Posts Categorized: Worship Resources

Just Brave Enough: Lifting Up the Voices of Women in Scripture

A year ago I arrived at Princeton Seminary for The Art of Transitional Ministry training. I had no idea why I was there. I had graduated from Union Presbyterian Seminary a few months earlier and had yet to receive a Call. Truthfully, I hadn’t begun to look—I hadn’t even created my PIF. I did not… Read more »

Stories Too Dangerous for the Movies

Worship tells a story that can cause discomfort In contemplating pastoral identity in a secular age, I found myself thinking about liturgy—the public ritual act of worship, one of the main parts of my role as a congregational pastor. What does liturgy mean in this frame—where so few people feel God’s presence in their lives?… Read more »

Today’s Worship Experience

Church is where God’s family gathers ‘Prairie lessons’ help mom provide worship experience for family By Karen Milholland Alley While the apocalyptic genre might seem relatable in some ways during these times we’re living in, the characters I have found myself relating to most during the pandemic are those found in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s account… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25

  Christmas Day Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people … — Luke 2:10 … according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. — Luke 1:55 As children, setting up the Nativity scene was… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24

  A broken circle But Moses’ hands grew weary. … Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. — Exodus 17:12 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy … — Luke 1:54… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23

  He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. — Luke 1:54–55 Night divine Father sky Appears in angel voices Glorious sound from afar. Shadows and stars appear On the night Christmas Eve Mother earth alights… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Saturday, December 22

  All you need is love … and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:53 My brother was a huge Beatles fan as a teenager. Inspired by the Fab Four, he would sign birthday cards with the words “All you need is love.” Sound advice from a child of God whom the world might… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Friday, December 21

  God eases the hungering Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. — James 4:8 He has filled the hungry with good things … — Luke 1:53 Empty calories. I am an expert on that subject and, like others who indulge in too many Christmas cookies, I will greet the new… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Thursday, December 20

  Who’s lighting the Advent wreath? We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. — Romans 12:5 … and lifted up the lowly. — Luke 1:52 Growing up, it always seemed that the same families were invited to light the church Advent wreath. And they were… Read more »

just-leros: more than nonsense / más que disparates

Inhabit our souls A Revised Common Lectionary resource for December 23 by Magdalena I. García And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…’ – Luke 1:46-47 Read the full lectionary passage here Mary faced adversity with a daring song. Come, Holy Spirit, inhabit our souls, and make… Read more »