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.
Church Military Support that Any Congregation Can Do
Even if you agree that churches should reach out to armed forces members and their families, you might think your church isn't up to the job. But don't discount what your congregation can do in military ministry.
Becoming a Veteran-friendly Church: Pacifists can do this too
How can churches follow the Prince of Peace and yet minister to warriors? Military chaplains and veterans say that this dilemma keeps many congregations from including war concerns in worship or ministering to soldiers and families. A feature story exploring how churches can become veteran-friendly.
Worship Words Too Important to Neglect
In Worship Words, Debra and Ron Rienstra show why and how to give more attention to your church's worship language.
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.
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.
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?"
Kids Creating Art for Worship
Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” Christ Community Church takes this quote by cultural critic Neil Postman seriously.
All Stars
Involvement in the arts is an important way for kids of all ages to find their place in congregational life.
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?
Making Sense Out of Reading Theology
This article encourages methodical and reflective methods of reading theological texts in order to receive greater enrichment and nourishment from them.
Community Worship at Mustard Seed School
How can your Christian school design chapel services that connect with real life? Mustard Seed School in Hoboken, New Jersey, has formed a model called community worship. A feature story exploring worship in one small school in New Jersey.