A Final Blessing

One of the greatest benedictions in the scriptures comes at the end of the Epistle to the Hebrews. After a number of dense arguments around the superiority of the New Covenant, a call to hold fast to those promises, warnings for not doing so, and some practical out-workings of those truths, we receive the author’s... Continue Reading →

December 3, 2020 0

The Last Liturgy Standing

All the American rhythms of life we're used to are now drastically different or gone altogether for the time being. The sports cycle, the news cycle, the shopping cycle, not least the daily 9-5 cycle. All of these rhythms are habit forming, and thus soul-forming rituals (read about how habits shape identity here). Our calendars... Continue Reading →

March 26, 2020 1

Spring 2018 Worship Collective: Role of the Spirit

0:00-26:36 Biblical references for the Spirit's work 26:36-34:10 Characteristics of Spirit-Led worship 34:10-49:31 Reflection on our ministry 49:31-1:09:00 Discussion questions followed by funny video. (sorry I screwed up the power point slide for this section!) Here is the link to the slides I used. This past week we discussed the role of the Holy Spirit in... Continue Reading →

April 16, 2018 0

Planning a Service

Here is a condensed outline of elements for planning a service I gleaned from Bob Kauflin's workshop on service planning. I try to keep these in mind no matter what the order or theme is for any given Sunday. I don't necessarily think each of these elements needs to have it's own specific place (like... Continue Reading →

May 22, 2017 0

A List of Benedictions

Why Benedictions? What exactly is a benediction? A benediction is a short, concise blessing from scripture that can be a challenge, an assurance, a promise, or principle to live by. It can also pronounce protection, comfort, abundance, or some other word of assurance. It represents a joyful call to unity, faith, patience in trial, and faithful practice for the church based on... Continue Reading →

May 18, 2017 0