Better Together

Commencement

2 comments Written on May 17th, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Current Events, Events, Vocation and Call
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Today’s post is written by Jo Anne Taylor, Worship Pastor at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Minneapolis, MN.

It’s that time of year again: time to get out the academic regalia and line up for the procession, as the faculty leads the senior class to the strains of Elgar’s  Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. You know the tune. It’s played at nearly every high school graduation ceremony in America.bethelgradprocession

It’s that time of year again: time to congratulate confirmands in their white robes, as they recite the Apostles’ Creed and present their statements of personal faith to smiling congregations. We sing How Firm a Foundation or some other appropriate hymn, snap pictures, and eat cake, hoping the baker spelled everyone’s name correctly this year.

It’s that time of year again: time to pack up the boxes and load the moving van with furniture, setting out for new homes, new ministry settings, new lives. We grieve as we leave people we love, the people who have made us what we are, and we anxiously anticipate meeting the people who will welcome us into their communities of faith as new worship pastors, youth pastors, or lead pastors.

Many a Commencement speaker has reminded the senior class that the word commencement means beginning, not end. We remind each Confirmation class that wearing a white robe and eating cake does not constitute graduating from church, but rather the beginning of a personal commitment to engage more fully in the life of the congregation. Every pastor who has ever moved from one church to another knows, as Rev. D. Darrell Griffin reminds us, that “Change is situational. Transition is psychological.” Change is an event, often one over which we have no control, but transition is the way we respond to that event.

It’s that time of year again: time to celebrate and reflect on what has been, time to anticipate what is to come, time to embrace change and begin the transition that will, by the grace of God, bring us each closer to becoming the transformed children of God we were created to be. Cue the music. Here we go.



Good Friday

1 Comment » Written on March 29th, 2013     
Filed under: Arts, Better Together, Holy Week
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Dark.
Not dusk,
no moon or stars, as on a clear night;
No.

This dark was thick, oppressively thick;
All the goodness that ever existed
had been sucked out of the world.

Nothing.
Empty.
Dark.
And we were
suddenly,
completely
alone.

Dark.
It was so….
Dark.

 

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
How pale Thou art with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish, which once was bright as morn!

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

– Latin 12th c.; German, Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676)
Translated, James W. Alexander (1804-1859)
Hymn 238, Covenant Hymnal



Kingdom Work

12 comments Written on March 2nd, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Culture, Gender, Multicultural, Music
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Today’s post is written by Jo Anne Taylor, Worship Pastor at Bethlehem Covenant Church, Minneapolis, MN.

It started off innocently enough. Someone mentioned enjoying a particular Christian artist’s latest CD, and wondered which tracks others might be using in their own worship contexts. After a dozen or so responses, an issue was raised that turned the discussion in a new direction. Describing the inclusion of a prominent hip-hop artist on one track of the recording, the commenter wrote: “This song, though catchy and well-written within its genre, is another example of a person in power representing a dominant culture unintentionally sending the message that the only way for outsiders to get respect and recognition from that dominant culture is to acquiesce to and subsume one’s self within it.”

Nearly  - oops – Over a hundred comments later, covering a number of tangential topics, that early comment about the messages outsiders get from the dominant culture still convicts me, and I ponder the part I play in perpetuating a system that excludes more than it embraces.

Jelani Greenidge explains, “Because when it comes to Christian music, if you want into the upper echelon of recognition and stardom, people of color MUST learn to do the kind of music that White people appreciate, but White musicians are NOT required to do the same.” Jelani sees this as “blatant indication of the injustice inherent in the power structures that support Christian music, and it’s difficult for me to watch others support that success without also attacking the inequity of those structures. It is passive acquiescence of racism that allows it to continue to perpetuate.”

