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  • Resources
  • Grants

    Apply for Grants

    Apply for the Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants Program to support and enhance Christian worship practices. We encourage proposals on universal design, cultural engagement, preaching, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and more. Two grant streams are available.

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    All Grants Awarded

    Explore all grants awarded since the program launched in 2000, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.

    Info for Current Recipients

    Explore detailed guidelines and support resources to help you manage your grant effectively.

    Teacher-Scholar Grants

    Apply for the Teacher Scholar Grant to support innovative research and teaching in Christian worship. Proposals from educators and scholars are welcome.

    Worshiping Communities Grants

    Apply for the Worshiping Communities Grant to support and enhance worship practices within your community. Proposals for diverse and innovative worship initiatives are welcome.

    Teacher-Scholar Grants

    Apply for the Teacher Scholar Grant to support innovative research and teaching in Christian worship. Proposals from educators and scholars are welcome.

    Worshiping Communities Grants

    Apply for the Worshiping Communities Grant to support and enhance worship practices within your community. Proposals for diverse and innovative worship initiatives are welcome.

  • Events

    Events

    Join us for our Symposium on Worship and Summer Seminars. Engage in inspiring sessions, workshops, and intensive seminars to deepen your understanding and practice of Christian worship.

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    Calendar of Events

    Consider joining an upcoming event we sponsor or support. An archive is also available for reference.

    Dwelling in the Psalms

    You are invited to join the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship in a year of dwelling in the Psalms—the prayerbook and songbook of the Bible.

    Upcoming Event

    VWVP Webinar
    Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Informational Webinar | October 2025
    Are you interested in applying for a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching grant? Join us for this free webinar catered toward new or prospective applicants to learn more about the program and participate in a live Q&A. 
    October 1, 2025, 7:00 PM
    View Event
  • About

    About

    The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary advances Christian worship through resources, events, and grants. Since 1997, we have partnered with congregations and organizations to fulfill our mission.

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    Mission

    We promote the study and renewal of Christian worship through partnerships at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary.

    What We Do

    We partner with congregations and organizations, focusing on resources, events, and grants.

    Diversity and Inclusion

    We promote worship practices that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion in all communities.

    Partners

    Discover our generous funding partners who make our programs possible through their support and grants.

    Staff Directory

    Find contact information and profiles for CICW staff across all programs.

    Learn at Calvin

    Learn about MLC

    A program for first- and second-year Calvin University students exploring how their interests intersect with the church.

    MLC Leadership Staff

    Meet the Ministry Leadership Cohort staff.

    MLC Peer Leaders

    Meet the Ministry Leadership Cohort peer leaders.

    Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary offer many options for learners and students of all ages and contexts.

    Contact Us

    Get in touch with us for inquiries, support, or more information about our programs and services.

    Staff Directory

    Find contact information and profiles for CICW staff across all programs.

    Learn at Calvin

    Learn about MLC

    A program for first- and second-year Calvin University students exploring how their interests intersect with the church.

    MLC Leadership Staff

    Meet the Ministry Leadership Cohort staff.

    MLC Peer Leaders

    Meet the Ministry Leadership Cohort peer leaders.

    Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary offer many options for learners and students of all ages and contexts.

    Contact Us

    Get in touch with us for inquiries, support, or more information about our programs and services.


  • Resources

  • Grants
    • All Grants Awarded
    • Info for Current Recipients
    • Teacher-Scholar Grants
    • Worshiping Communities Grants

  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • Dwelling in the Psalms

  • About
    • Mission
    • What We Do
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Partners
    • Staff Directory
    • Learn at Calvin
      • Learn about MLC
      • MLC Leadership Staff
      • MLC Peer Leaders
    • Contact Us

  • 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA

    On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary

    © 2025 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship


Search Results

Article Christian Year Planning Worship Preaching

Advent and Christmas Resource Guide

This is a guide to Advent and Christmas worship planning resources from our website and our ministry partners' websites.
Article Christian Year Psalms/Scripture

The Song of Mary - Luke 1 (Christmas Eve/Christmas)

A Christmas service plan on the Song of Mary, proclaimed during the months of her pregnancy and filled with an awareness that God is in the process of doing his mighty redeeming work. Part of an Advent series focused on the tension between the message that "Christ has come" and "not all is yet accomplished."
Article Christian Year Cultural Diversity Drama

Four Types of Advent and Christmas Eve Services: Which Have You Tried?

Experimenting with a different Advent or Christmas Eve worship format may help worshipers connect with the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. Blue Christmas, Christmas pageants, Las Posadas, or lessons and carols make room for emotions, movement, culture, and people’s gifts.
Simeon by Rembrandt
Article Christian Year

The Song of Simeon - Luke 2 (Sunday after Christmas)

A service plan for the week after Christmas planned around the Song of Simeon. Simeon's story speaks of fidelity, expectation, and hope, but it also warns about the danger of ignoring the Messiah. Part of an Advent series focused on the tension between the message that "Christ has come" and "not all is yet accomplished."
Art by Jan Richardson
Article Christian Year Faith Formation Planning Worship

The Song of a Brother and a Sister - Exodus 15

A service plan remembering Moses, Miriam and the people of Israel and giving praise and thanks to God for his miraculous delivery through the Red Sea. The spirit is thankful celebration for God's actions on our behalf. Part of an Advent series focused on the tension between the message that "Christ has come" and "not all is yet accomplished."
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Article Planning Worship Christian Year Devotion/Homily

Worship Service: When God Breaks In: We See Glory - Luke 2, John 1 (Christmas Eve, Day)

A service plan for Christmas focused not merely on Mary and Joseph, or even on the miracle of Christ's birth, but on the glory of God that is revealed. Part of an Advent series of anticipation focused on what happens when God breaks in to our lives.
candles
Article Christian Year Planning Worship

The Two Songs of the Big Night - Luke 2 (A Candlelight Service)

A Candlelight service plan recalling the appearance of the angels, their song to the shepherds and the shepherds' response as they went to Bethlehem, part of an Advent series focused on the tension between the message that "Christ has come" and "not all is yet accomplished."
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Article Christian Year Theology

The Gift of Joy - Isaiah 12

A service plan in an Advent series for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day focused on our joy in Christ's coming and our call to proclaim this joy to the world.
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Article Theology Christian Year Psalms/Scripture

A God Second-to-None - Micah 7

A Christmas or Christmas Eve service focusing on the Christmas story through the eyes of Micah, presenting God's gift of grace and forgiveness through his son. This is the final service in an Advent series on Micah and the hope that he pronounced.
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Article Intergenerational Christian Year Christian Year

Ancient Christmas Sermons: Making the old, old story new again

People look forward to singing Christmas carols. Meanwhile, each Christmas preachers struggle to compose yet another sermon that will engage worshipers. A feature story presenting a new view of preaching at Christmas.
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About

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1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA

On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary

© 2025 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

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