Worship, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation
Forgiveness and reconciliation lie at the heart of the gospel of Jesus. For Jesus, who is our peace, puts to death hostility and enmity. Still, profound hostility is still the defining feature of life for billions of people—the hostility of gunfire and persecution, the hostility of racism and fear, the hostility of family dysfunction and church disunity.
Going Deeper as Members of One Body
Meeting the 'invisible' people who help put food on their tables helped Westminster Presbyterian middle schoolers see how Scripture, life, and worship connect.
Worshiping the Trinity in Exile: The Prophetic Church with a Post-Era Mission
In a post-postmodern, high-tech, super-hyped, and anti-institutional world, how should we be Church and how should we be the Church at worship and in mission? How will our means match the ends so that worship is faithful to the Jesus of the cross?
Matthew's Sermon on the Mount
This study of Matthew 5-7 investigated the main teachings of the whole sermon and their relation to us, the Church, and the world.
The Church for the Sake of the World: Urban Challenges Today
This workshop focused on discerning and acting on the call to integrate worship with ministry in order to be with those who are least and last through the example of LaSalle Street Church in downtown Chicago with a 40 year history in social engagement.
How to Connect Church-Based Community Ministry Programs to Corporate Worship
Starting with his own very diverse church and community connections, Tony Campbell explored the many different ministry opportunities Christians have to deepen relationships between church and community, and offer a variety of ways to celebrate those relationships in worship.?
Worship and Civility
In what ways can the church's worshiping life equip people for the patterns of civility-public politeness-that make for good citizenship? Should we even care about the question?
Music and Worship Help Heal Northern Ireland
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland is using music and worship to overcome the legacy of "the Trouble" in Northern Ireland. You can apply their insights to political and other differences that divide Christians in your context. A feature story exploring the role of music and worship in healing.
Justice and Suffering in Worship Centered on God
Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, explains why confessing that Jesus is Lord applies to the economy and earth. As the Accra Confession affirms, God calls for just relationships with all creation--so our worship should reflect that faith stance. A feature story exploring Justice and Suffering in Worship centered on God.
Prayer in the Life of a Third Millennium Monastery: What We're Learning
This session featured stories, prayers, and insights from the first year of the Stockbridge Boiler Room, a simple Christian community that practices a daily rhythm of prayer, study, and celebration while caring actively for the poor and the lost.
Worship that Renews the Me and Transforms the Us
Drawing from their diverse ministry experience, Jim and Rose Dekker --in Latin American ecumenical and spiritual direction-- and Jonathan Bradford --in a U.S. urban context-- explored the biblical concepts of knowing Christ the servant and serving Christ the Sovereign Lord. All of life must really be worship.
Worship, Suffering, and Justice
This workshop explored the phenomenon of vibrant worship in communities in which there is much suffering, and engages participants in discussions around meaningful worship in such settings. It also explored how social justice can be part of worship while keeping the focus on God.