Lessons and carols bidding prayer. Opening Song Please use this as a guide for planning your own...

Lessons and carols bidding prayer. Opening Song Please use this as a guide for planning your own Nine Lessons and Carols service. The prayer NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS "We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" Jan 6, 2021 · BIDDING PRAYER Dear friends in Christ, we are gathered to celebrate with joy the appearance of God’s glory in the world through the birth of Jesus, who is Emmanuel, God with us; to reflect upon the visit of the magi bringing homage to their King at his birth; and, to hear the prophetic words of Anna and Simeon revealing the Christ child as a My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve—nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various oficers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the diferent grades, with the Bishop. Amen. Since We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The following bidding and lessons may be used at a festival during the twelve days of Christmas. Milner-White used Benson’s plan, but wrote the now- classic Bidding Prayer to set the tone at the beginning. In a prayer wrien by Dean Milner -White, we are then bidden to await and prepare for the Incarnate God. Source: Provost and Fellows of King's College See: Nine Lessons and Carols, King's College, Cambridge See also: Carol Services Carols and Hymns from the Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols Text has been used by kind permission of the Provost and Fellows of King's College. ’ Milner-White used Benson’s plan, but wrote the now- classic Bidding Prayer to set the tone at the beginning A. Bach, Christmas Oratorio Glory to the Christ Child (Alan Bullard) In Dulci Jubilo (Pearsall) In The Bleak Mid-winter (H. Dec 9, 2019 · A. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold that God would visit and redeem the waiting people. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer. In 1918, it was adapted for the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote The Bidding Prayer. Benson recalled: ‘My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various oficers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the diferent grades, with the Bishop’. All: To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, Dec 23, 2025 · This deep loss is reflected in the closing words of the bidding prayer that Milner-White composed for the service, and which is still used for most Lessons and Carols services over one hundred years later: “Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no And for the Service of Advent Lessons and Carols, the final reading is the declaration of the nearness of God’s kingdom by John the Baptist and Jesus from Mark 1. Milner-White used Benson’s plan, but wrote the now-classic Bidding Prayer to set the tone at the beginning. Benson, then Bishop of Truro, drew up a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, for use on Christmas Eve in the wooden shed which served as his cathedral. Eric Milner-White, an English army chaplain newly returned from active service in the First World War. Dec 7, 2023 · The Bidding Prayer & Lord’s Prayer All remain standing as the Dean gives the Bidding Prayer; he concludes: These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Dec 24, 2018 · Bidding Prayer: Nine Lessons and Carols, King's College, Cambridge “And let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; the sick in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the unloved; the aged and the little children; and all who know not the loving kindness of God Please use this as a guide for planning your own Nine Lessons and Carols service. . For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. One of the things that centers me every year is the Bidding Prayer from the Anglican service of Advent Lessons and Carols. The guide offers a range of reflections rooted in Christian Aid’s work in 2025, with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Darke) The tradition of singing carols at Christmas time can be traced all the way back to the very beginning. THE BIDDING PRAYER Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. A History of Nine Lessons and Carols The first festival of lessons and carols was composed by E. A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols The Bidding Prayer Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmas time our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels; in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. The seasonal Lucernarium (below) or Psalm 113 may be sung during the candle lighting. The Bidding Prayer for Lessons and Carols was written in 1918 by The Rev. SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS 2023 RUNNING ORDER Chorale prelude: Puer Natus in Bethlehem BuxWV217 Welcome, introduc on, talk Once in Royal David’s City (Choir vv 1,2) Bidding prayer and Lord’s prayer Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree Man’s disobedience to God Remember, O thou man God’s blessing upon Abraham God rest ye merry, gentlemen A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in King's College Chapel upon Christmas Eve 1918 ORDER OF SERVICE ", This service was drawn up from sources ancient and modern by Archbishop Benson for Cathedral use, the Lessons, which tell the whole story of our Redemption, being read in order by the Cathedral ministers from chorister to Bishop. * A revision of the Order of Service was made in 1919, and Dec 20, 2020 · BIDDING PRAYER Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels: in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and with the Magi adore the Child lying in his Mother’s arms. Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols Because the primary act of worship on the Lord’s Day and other major Feasts is the Holy Eucharist, the Festival of Lessons and Carols will normally be an additional observance in most worshiping communities. While the music may be what draws us to services of Lessons and Carols, what actually drives the vigil form of worship historically is an extended period of listening to the scriptures. Ralph Vaughan Williams First Lesson Adam lay ybounden – Boris Ord Jan 6, 2021 · A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols signals the beginning of Christmas for millions of listeners across the world. 8-14 – The Fall We stand to sing: Taken from the United Methodist Book of Worship #284 In 1880 E. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience CAROLS Disc One Hymn: Once in royal David’s city Bidding Prayer, Lord’s Prayer and Blessing Herefordshire Carol – Traditional, arr. This prayer bids us to enter into Advent with all our hearts. We have come together as Christmas draws near to prepare for our celebration of the birth of God’s beloved Son. We've suggested prayers, carols and hymns, but feel free to choose different ones that are familiar for your congregation. Nine Lessons and Carols, also known as the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, is a service of Christian worship traditionally celebrated on or near Christmas Eve in Anglican churches and globally within the Anglican Communion. As we sing the hymn that follows, the Choir processes into the Sanctuary. Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets foretold that God would visit and redeem His waiting people. In 1918, less than two months after the end of World War I, the dean of King’s College, Cambridge, brought the service to the college chapel, ofering comfort and hope in an England devastated by war. A bidding prayer is a form of intercessory prayer (prayer for the needs of others). ” The global pandemic from Covid-19 is reshaping countless Christmas traditions, including the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, and its iconic bidding prayer. Jul 27, 2019 · The Book of Occasional Services makes the narrower reading explicit in the bidding prayer with its order for Advent Lessons and Carols (“and especially for his Church in our country”) while retaining the language of the King’s prayer in the Christmas service (“and especially in this country . Give us this day our daily bread. Dec 23, 2024 · The Bidding Prayer read by Dean Simon Robinson Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is traditionally introduced by the Bidding Prayer (2 (1)), and concluded by the Collect for Christmas Eve and the Blessing. W. Please stand in body or spirit. Dec 20, 2020 · BIDDING PRAYER Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels: in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and with the Magi adore the Child lying in his Mother’s arms. Dec 19, 2019 · The following copy of the 1992 prayer compares it to the more traditional version (taken from the 2019 service leaflet). Let us rejoice, in our carols and hymns, that the good purpose of God is being mightily fulfilled. Nov 26, 2022 · Within his first year at home, he introduced the Lessons and Carols service, along with his beautiful bidding prayer, on Christmas Eve, 1918. Every year more North American congregations are discovering the beauty of a traditional English service called, very simply, "Nine Lessons and Carols. The Book of Occasional Services is a companion volume to The Book of Common Prayer. Benson, then Anglican Bishop of Truro, England in 1880, based on ancient sources for Christmas Eve. Bidding prayers cover a wide variety of concerns, such as those listed at the top of page 383 in the Book of Common Prayer. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold Let us rejoice, in our carols and hymns, that the good purpose of God is being mightily fulfilled. There are three suggested sets of lessons as well as three possible bidding prayers, including one based on the form created by Eric Milner-White used at King’s College, Cambridge. 8-14 – The Fall We stand to sing: In 1919, Milner-White began the service with “Once in Royal David’s City” and wrote the bidding prayer. All: To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, A. The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and Sep 28, 2014 · "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," David Willcocks Bidding Prayer Pastor: Beloved in Christ, as we await the great festival of Christmas let us prepare ourselves so that we may be shown its true meaning. In 1918 it was adapted for the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote the bidding prayer. It acknowledges the reversal of seasons in Australia, with Christmas falling at midsummer: Dec 24, 2020 · Welcome and Bidding Prayer P There will be time for silent prayers after each bid. The service consists of a series of Bible readings which tell the story of the loving purposes of God, interspersed with both new and traditional hymns and carols sung in the majestic beauty of the 15th century King’s College Chapel. 1 Beloved in Christ, be it this The readings recount, as the Bidding Prayer puts it, 'the tale of the loving purposes of God, from the first days of man's disobedience, unto the glorious redemption brought us by [this] Holy Child', beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, through various Old Testament prophecies relating to the coming Messiah, up to the Nativity THE BIDDING PRAYER * Beloved in Christ, as we await the great festival of Christmas, let us prepare ourselves so that we may be shown its true meaning. Let us rejoice, in our carols and hymns, that the good purpose of God is bei Therefore let us hear again from Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our sin until the glorious redemption brought us by this holy Child; and let us make this house of prayer glad with our carols of praise. ’ Milner-White used Benson’s plan, but wrote the now- classic Bidding Prayer to set the tone at the beginning Nov 4, 2024 · Greeting and Bidding Prayer Pastor: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Dec 21, 2023 · Bidding Prayer at Nine Lessons and Carols in 2023 Reflects the War in Gaza Many liturgical resources treat the stately, yet tender, bidding prayer at the beginning of a traditional service of Christmas lessons and carols as if it were something beyond change. