I, too, love memorizing scripture and don't do it enough. Quite awhile ago I attended a course taught by Ray VanderLaan and we were given fairly large portions of scripture to memorize each week. After a few weeks, many in the class (including me) were trying to keep up and became overwhelmed. I remember thinking, if I memorize this new passage, I'm going to forget the one I learned last week! But RVL said, don't quit - and don't worry so much about that - if you've memorized it, it's 'there' and it will come back when you need it. I guess that's part of the mystery of trusting that God will hide his word in our hearts when we make our own (feeble) efforts to memorize. This also speaks to why it's so important to memorize with children.
I resonate, too, with the thoughts about putting music to the scripture. My grandchildren and I did this - it was when they were younger and we used to do this often when we were together. It was a great exercise when we did it, and now they have a little collection of scripture songs they 'wrote' together.
This is a great discussion. Up front I'll say that my church is mostly of the 'get dressed up for church' mindset. There is freedom however, to come in jeans or casually dressed which I occasionally do. There is so much more to it than that, though, and I'm appreciating this discussion. If we get dressed up to hide our vulnerability or to make ourselves feel good, then it's wrong. For several years my family sat in the balcony of the church we attended, and let me say that if (when) you are going through a season of suffering or struggle, watching everyone come into church all dressed up, smiles on their faces, and looking 'perfect' makes you feel like maybe you don't belong here. And in reality, that's exactly the opposite of what we want to say as Christians - that none of us have earned the right to be there - we are all broken and in need of grace, forgiveness, and healing. So I agree with several already in this discussion, and would say that heart attitude is far more important than outward appearance.
I remember a situation that happened with a person we'd been inviting to church for a long time but she had never accepted our invitation (she did not go to any church). One warm Sunday morning we'd extended another invitation because my daughter was doing a liturgical dance to The Lord's Prayer - and this person showed up in hot pants and high heels, probably what she thought was the nicest thing in her closet for a warm day. It was surprising on several levels, but we were so delighted to see her there, that we did everything we could to make her feel welcome. It was so much more than outward appearances that day. It was all about caring for her, asking God to touch her heart and soul in places that we couldn't reach, and trusting that the Holy Spirit would speak to her what she needed that day.
I wonder what kind of new 'clothes' we'll wear when we worship eternally in heaven? (fun to think about).
Thanks for this, Kevin. It rings so true, and I appreciate your wisdom. So much healing is needed, and it's important for us as worship leaders to realize that every minute of the service can offer healing. On this same topic (if people want to read more) I'd recommend Howard Vanderwell's book, Caring Worship: Helping Worship Leaders Provide Pastoral Care through the Liturgy, released in 2017. Howard left us a legacy of caring for people and discusses in the book how we can care for each other in each element of the worship service.
Amen, Scott! When my kids were little we had a very special 'regular' grandmotherly woman in the nursery - and as mothers we knew that no matter if our children cried, fussed, were 'angels' (or not), they were loved by Jessie! You're right - what a ministry.
Love this, Staci! I remember getting together with cousins, uncles and aunts, grandpa and grandma, having a meal (potluck) , and then singing together - every Christmas carol we could think of and anything else that was requested. My uncle played the piano by ear, and he could play everything we threw at him - hymns included. My large (extended) family had a family favorite that was sung at every occasion called "Every Day With Jesus" - and we'd often end with that (or the Doxology). Everyone stayed around the table and sang - young and old - melody and harmony - it was a sweet and special time. (seriously - it would go on for a long time - 45 minutes to an hour). I don't remember a single Christmas present I received from that party, but I remember the holy moments of making music together!
I love this - thank you, Rebecca! I have wonderful memories of family worship with my grandchildren. In addition to the Bible story and singing (don't forget to sing together!), we always read a Psalm. Bob & Laura Keeley authored a very good Psalm devotional called "Psalms for Families: Devotions for All Ages". (https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/psalms-for-families-devotions-for-all-ages-introduction). I encourage grandparents also to take advantage of the precious time with their grandchildren and worship together in your home.
