In my thirty-five years of preaching, I’ve notice a constant occurrence: Sunday comes every seven days. It’s relentless. The sermon, therefore, can’t be delayed to Monday or another day next week. Sunday comes whether I’ve had two funerals, a wedding, twelve hospital visits, a holiday, or a sick child.
A View from the Pew: 5 Ways to Prepare for the Season of Preparation
November 19, 2019 by
A household project this weekend prompted the inevitable trip to the hardware store where I was greeted with an overwhelming array of Christmas decorations and supplies. It’s still November.
Worship: Preparation
August 13, 2019 by
Did you ever memorize Hosea 6:6? “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” God wants to meet with us, to commune with us.
Crossroads: The Candle of Prophecy/Hope
November 30, 2015 by
Welcome to the first week of Advent! Advent is a time of preparation, when we wait and prepare for the Christ child. Each week you will light a new candle as we recognize the things that Christ brings to this world.
Dare to Prepare: A Daily Plan for Effective Sunday School Lessons
March 18, 2015 by
I’m a huge college basketball fan, and I have to admit that I succumb to March Madness in a big way each year. And for good reason…the team I follow is Duke.
Uniform 02.22.2015: Prepared Faith
February 15, 2015 by
As a parent of two infants and a preschooler, leaving the house is a tremendous undertaking. After establishing that all three children are rested, fed, and dressed, I have to make sure that our van is stocked with all the equipment we will need for a successful outing.
Crossroads: The Candle of Preparation – Mary and Joseph
December 7, 2014 by
This week we light the second candle on the Advent wreath. This candle is often referred to as the Candle of Preparation, or the Bethlehem Candle. As we light the second candle, our focus centers on Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of Jesus, the Christ child.
Thrive: Are You Ready? – Cynthia Insko
November 3, 2014 by
Each Sunday at the threshold of our Godly Play children’s worship classroom our doorkeeper bends down, looks each child in the eye, calls her by name and asks, “Are you ready?” Answering “Yes,” one by one the children enter our sacred space.
A View from the Pew: Dressing for Success … in Worship
April 22, 2014 by
It is news to no one that church culture has shifted radically in recent years in most every area, from worship style to attendance. One such cultural move is toward more casual fashion choices by church goers. Only the most traditional of us pew sitters insist on wearing “Sunday clothes” anymore.
A View from the Pew: Devotions by Any Other Name
March 25, 2014 by
Long before I find myself in a chair or pew on a Sunday morning, preparations have been made for the corporate worship of God. Musicians have learned music through hours of rehearsal. Ministers have prayerfully selected texts to be read responsively.