to the Worship Design Studio library at this moment (2026) because I believe we need rhythms we can count on. Our hearts need regular connection to something that feels compassionate and present. Our attention is coveted by so many entities these days, and not all for good reasons. There is a cacophony around us vying for our attention and trying to curate our thoughts, our feelings, our time. It is difficult to extricate ourselves sometimes from these competing forces and even harder to remember our own voices and the call of the Divine to come and rest a while.” — Dr. Marcia McFee

Featuring an ancient tradition of using beads to aid our prayer

Across time, geography, and traditions, daily prayer has been aided by the use of prayer beads. This has become popular for Protestants as well in recent years. Your church (all ages) will delight in creating and using prayer beads as a way to center attention, feel the presence of God as close as the beads in our hands, and to pray easily repeated prayers of presence, praise, purpose, petition, pardon, protection, and persistence. Check out this 3-minute excerpt of a conversation with our guest expert, author Kristen Vincent.

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Worship scripts for eight weeks (including suggestions for hymns/songs/anthems)

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources

• Prayer Bead Prayers to send home with your adults and children

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• One-hour interview recording introducing the use of Protestant prayer beads and how to make them with author and expert, Kristen Vincent

Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this series (see and add photos, ideas, experiences, questions)

Access the Series

Purchase A La Carte Now

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.

Subscribe now

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

Read more

About this series theme

A Changemaker is a risk-taker, someone who puts their faith into action to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Jesus was a Changemaker. The Good News is… so are we. Made in the image of God, sharing in the purposes of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, we are the “assets” we’ve been looking for. Our wealth lies in the Compassion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Empowerment that sustains us through change, for change, for the sake of a better world. Join us as we hatch new ideas and fly to new heights, risking something big for something good.

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Four full worship scripts adaptable for your context that include all liturgy and leader parts, scripture readings, and a communion liturgy

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• Watch the “Get-Ready” webinar HERE (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

Purchase A La Carte Now

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.

Subscribe now

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

Read more

About this series theme

Jesus taught that we should treat others as we want them to treat us – including those with whom we disagree. Known as The Golden Rule, a version of this teaching can be found in almost every religion in the world. This holds the power to bring people together again. And this is one of the most important things we can proclaim rig…

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About this series theme

“…when two or three of you are together because of me,
you can be sure that I’ll be there.” — Matthew 18:20 (MSG)

In this “Come to the Table” series, we hear the call to dine with Jesus — an invitation that means much more than a simple eating experience. It never was with Jesus. The table was the place where he fed people, and also challenged them to acts of hospitality that reflect God’s way. When we say “yes” to the place at Christ’s table, we accept a way of life that embraces God’s definition of love, peace, grace, and joy. Let us celebrate the depth of communion to which we are called.

I love a dinner party! The pandemic lockdown created in me an urgency to spend more time around tables with old and new friends being fed in body, mind, and spirit. It is at the table where, as my dearly-departed friend Nina Reeves once told me, we “speak about the deepest things we know right away.” This is my hope for you as you embark on this series that highlights the table of grace that is laid for us. It is my hope that you will gather around the table of Jesus and gather at tables in your homes to share deeply. It is my hope that you will invite those who feel isolated and who may be feeling a lag in hopefulness to tables of love and joy. And it is my hope that our habits of gathering will also bring more peace in turbulent times. To this end, this five-week series includes not only sanctuary-based worship scripts, but also a version of the scripts adapted for small group, family, and/or Dinner Church use. The series is based on the RCL Year A scriptures for September, culminating in World Communion Sunday, but can also be used any time of year.

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Five worship scripts adaptable for your context and any time of year that include all liturgy and leader parts, scripture dramatizations and communion liturgy. Two versions: Sanctuary-led and Dinner Church for small groups

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• Watch the “Get-Ready” webinar HERE (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

Purchase A La Carte Now

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.

Subscribe now

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

Read more

About this series theme

Awe is a profound emotional response that can significantly impact our wellbeing and perception of the world. Awe often arises from experiences that transcend our usual understanding, such as viewing vast landscapes, listening to powerful music, encountering extraordinary acts of kindness, or feeling heightened devotion and a Divine Presence connecting us all. To be a “Purveyor of Awe” is to be intentional about curating a life of spiritual depth. This has implications not only for one’s own life, but also as motivation to tend to the wellbeing of others.

Friends, I’ve been on a journey of discovery for a few years now about “elements for curating a life of spiritual depth.” I have been curious about incorporating modern research from the sciences and wisdom from the mystics alongside biblical texts. What I discovered was that “awe” is at the core. My new offering is a fully-scripted series about awe that explores the elements of Awe, Beauty, Wonder, Meaning, Curiosity, Delight, Connection, and Self-Giving as essential elements of our human experience firmly embedded in our faith traditions but also relevant for those who do not have a religious practice. I call it “Purveyors of Awe” because I aim to convince you, spiritual leaders, that one of the most important things you can do for your communities (churches as well as the wider community) is to advocate and provide opportunities for practices of awe. I am convinced it is what the world needs now, more than ever, and you are uniquely equipped to be a “Purveyor of Awe.”

Watch the series trailer

This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.

This fully-scripted series includes:

• Eight full worship scripts adaptable for your context that include all liturgy and leader parts, scripture readings, and a communion liturgy

• Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons

• Communion liturgy that can be used any week

• Individual and small group study resources

• Visual and Media Arts ideas to bring the series to life in your worship space

• Children’s Time scripts to engage the youngest members of your community

• Series logo and Canva template for complete customization

• Series video trailer to get the word out (customizable)

• Daily social media posts to use on your accounts

• Watch the “Get-Ready” webinar HERE (this webinar is related to the Lent version of this series but applies with only a bit of adaptation… 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

Purchase A La Carte Now

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.

Subscribe now

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

Read more