Planning Worship

Too Deep for Words? Preaching in the Language of the Spirit

This session explored the possibility of discerning the presence of the Holy Spirit in preaching and then discussed some manifestations of the Spirit in sermons, particularly focusing on the expressions of lament and celebration.

January 1, 2009 | 56 min listen
Postmodernism, Worship, and Evangelism

While we often associate "postmodernism" with the explosion of communications technology or the outlandish claims of "deconstruction," this workshop suggested that postmodernism might also mean a return to symbols, icons, and ritual. With this in mind, this workshop explored the shape of worship as evangelism in postmodernity.

January 1, 2009 | 59 min listen

Symposium 2009 - Worship and the Word

Many churches need to use the Scriptures more in their worship. This seminar explored why and how the Bible should inform, infuse, and enrich our worship planning and leading. It also looked at practical ways to bring the Word in all its richness into our worship services.

January 1, 2009 | 56 min listen
CSR releases Kent County Congregations Study Report

The Kent County Congregational Study of 2007 is a comprehensive study of religious congregations and how they contribute to the quality of life in Kent County.

November 20, 2008 | 1 min read
Sunday Morning Worship: Who's not there and why not?

As churches work toward full, conscious and active participation in liturgy, some are noticing patterns of worship attendance. They're reaching out to those absent from Sunday morning worship. A feature story focused on Sunday worship attendance.

October 29, 2008 | 12 min read

Confirmation and Profession of Faith Practices Are Changing

Two concerns, young adults who drop out of church and adult churchgoers who stop growing in discipleship, are pushing denominations to rethink their approach to the sacraments.

September 2, 2008 | 4 min read
From Confirmation or Profession of Faith to Multiple Milestones of Faith

What is confirmation or profession of faith for? Does it certify knowledge, open the communion table, affirm acceptance of baptism, mark a milestone in a continuing faith journey? A feature story exploring the meaning behind profession of faith.

September 2, 2008 | 12 min read

From Lament to Praise

When we gather for worship on New Year’s Eve, we do so to praise God for the past year—to thank God for the wonderful gifts he has given us and to remember his wonderful deeds. But what if our year has not been good? What if, when we think back on the year, all we can remember is pain and heartache?

September 1, 2008 | 1 min read
Epiphany: Words of Hope

The idea for this service began in late November 2007. As a congregation we were not planning to hold a New Year’s Eve or a New Year’s Day service. So we asked the question, "How will we begin the new year on Epiphany Sunday?"

September 1, 2008 | 1 min read
Bringing Our Pain to God: Michael Card and Calvin Seerveld on biblical lament in worship

Lament is an essential ingredient of honest faith, but what does biblical lament look or sound like in real congregations? A feature story exploring how Christians can bring their pain to God in worship.

June 20, 2008 | 12 min read