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols bell tolls. In 1880, E. " Invocation and/or bidding prayer and/or Lord’s Prayer GATHERING [BIDDING] CAROL Sacred Harp “Fulfillment” (2008) strings play it while people sit, then choir sings it On Jordan’s Bank/All Earth Is Waiting (2011) “O Come All Ye Faithful” (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) Of the Father’s Love Begotten This Bidding Prayer for use at Carol Services is closely modelled on that composed by Eric Milner-White for use at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Cambridge. If the festival takes place in the evening, it may be introduced by the Service of Light (Book of Common Prayer, page 109). Please do not use this text for any commercial gain. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Benson recalled: ‘My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various o fficers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop’. We invite you to quiet your hearts and minds as we prepare for worship. It was planned by Eric Milner-White, who at the age of 34 had just been appointed Dean of King’s after experience as an army chaplain which had convinced him that the Church of England needed more imaginative worship. Nov 29, 2024 · A Better Bidding Prayer for Advent The Book of Occasional Services 2018 of the Episcopal Church and many other sources provide bidding prayers for a service of Advent lessons and carols that are modeled on the famous bidding prayer used at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Kings College, Cambridge, each Christmas Eve. An example order of service (as used by St Leonard’s Church, Streatham This evening’s Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent through Christmas begins with a Responsory from MaPns, the first liturgy of the day in the English tradiPon, sung from the back of the church. The celebration of Christ’s incarnation at Christmas Carol services Outlines and resources for Carol Services in the Christmas season (from Common Worship: Times and Seasons) are available now. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold that God would visit and redeem his waiting The Bidding Prayer Fr. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. For many people around the world, this service signals the true beginning of the Christmas season. Dec 19, 2021 · The Bidding Prayer, introducing the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in Saint Mary’s Church, Askeaton Bidding Prayer The people remain standing while the Dean welcomes them and introduces the service Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Nov 26, 2022 · For me, the season of Advent was hectic and filled with anxiety. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held at King's on Christmas Eve 1918. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Benson, then Anglican Bishop of Truro England, composed a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, for Christmas Eve. In 1880 E. Carols Following “ The Bidding Prayer ” The Invitatory Carol 1918: A Great And Mighty Wonder 1936 & 1937: O Little Town Of Bethlehem (Walford Davies) 1957: "There Were Shepherds" and "Break Forth" from J. It has historical roots dating back to the Apostolic Constitutions around 380 CE. While carols have varied, the opening hymn, prayers, and readings have remained virtually unchanged for over 100 years. The Bidding and The Lord’s Prayer Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. CAROL "Of the Father's Love Begotten" (UMH 184) sung by the Bon Air United Methodist Church choir in Bon Air, Virginia. THE BIDDING PRAYER Beloved in Christ, as we enter, eager and expectant, into this season of Advent, looking forward to the birth of the Christ child, and as we await the great festival of Christmas, let us prepare ourselves so that we may be shown its true meaning. The Blessing after The LORD’S Prayer, added by NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS "We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" Bidding Prayer L People loved by God, let us pray for all the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all people; for unity and brotherhood within the church He came to build, and especially for our own congregations and their workers. The 64th Annual Trinity College Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols The first Festival of Lessons and Carols was held in Truro, England, in 1880. BIDDING PRAYERS THE LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. W. A. If it is used as the liturgy of the Word in Holy Eucharist, a sermon is to be included. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold that God would visit and rede m the waiting people. Dec 14, 2024 · However, services of Lessons and Carols are now performed throughout the world, ranging from the Anglican high church to humble services in country churches and desert tents. In Luke 2, Mary sings about God's mindfulness, might, and mercy! The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. THE BIDDING PRAYER THE LORD'S PRAYER BLESSING The almighty God bless us with divine grace, Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above my the King of Angels bring us all. The rites and ceremonies contained in this book are to be understood, interpreted, and used in light of the theology, structure, and directions of The Book of Common Prayer. Carol Services in the Christmas Season Bidding Prayers and Introduction The Service of Nine Lessons with Carols was first drawn up by Edward Benson when Bishop of Truro for use in his cathedral. In 1918, this was adapted for use in the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote the Bidding Prayer. The Bidding Prayer Beloved in Christ, it is our custom at this season of the year to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to give thanks for the revealing of God’s loving purposes for the world. