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Many Christians understand the liturgical calendar as a way to follow the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pentecost season reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s work. But Leopoldo Sánchez suggests a theological twist for Advent and Christmas to remind us of the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of Jesus—and in our own lives.
Advent and Christmas present unexpected opportunities to remind us how the Holy Spirit empowers us to participate with and be more like Jesus Christ. The lectionary, visuals, cultural traditions, “Come, Holy Spirit” prayers, and songs can invite us into the trinitarian drama. Spoiler alert: these Spirit Christology approaches apply to every liturgical season.
Sun Valley City Church in California recently delved into the topic of worship from a systematic, spiritual, and mental point of departure as part of a project titled “A Ministerial Guide for Churches and Pastors.” In addition to worship, topics such as preaching and leadership were also touched upon through a series of conferences. These lessons were initially created for the benefit of the congregation but were shared also with pastors and leaders from other churches.
“Bilingual Resources for Bilingual People” is an ambitious and collaborative project that sought to identify, engage, and challenge poets, songwriters, and emerging prophets. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, participants were called to contribute to the enrichment of worship services at La Fuente Ministries (Pasadena, CA).
“Recursos Bilingües para un Pueblo Bilingüe” es un proyecto grupal y colectivo que buscó identificar y desafiar a poetas, compositores, y a profetas emergentes, para que, bajo la inspiración del Espíritu de Dios, contribuyeran con el enriquecimiento del culto o servicio de adoración.
You are probably used to artificial intelligence (AI) suggesting ways to complete sentences in your emails and texts. Now that AI has the capacity to write sermons and mimic emotional care, how should AI be used in churches?
Many Christians are wary about rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI). Some think AI has nothing to do with faith or the Bible. Others worry that AI will take over the world. Computer science scholar Derek Schuurman discusses how to connect bytes and beliefs.
Churches sometimes see themselves as inclusive simply because they have attendees from group homes. But true inclusion means getting to know people as individuals with gifts to offer in God’s family.
Psalms for Families is a devotional e-book for the entire family designed to help parents explore the riches of the book of Psalms with their children and teens. These devotionals will help parents learn more about the psalms as they teach about praise, prayer, and lament.
People who’ve served and attended churches faithfully often feel isolated when their cognition declines—and so do their caregivers. Your congregation can take simple steps to become more dementia friendly.
Chaplains have been using the Evening Star worship manual in memory care facilities for almost twenty years. The second edition incorporates new research on dementia to create a worship model that is even better at engaging people who live with dementia.
Theological conversations about faith, work, and worship take on new meaning when they start with the needs, questions, and experiences of workers.
