Pastoral Care

How Do I Handle My Times of Doubt? - Mark 9

A service plan focused on Christians' struggle between certainty and doubt, viewing Christ as the foundation on which our faith rests, in a series addressing life's toughest questions for Christians.

June 1, 2005 | 7 min read

What A Friend We Have in Jesus - Service of Prayer for Healing - Isaiah 61, Matthew 11

This worship service plan of prayer for healing was prepared as a pastoral response to a series of deaths, illnesses, and other traumatic events suffered by a local congregation over a short period of time.

June 1, 2005 | 6 min read
Our Joy - Psalms 34, 51, Luke 15

A service plan focused on responses and emotions in worship. Our faith gives us reason for great joy, but we also experience much pain and sorrow in this world. Part of a series of sermons pairing together some of the seemingly irreconcilable paradoxes in the Christian faith.

June 1, 2005 | 12 min read
Worship Service: A Faith that Sighs and Sings - Habakkuk 3

A worship service plan flowing from the statement that Christian faith "can be found in the deepest despair and at the greatest joy." Habakkuk reminds us that true faith does not ignore life's problems, but meets them head on.

June 1, 2005 | 7 min read

Worship Responses to the Tsunami

A list of thoughts, suggestions and resources compiled in response to the tsunami tragedy of 2004--these are posted in the hope they will guide you in crafting some manner in which your group or congregation can appropriately respond to such events in worship.

June 1, 2005 | 7 min read
The Community with a Story of Faithfulness - Celebrating a Congregational Anniversary - Psalm 78

A sample church anniversary service based on Psalm 78. The service includes a rehearsal of the story, a recollection and reminder of God's guidance, expressions of thanks and praise, and a commitment to continue faithfully into the future.

June 1, 2005 | 14 min read
Poem written in response to a Hurricane

A poem written by Marc Nelesen in response to the disaster of Hurricane Katrina. After Hurricane Harvey, it was adapted and used in worship. It can be adapted to be used in response to other natural disasters.

June 1, 2005 | 2 min read

Like a Plowed Field - Micah 3

An Advent service plan focused on the way God lovingly chastens us that our barrenness may give way to fertility and productivity in a series on Micah and the hope that he pronounced.

June 1, 2005 | 8 min read