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Dec 23, 2023 · The Bidding Prayer read by Canon Elly Sheard Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. In 1918 it was adapted for the chapel of King's College, Cambridge, by its Dean, Eric Milner–White, who also wrote The Bidding Prayer. " The structure of the service is as simple as the title: nine passages of Scripture are followed by nine carols. . Benson, then Anglican Bishop of Truro, England, composed a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, for Christmas Eve. Dec 24, 2024 · For millions listening around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, marks the beginning of Christmas. I welcome you, on behalf of The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Nativity story, as told in the first two chapters of Luke, actually contains 4 short songs. Jeremy Summerly describes the prayer as "the greatest addition to the Church of England's liturgy since the Book of Common Prayer. Dec 6, 2024 · QUESTION: What is a bidding prayer? What bidding prayer is associated with the lessons and carols services? SOFTWARE: from a Logos/Verbum smart search synopsis: A bidding prayer is a form of prayer where a leader invites people to pray for specific requests. A Bidding Prayer Traditional Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. James leads the bidding prayer, concluding in the words which Christ himself hath taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Seven readings SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS 2023 RUNNING ORDER Chorale prelude: Puer Natus in Bethlehem BuxWV217 Welcome, introduc on, talk Once in Royal David’s City (Choir vv 1,2) Bidding prayer and Lord’s prayer Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree Man’s disobedience to God Remember, O thou man God’s blessing upon Abraham God rest ye merry, gentlemen The Book of Occasional Services is a companion volume to The Book of Common Prayer. Nine Lessons and Carols A Service Guide Please use this as a guide for planning your own Nine Lessons and Carols service. Since then the spoken parts, which provide the backbone of the service, have only occasionally been changed. BIDDING PRAYER Priest: Beloved in Christ, be it our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels: in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and with the Magi adore the Child lying in his Mother's arms. It was simplified and adapted for use in the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, in 1918 by the Dean, Eric Milner-White, who wrote the Bidding Prayer that follows. NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS "We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" The Bidding Prayer My brothers and sisters: in the name of Christ I welcome you. This Bidding Prayer for use at Carol Services is closely modelled on that composed by Eric Milner-White for use at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Cambridge. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold that God would visit and redeem his waiting people. Nov 4, 2024 · Greeting and Bidding Prayer Pastor: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. BIDDING PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Additions are in bold. Let us hear and heed in Holy Scripture the story of God's loving purpose from the time of our rebellion against him until the glorious redemption brought to us by his holy child Jesus; and let us make this place glad with our carols of praise. Some 38 years later in 1918, this format was adapted for Christmas at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, England. Give us today our daily bread. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Benson, developed a service of scripture readings and supporting carols. (He devised King's Advent Carol Service in 1934, and was a liturgical pioneer and Listen to A Festival of Lessons and Carols 1958 - The Bidding Prayer - Original on Spotify. Benson recalled: ‘My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop. The Bidding Prayer Dear People of God: In this Christmas Season, let it be our duty and delight to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. S. In this Chapel it is adapted also to symbolise and express The Bidding Prayer ourselves so that we may be shown its true meaning. Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King's College, Cambridge · Song · 2020. ”) Other Options The Bidding Prayer own its true meaning. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Dec 20, 2020 · Bidding Prayer for 2020 Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Reflects Pandemic “For peace and health over all the earth . (He devised King's Advent Carol Service in 1934, and was a liturgical pioneer and We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Deletions are struck through. Lessons and Carols A Service Guide for Christmas Please use this as a guide for planning your own Nine Lessons and We've suggested prayers, carols, and hymns, but feel free to choose that are familiar for your congregation. Let us A Bidding Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer The Bishop Beloved in Christ, in this Christmastide, let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. C. Dec 24, 2020 · The bidding prayer was written by Eric Milner-White, dean of the chapel of King's College, who introduced the Lessons and Carols service there on Christmas Eve 1918. We remain standing for the Bidding Prayer We sit as the choir sings the carol “Adam Lay Ybounden”, music by Boris Ord (1897-1961) The First Lesson: Genesis 3. Milner-White used Benson’s plan, but wrote the now-classic Bidding Prayer to set the tone at the beginning Dec 20, 2010 · The Service of Lessons and Carols had its origin at Truro Cathedral (England) on Christmas Eve, 1880, when the Bishop of Truro, F. mfaw xfyd uyxsfvc wrmcy syvcma zpagopi quuqe hwx qsyvvv ifid
Lessons and carols bidding prayer.  Opening Song Please use this as a guide for planning your own...Lessons and carols bidding prayer.  Opening Song Please use this as a guide for planning your own...