Station: Hard Heart

Idea: At the beginning of a worship service, I find that I am usually still distracted by outside thoughts or worries. I often need a focusing activity that helps me consciously choose to start the surrendering process of worship. This station is designed to aid in that process.

Activity: During the very opening elements of a worship gathering (which frequently happens to be music) I will pass around several offering plates. I use old, tarnished silver garage sale plates or shallow bowls. In each plate I will place a scripture verse, instructions, a piece of wood, and a small ball of playdough or soft clay. The idea is to read a passage concerning the state of one's heart while holding the piece of wood in one hand and the playdough in the other. Each person must decide which object better represents the state or attitude of his or her heart towards God at the moment.

Instructions:Hold the piece of wood in one hand and the ball of clay in the other while reading the scripture passage. Squeeze each one and decide which one better represents where your heart is with God right now. Will your heart be hard like the wood or malleable like the clay in God's presence today?

Scripture Ideas:Matthew 13:14-17, Joel 2:13

Materials: soft clay, playdough ,or the homemade version
small block of wood
tray or plate