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Seeing Christ in the Face of the Other: Singing the Psalms for Reconciliation with Karen Campbell

In 2020, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland published the book Considering Grace, which narrates the stories of 120 people and their proximity to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Though clergy were applauded for often acting as first responders to the victims, wider questions regarding the denomination were raised. Could they have spoken up more and been a prophetic voice? In response, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland commissioned Karen Campbell to convene groups to produce a suite of songs, prayers, and liturgies from the psalms of lament to be used in congregational settings to voice lament, confess complicity, and raise deeper questions surrounding justice. This workshop will discuss the process involved and the questions raised and will include some of the songs, liturgies, and prayers that were produced.In 2020, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland published the book Considering Grace, which narrates the stories of 120 people and their proximity to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Though clergy were applauded for often acting as first responders to the victims, wider questions regarding the denomination were raised. Could they have spoken up more and been a prophetic voice? 

June 29, 2026 | 87 min video
How to Preach and Hear the Psalms

A workshop which shows participants how to preach genre-conscious sermons from the book of Psalms. Attention will be given to historical, literary, and theological issues with the aim of improving hermeneutical, generical, and homiletical practice. Participants, including hearers of sermons, will expand their knowledge of the psalms as a genre, develop genre-conscious forms and structures, and cultivate new strategies for homiletical practice.

June 23, 2026 | 82 min video
Ryan Turnbull on Anglican Poetics and Worship

Studying Anglican poetics helped Anglicans in Manitoba, Canada, enter more deeply into worship and liturgical life. It also helped them connect with non-Anglicans as they explored shared human experiences through metaphor, imagination, and writing poems.

June 23, 2026 | 7 min read

Local Psalm Festivals

As part of the Dwelling in the Psalms year, the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has provided resources to support Psalm festivals around Canada and the United States. These events are open to the public and many will be livestreamed. 

June 17, 2026 | 4 min read
Peter Levenstrong on Living Stories Sermons

Imagine if people came to worship asking not “What will the preacher say?” but “What will we discover together?” Living Stories Sermons is a collaborative preaching model that brings new life to worship and helps people feel as if they belong. It involves exegesis, wondering questions, and small-group reflection, and it trusts that the Holy Spirit can speak through everyone, not just the preacher. 

June 16, 2026 | 9 min read
Tiempo ordinario, mes de julio: En las crisis de la vida, la esperanza nos renueva

Los salmos de este mes, a la luz de la resurrección de Jesús y del triunfo de la vida sobre los poderes de la muerte, nos recuerdan realidades que no podemos soslayar. Los sufrimientos diarios pueden sobrellevarse a partir de la memoria de lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros, como pueblo y como individuos (Salmo 77). En las grandes crisis nacionales, el Señor está con su pueblo como refugio seguro (Salmo 48). Si es cierto que los jueces humanos se venden al mejor postor, y la justicia parece ausente de nuestros pueblos, tenemos la esperanza de que Dios juzgará a quienes juzgan en la tierra (Salmo 82). Y cuando desesperamos ante la soberbia y la prepotencia de quienes gobiernan el mundo, la palabra profética nos da una firme esperanza de que tales personas serán desarraigadas de la tierra (Salmo 52). Así, cultivamos la esperanza recordando que la vida tiene la última palabra. Jesús, el Mesías, ha vencido, y con él somos más que vencedores.

June 10, 2026 | 15 min read

Psalms for Every Tribe and Tongue

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 7:9, Terry and Darlene Wildman will lead this workshop exploring how the First Nations Version: Psalms speaks into—and flows out from—the hearts of Indigenous North American cultures today through storytelling, songs, and interactive activities. Participants will experience how these ancient prayers continue to inspire worship that celebrates cultural diversity and unity in Creator’s Sacred Family.

June 4, 2026 | 79 min video
Calvin University Appoints Dr. David Latimore as Executive Director of Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Experienced academic, church, and business leader will guide CICW into its next chapter by expanding its ongoing work and partnerships in the study and practice of worship.

June 1, 2026 | 2 min read
What Visual Artists See in the Psalms

The psalms present a world full of color, texture, and depth. Join us for this panel discussion in which participants explore the contribution of visual artists to our experience of the psalms. What do visual artists see when they approach the psalms? How can visual artists help form our theological imaginations? What role do the visual arts play in interpretation? This stimulating discussion aims to equip worshipers and leaders with resources for engaging the rich visual imagery of the psalms. 

May 28, 2026 | 90 min video

Local Songwriting as CSA: Support Your Local Psalm Grower!

Riffing on the themes of community-supported agriculture (CSA), Cardiphonia and Bellwether Arts have been partnering with homegrown liturgical artists to create local, organically produced fruits of the psalms through song, art, and prayer—community-supported artistry. Since 2015 they’ve been on a journey of seasonal engagement through which they have lovingly harvested almost two hundred songs, dozens of original artworks, and other liturgical produce. In this workshop you will hear from a variety of growers who sow and reap in West Michigan in various soils and sediments.

May 28, 2026 | 81 min video
Practicing Resilience with the Psalms

The psalms are a rich resource for our human experience of emotions, community, and connection to God. We will practice activities based on the truth of the psalms and on psychology to strengthen our capacity for navigating suffering with grace and resilience.

May 21, 2026 | 74 min video
Tiempo ordinario, mes de junio

Los salmos para este mes de primer tiempo ordinario, a la luz de la resurrección y de la victoria del Dios de la vida sobre los poderes de la muerte, ponen de relieve su cuidado y amor profundos e intensos sobre nuestro diario andar en el mundo. Estos se manifiestan en su inescrutable e íntimo conocimiento de nuestro ser y vida (Salmo 139); su reinado como creador del universo y su fidelidad y justicia a favor de las y los oprimidos nos llaman a imitarlo en su amor a los desposeídos (Salmo 146). Además, contamos con su bendición diaria y la intercesión de su pueblo que nos sostienen en el camino de la vida (Salmo 20). Y, al ser testigos de la barbarie y la aniquilación que se han impuesto en nuestro mundo, rogamos que el Señor intervenga de una vez por todas y detenga el derramamiento de sangre inocente que presenciamos hoy (Salmo 9). Así, experimentamos el poder de la resurrección del Señor y participamos de sus sufrimientos (Filipenses 3:10) al transitar los caminos de la vida.   

May 18, 2026 | 23 min read