Stanley & Monica Groothof

My trusty Worship Sourcebook says this about the opening elements of worship in general:

"The opening actions of a worship service should clearly establish worship’s purpose. They should make clear that in worship a congregation is called to listen to God and to respond in faith and prayer. This suggests three kinds of actions — a clear statement of God’s invitation to worship, an opportunity for the congregation to respond in praise, and some action that reinforces the public, communal nature of worship." (p. 45)

Then, about God's greeting in particular, it says:

"The words of greeting establish the lines of communication in worship. God always comes to us before we come to God. So it is fitting for worship to begin with scriptural words that convey God’s greeting to us (historically referred to in some traditions as the 'salutation')." (p. 56)

When I lead in the greeting, I sometimes remind the congregation that the words I use do not originate with me, but with God.  Not only do the people of the church welcome each other, but God Himself is delighted we have responded to His call to worship and let's us know that when we hear His greeting.  God's greeting reminds me and the congregation that God is present as we worship.

As for the history of the greeting, I suspect that goes wa-a-a-y back, but I'll have to leave that for someone else to answer.

Peace to you.

Stanley

Hi John,



I've compiled what we've come to call an Officerbearer Handbook for the deacons and elders of Telkwa CRC. It includes policies and documents such as...

   :: safe church policy

   :: profession of faith procedures

   :: facilities usage standards

   :: rental policy

   :: privacy policy

   :: society act



But that's just the tail end of the booklet. It begins with leadership roles/responsibilities, followed with the mandates of our various committees, and then various resources for elders (e.g. family visit helps, rules of order, sermon evaluation form, worship resources) and deacons (e.g. "Servant Leaders" brochure from Diaconal Ministries Canada).  I'll look up your email address in the Yearbook and email it to you.



Blessings to you!

Stanley

Hi Henk!  I hope you and Smithville CRC are well!



I seem to recall our lawyer suggesting not to include a statement about this in our Society Act, but I don't remember why.  However, he did suggest that noting this in our rental policy is a prudent thing to do.  He referred to a case where someone asked to use some church facility for a marriage; the church said 'yes' and only afterwards found out it was a same-sex couple.  When the church wanted to back out of the rental arrangement, the couple took the church to court.  If I recall our lawyer's take on the situation, the court case could have been prevented if the church's rental policy noted this in the first place.  (Please do not construe this as official legal advice!)



So, our rental policy now includes this paragraph in its notices section:

[quote]Church rentals are at the discretion of the church council.  The church limits the use of the church facilities to church-approved programs and purposes that are consistent with the church’s beliefs.  In the case of rentals for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, the church has a policy in which it is recognized that marriage is an institution ordained by God.  It is a covenant relationship established by mutual vows between a man and a woman united by God.  The church provides that all clergy under our employ and any retired pastors whose credentials we hold recognize marriage as an institution ordained by God, a covenant relationship between one man and one woman.[/quote]

We were advised to avoid the language of "lifelong covenant relationships;" if we tolerate divorce and remarriage, it could jeopardizethe entire statement.



If you're interested, our entire rental policy is here.



Peace,

Stan

Hi Josh,



I think you've been to my blog before: 4thpoint.wordpress.com. Here's the list of blogs that the weekly "For CRC Pastors" e-newsletter follows.



Peace,

Stan

Thank you, Ron, for tackling this question! Can you either describe or point to an example somewhere of a "narrative budget format?" Blessings, Stan

Thanks for this helpful, memorable overview. The link for the "decision-making process" near the beginning doesn't work for me though. Can someone point it to the right resource? Blessings!
~Stanley

Beautiful. Profound. Thank you.
~Stanley

I appreciated this panel conversation very much. I was convicted with the truth of how easy it is to spend more time meditating on the words of my news feeds rather than on the Word of God which leads to the malformation of my soul. The comments on the present polarization and judgment that characterizes so much conversation and division over COVID-19 were timely. Thank you for the practical hope offered at the end!

Thanks, Cecil. I appreciate your writing, always characterized by wisdom and grace. ~Stanley

Thank you, Tyler, for sharing this. Very encouraging to read of the almighty and ever present power of God at work in his world and in your life! ~Stanley

Thanks for these reminders... Good timing!
~Stanley

Trinity CRC Rock Valley (IA) held a blue Christmas service just this past Sunday evening. It involved a candle lighting and times of reflection. I provided a meditation on Mt 2:16-18 (Herod's murder of the boys in Bethlehem and the lament from Jer 31:15) and Pr 25:20 (about not singing songs to a heavy heart), talking about how there's a place for lament in this season. Contact me if you'd like the order of worship or other details. ~Stanley