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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 annual 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.

    Symposium on Worship

    Engage in inspiring worship and workshops to enhance your worship practice. Join thought leaders and practitioners for enriching discussions.

    Upcoming Event

    Cultural Values
    Cultural Values in Ministry—June 2025
    Developed in partnership with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the Calvin University School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, this online course equips worship planners and leaders of all types of ministries with practical tools for relating well to people from a variety of cultures. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is key to a healthy ministry. 
    June 2 - 13, 2025
    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.

    Funding 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
    • Symposium on Worship

  • About
    • Mission
    • What We Do
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Funding 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

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Article Psalms/Scripture Faith Formation

Beginning a Lenten Journey - Psalm 1

A service plan for Lent focused on Psalm 1, which reminds us that life is a journey with two possible paths; one path brings happiness, but the other path brings tragedy. This is part of a Lenten series on the Psalms.
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Article Music/Song Devotion/Homily Christian Year

Meditations on Lenten Hymns

These meditations on frequently used Lenten hymns will help you plan worship for Lent.
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Article Christian Year Christian Year Visual Arts

Using the Lenten Triad

A familiar feature of Advent and Christmas worship both at home and in church is the Advent wreath. Each Sunday of Advent another candle is lit, culminating in the lighting of the Christ Candle on Christmas Day.
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Article

Beginning a Lenten Journey - Psalm 1 - sermon notes

This sermon explores how Psalm 1 not only reminds us that life is a journey, but that there are two ways to travel this journey. The one brings happiness; the other brings tragedy.
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Article Psalms/Scripture Theology Christian Year

Covered Sins - Psalm 32

A service plan for Lent focused on Psalm 32, which expresses guilt, humble confession, and the peace of being forgiven in a Lenten series on the Psalms.
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Article Psalms/Scripture Theology

From Dust to Kingship - Psalm 2

The final service in a Lenten series for Easter Sunday focused on Psalm 2, a royal psalm, probably composed for the coronation of a king. In the background of this Psalm is the promise of God's future redemption of his people and the coronation of his exalted king.
Article Psalms/Scripture

I Called and God Heard - Psalm 34

A service plan for Lent focused on Psalm 34 and viewing Jesus as the suffering servant in a Lenten series on the Psalms.
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Article Christian Year Psalms/Scripture

When We Feel Forsaken - Psalm 22

A service plan for Good Friday which takes its spirit from Psalm 22 and the cry of forsakenness that was repeated by Christ on the cross. Part of a Lenten series on the Psalms.
Article Christian Year Psalms/Scripture Theology

The Wings of God - Psalm 91

A service plan for Lent from Psalm 91 focused on the protection we find in the loving care of God in a Lenten series on the Psalms
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Article Psalms/Scripture Faith Formation

Open the Gates - Psalm 118

A service plan for Lent from Psalm 118 focused on thanking God for his deliverance in a Lenten series on the Psalms.
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Resources

  • Resource Library
  • Audio & Video
  • Publications

Events

  • Calendar
  • Symposium on Worship

Grants

  • Teacher-Scholar Grants
  • Worshiping Communities
  • Current and Past Grants

About

  • Our Mission
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Funding and Partners
  • Staff Directory
  • 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

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