A Service For The Hanging Of The Greens

The hanging of the greens, or the greening of the church, is the act of decorating the church in the spirit of Advent and Christmas. In recent years it has been recognized that the work of hanging the greens should be done in the context of worship. Therefore it is recommended that the church be brought together in a special time of worship (perhaps on the weekend before the first Sunday of Advent) to green the church and hang the Advent wreath. Acts of worship may include Scriptures, prayers, explanation, and blessings of the bells, candles, crèche, boughs, holly, ivy, poinsettias, the Christmas tree, and the Advent wreath.

ENTRANCE The Entrance Hymn During the Entrance Hymn, a procession may occur in which a sample of each of the greens to be hung is brought to a table in the front of the church. The Greeting and Call to Worship An Act of Praise An Opening Prayer THE SERVICE OF THE WORD Let us walk in the light of the Lord. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1–5 *Blessing of candles, bells, and Advent wreath Hymn Let us prepare a highway for the Lord. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:1–5 Blessing of boughs, holly, ivy, poinsettias, and Christmas tree Hymn Let us prepare to meet our Lord. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 62:6–7, 10–12 Blessing of the crèche Hymn RESPONSE TO THE WORD The various groups are now charged to decorate the church as an act of worship. They disperse to their various tasks. After the completion of the greening of the church, the people return for the Dismissal. THE DISMISSAL After the greening of the church, the people assemble in the worship space. Hymn Passing of the Peace Benediction Words of Dismissa *When the various greens are blessed, each one is carried by a different person to the front of the worshiping community where the green is set apart in prayer to symbolize the message of Advent and Christmas.