Life is precious. Thank you for sharing your story of Dylan, Mark, and for your honesty that there are no easy answers in this life. I'm thankful that as Christians we know that God holds all things in his hands - all the complications of health care - and even life and death are in his strong and loving hands.
Along with some of the things you've described, we also had a theme song for Advent that was sung each week during Advent in different places in the worship service. The church could choose a theme song for each season - perhaps that goes with the scripture passage that is memorized, or a theme for the season. As we participated in the season of waiting (advent), we used the refrain, "Take O Take Me As I Am" (#741 in Lift Up Your Hearts), and also did motions. The children enjoyed learning the motions with the adults in worship. Since the church was also going through a renewal process, we also added a 2nd 'verse' and sang, "Take O take us as we are..."
Sharing a meal, in our homes or churches, can be another one of those 'ordinary means of grace' that seem small but can have real meaningful effects. There's something about sitting around a table together that is nurturing not only in physical ways but spiritually as well.
Kudos for wanting to learn more about worship with your team. I'm not familiar with that book, but a few I can think of are: The Worship Architect, by Constance Cherry - I've just studied this book recently for a class and found it very helpful in thinking about planning worship. We've (Worship Ministries) been hosting Peer Learning Groups for worship leaders (planners, worship committees, etc.) the last few years. The books that groups are currently using are: The Next Worship, by Sandra Van Opstal - a great book to help you think about multicultural worship in your context. Also, The Accessible Gospel - a book that looks at making the worship accessible to all people, including those with abilities and disabilities. Last year worship groups studied the book, Stilling the Storm, by Kathy Smith - this book is great for a church that is going through transition and/or difficult times.
If you'd like more information on the peer learning groups that we are supporting, email me at [email protected].
Posted in: Some Dos and Don'ts from My Recent Attempt to Memorize Psalm 1
I, too, love memorizing scripture and don't do it enough. Quite awhile ago I attended a course taught by Ray VanderLaan and we were given fairly large portions of scripture to memorize each week. After a few weeks, many in the class (including me) were trying to keep up and became overwhelmed. I remember thinking, if I memorize this new passage, I'm going to forget the one I learned last week! But RVL said, don't quit - and don't worry so much about that - if you've memorized it, it's 'there' and it will come back when you need it. I guess that's part of the mystery of trusting that God will hide his word in our hearts when we make our own (feeble) efforts to memorize. This also speaks to why it's so important to memorize with children.
I resonate, too, with the thoughts about putting music to the scripture. My grandchildren and I did this - it was when they were younger and we used to do this often when we were together. It was a great exercise when we did it, and now they have a little collection of scripture songs they 'wrote' together.
Posted in: What Is the Unofficial Dress Code at Your Church? Does it Matter?
This is a great discussion. Up front I'll say that my church is mostly of the 'get dressed up for church' mindset. There is freedom however, to come in jeans or casually dressed which I occasionally do. There is so much more to it than that, though, and I'm appreciating this discussion. If we get dressed up to hide our vulnerability or to make ourselves feel good, then it's wrong. For several years my family sat in the balcony of the church we attended, and let me say that if (when) you are going through a season of suffering or struggle, watching everyone come into church all dressed up, smiles on their faces, and looking 'perfect' makes you feel like maybe you don't belong here. And in reality, that's exactly the opposite of what we want to say as Christians - that none of us have earned the right to be there - we are all broken and in need of grace, forgiveness, and healing. So I agree with several already in this discussion, and would say that heart attitude is far more important than outward appearance.
I remember a situation that happened with a person we'd been inviting to church for a long time but she had never accepted our invitation (she did not go to any church). One warm Sunday morning we'd extended another invitation because my daughter was doing a liturgical dance to The Lord's Prayer - and this person showed up in hot pants and high heels, probably what she thought was the nicest thing in her closet for a warm day. It was surprising on several levels, but we were so delighted to see her there, that we did everything we could to make her feel welcome. It was so much more than outward appearances that day. It was all about caring for her, asking God to touch her heart and soul in places that we couldn't reach, and trusting that the Holy Spirit would speak to her what she needed that day.
I wonder what kind of new 'clothes' we'll wear when we worship eternally in heaven? (fun to think about).
