Two Pastors on Christian Worship in Politically Divided Times
Many preachers and congregations claim that politics have no place in their worship. But pastors Meg Jenista Kuykendall and Katie Ritsema-Roelofs say that addressing public issues in worship is essential for congregations to become to Christlike communities.
June 9, 2021
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7 min read
Top Songs for Pentecost
Six pastors and church musicians list their top songs for Pentecost. You can find most of these songs on Hymnary.org or YouTube.
May 20, 2021
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6 min read
Dileep Athaide on the Coronavirus and Port Chaplaincy
Pope Francis has said, "Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve." Though seafarers aboard ships are essential workers, few people think of them. But port chaplains do. Your church can include seafarers and port chaplains in congregational prayers.
May 12, 2021
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8 min read
Christine McAteer on the Coronavirus and Bus Chaplaincy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, bus drivers and other public transport workers have been praised as essential workers. Yet they remain largely invisible to those with the option to travel by private automobile. Your church can include bus drivers and other essential workers in congregational prayers.
May 12, 2021
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5 min read
Chaplaincy Changes during COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has raised the profile of chaplains and profoundly affected how they do their work. Learn how you and your congregation can pray for chaplains and those they serve.
May 12, 2021
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12 min read
Richard Bodini on the Pandemic and Senior Faith Formation
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced care facility chaplains to adapt. Your church can apply some of these best practices—and remember to include senior care residents and staff in congregational prayers.
May 12, 2021
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8 min read
James Abbington on Planning Henry “Hank” Aaron’s Funeral Music
Although news coverage of public figures’ funerals often focuses most on speakers and eulogists, music is crucial. James Abbington thought pastorally while planning music for baseball star Henry Aaron’s homegoing.
May 11, 2021
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7 min read
Lucie Eddie Campbell: A Mother of Gospel Music
James Abbington was inspired to insert an old gospel song before the eulogy at the funeral for baseball star Henry “Hank” Aaron. The reaction prompted him to honor the heritage of Lucie E. Campbell, an influential Black gospel musician whom many people have forgotten.
May 11, 2021
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10 min read
Kate Williams on the Coronavirus and Sacred Music
When COVID-19 forced churches and schools to go virtual, GIA Publications helped church music ministers and music educators adjust. Some digital adaptations are here to stay because they help connect music ministers, worshipers, and music educators.
May 11, 2021
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8 min read
Paul Turner on Presiding Artfully at Mass
In his new book, Ars Celebrandi, Paul Turner writes that “a well-prepared and celebrated liturgy is the church’s best response to crisis.” He offers fresh principles for how a priest’s presiding style can help the faithful participate more actively in the Mass.
March 18, 2021
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3 min read
Faith Communities and Safe Dwelling Places
Philosopher and author Lee Hardy noticed derelict buildings near his church for decades before realizing that faith-based communities have valuable resources to address the affordable housing crisis.
March 1, 2021
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7 min read
Lee Hardy on Housing, Justice, and Worship
Completing a grant project on faith communities and affordable housing convinced Lee Hardy that justice and worship are internally linked. That’s why he says worship services should include housing justice, and Christians and congregations should advocate to change unjust systems.
March 1, 2021
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6 min read
