Elaine M Ward

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)."

Jesus told stories, and the scriptures are the sacred story of God and his people and since children love stories too, is there a better way to plant the seeds of faith than with stories? This outstanding collection provides 86 enchanting parables written in a simple, direct style that children of all ages can easily relate to. Brief talking points and questions in each message help youngsters clearly understand the good news of God's incredible grace and unconditional love. A convenient scripture index is included.

This volume will become a primary resource for pastors and worship planners of all denominations. It contains some of the most creative and inspirational worship material we have seen. Wonder is the ability to be open to surprise and possibility. It is the source of gratitude, expectancy, and trust... the quality of an authentic and abundant life... Asking for Wonder... is a call to beauty, celebration, and God. (from the Introduction) After exploring the meaning of "Creative Worship," the author offers a wide variety of: Calls To Worship Prayers Of Confession And Assurance Scripture Readings For Worship Litanies And Readings Offerings Affirmations Of Faith Prayers Benedictions The book concludes with chapters on Baptism and Communion, which include gripping narrative stories and contemporary services. The final chapter offers suggestions for involving children in worship. Elaine M. Ward has spent her lifetime helping others discover the joy and wonder of worship as she has taught storytelling workshops throughout the country. She has taught Christian Education at Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, Texas; Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado; DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana; and Lancaster Theological Seminary and Franklin and Marshall College, both located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Ward is a prolific writer and creator of video materials on subjects that include storytelling, Old Testament and New Testament stories, children and worship, children and prayer, activities for teacher's training, and worship materials for Advent, Lent and other seasons. In 1990 Ward won the prize for the Best Written Sermon while at Lancaster Theological Seminary. She has been featured as a keynote speaker and has filled pulpits in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Ohio, California, and Texas. Her workshop for ministers on "Preaching The Story" has been widely acclaimed. Currently Elaine Ward is a freelance writer, worship leader, preacher, and storyteller.