Posted in: Healing Worship
Thanks for this, Kevin. It rings so true, and I appreciate your wisdom. So much healing is needed, and it's important for us as worship leaders to realize that every minute of the service can offer healing. On this same topic (if people want to read more) I'd recommend Howard Vanderwell's book, Caring Worship: Helping Worship Leaders Provide Pastoral Care through the Liturgy, released in 2017. Howard left us a legacy of caring for people and discusses in the book how we can care for each other in each element of the worship service.
Posted in: Immersed in God's Love (A Short Theology of Nursery)
Amen, Scott! When my kids were little we had a very special 'regular' grandmotherly woman in the nursery - and as mothers we knew that no matter if our children cried, fussed, were 'angels' (or not), they were loved by Jessie! You're right - what a ministry.
Posted in: His Enough is Enough
Thank you, Jolene. This is such an encouraging message for today and every day!
Posted in: A Birthday Cake for Jesus
Love this, Staci! I remember getting together with cousins, uncles and aunts, grandpa and grandma, having a meal (potluck) , and then singing together - every Christmas carol we could think of and anything else that was requested. My uncle played the piano by ear, and he could play everything we threw at him - hymns included. My large (extended) family had a family favorite that was sung at every occasion called "Every Day With Jesus" - and we'd often end with that (or the Doxology). Everyone stayed around the table and sang - young and old - melody and harmony - it was a sweet and special time. (seriously - it would go on for a long time - 45 minutes to an hour). I don't remember a single Christmas present I received from that party, but I remember the holy moments of making music together!
Posted in: Family Worship: Something to Get Excited About
I love this - thank you, Rebecca! I have wonderful memories of family worship with my grandchildren. In addition to the Bible story and singing (don't forget to sing together!), we always read a Psalm. Bob & Laura Keeley authored a very good Psalm devotional called "Psalms for Families: Devotions for All Ages". (https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/psalms-for-families-devotions-for-all-ages-introduction). I encourage grandparents also to take advantage of the precious time with their grandchildren and worship together in your home.
Posted in: The Trials of Charlie Gard
Life is precious. Thank you for sharing your story of Dylan, Mark, and for your honesty that there are no easy answers in this life. I'm thankful that as Christians we know that God holds all things in his hands - all the complications of health care - and even life and death are in his strong and loving hands.
Posted in: Organizing Your Faith Formation Tools
Along with some of the things you've described, we also had a theme song for Advent that was sung each week during Advent in different places in the worship service. The church could choose a theme song for each season - perhaps that goes with the scripture passage that is memorized, or a theme for the season. As we participated in the season of waiting (advent), we used the refrain, "Take O Take Me As I Am" (#741 in Lift Up Your Hearts), and also did motions. The children enjoyed learning the motions with the adults in worship. Since the church was also going through a renewal process, we also added a 2nd 'verse' and sang, "Take O take us as we are..."
Posted in: My New Year's Resolution: To Be An "Ordinary Christian"
Sharing a meal, in our homes or churches, can be another one of those 'ordinary means of grace' that seem small but can have real meaningful effects. There's something about sitting around a table together that is nurturing not only in physical ways but spiritually as well.
Posted in: Worship Committee Book Study Ideas?
Hi Andrew,
Kudos for wanting to learn more about worship with your team. I'm not familiar with that book, but a few I can think of are: The Worship Architect, by Constance Cherry - I've just studied this book recently for a class and found it very helpful in thinking about planning worship. We've (Worship Ministries) been hosting Peer Learning Groups for worship leaders (planners, worship committees, etc.) the last few years. The books that groups are currently using are: The Next Worship, by Sandra Van Opstal - a great book to help you think about multicultural worship in your context. Also, The Accessible Gospel - a book that looks at making the worship accessible to all people, including those with abilities and disabilities. Last year worship groups studied the book, Stilling the Storm, by Kathy Smith - this book is great for a church that is going through transition and/or difficult times.
If you'd like more information on the peer learning groups that we are supporting, email me at [email protected].
Posted in: I Choose Hope!
Thank you, Jolene, for this prophetic word on hope.