Some time ago, Jelani joined me on this blog to initiate a discussion about multicultural worship, and what that might look like. It was a polite exchange, and comments supported such a discussion – but they didn’t really engage in it.  This past week, the discussion has gone deep, and I want to share a few anonymous excerpts to get you thinking about what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, to honor and celebrate the many cultures that contribute to our corporate worship, and what it means to stand up to a music industry that marginalizes many of our most talented brothers and sisters because they aren’t white, aren’t male, or aren’t younger than 35. Ponder these thoughts prayerfully. Consider the part you play in this unjust system, and also consider what you might do to become part of that system’s redemption. Because this is Kingdom work. Continue Reading »



Midwinter Worship Connection 2013

Post a Comment » Written on February 15th, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Midwinter, Worship Connection 2013

Today’s post is written by Matt Nightingale, Director of Worship Ministries at Redeemer Covenant Church in Tulsa, OK, along with many friends from the Better Together group on Facebook.

One week ago today, the Covenant’s annual Midwinter Conference ended. I’ve been attending for twelve years now, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have to connect with friends and colleagues from all over the country. In 2001, I was new to full-time ministry and new to the Covenant. I had inexplicably booked my flight to land at Midway Airport, so – not realizing what a distance I had to go – I dragged my luggage onto the nearest train and rode for what seemed like hours all the way up to O’Hare. By the time I (literally) walked across the highway and into the conference center, I was late to the first worship service. But even before I went to my room I stepped into the back of the room and what I saw was wondrous to me: a vibrant tapestry of people  from many different ethnic backgrounds, worshiping in different styles and languages. And while it took a few more years for me to feel fully “part of the family,” I was immediately drawn into this wonderful family of believers.

Today I’m a commissioned Covenant pastor, and one of my favorite things to do is connect with other worship leaders at Midwinter. I’m an extreme extrovert, and for me, almost every minute is spent talking, running, laughing, crying, sharing, making music, worshiping and – of course – eating with my friends. This last week was no exception. I came home physically exhausted but so emotionally full.

Today in the Better Together forum, I asked Midwinter participants to share about their experiences, and with their permission I’m sharing some of their responses:

Jeanette Conver: “Being directed by Sid and singing Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land was a highlight! It truly felt like we were embodying the message as we sang!”

Rick Lindholtz: “ANY time Sid is directing a choir at a Covenant gathering, I will be in the bass section… the worship and the preaching at Midwinter set a new standard for excellence…”

Jen McDonald: “The choir piece was fantastic and deeply moving. You all did an awesome job.”

Sarah Monson: “That there are many, many fantastically gifted, talented, passionate and gracious people in our denomination. Just love serving with you all!”

Andrew Thompson: “Thanking God for the creativity, colleagues and shared mission.”

Scott Austin: “I came away glowing with joy at being part of the Covenant. What a wonderful group of people.”

Julie Chamberlain: “Biblical and anointed preaching by Mark Labberton (Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning), Kanyare Eaton and Sameh Maurice was the highlight for me. In fact, Sameh’s been preaching to me all week — just can’t shake that one! I am praying in a whole new way because of his message. And the open-mic night…just blown away. Such a great night of glorifying God through the gifts of His people. So many incredible songs — songs I would do in my church THIS Sunday or download from iTunes in a heartbeat — and they were written and performed by my Better Together friends! You guys are amazing!! And then, yeah – just being together. I’m with Scott Austin – glowing with joy at being part of the Covenant!”

Susan Gillespie: “I choose the music for worship in my church… I don’t have the kinds of gifts that are so fulsome in this group, but I learn so much just being around you all, about the kinds of things that motivate ‘music people’ and how you all like to work, and to see things in new ways from the point of view of a very different gift set. I am thankful!”

Elizabeth McColl: “Very much enjoyed playing this year. We all know what it takes to put the worship sessions together and it was so good to be part of a team of all worship leaders.”

Chris Logan: “We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention open mic night … Amazing evening of diverse talents!”

Dru McLeland: “ I appreciated looking at the book of Ruth through the hermeneutic lens of the immigrant. Oh, and more rap music! Loved it at the open mic.”

Melchizedek Lockwood: “I enjoyed Glenn (Kaiser) very much, very inspiring experience at workshops & open mic…meeting you guys was great, came home refreshed…overall awesome.”

Dan Whitmarsh: “I was glad to see our president encouraging the reintroduction of liturgical dance into our worship repertoire.”

Chad Benkert: “I think all of Thursday night was a highlight, great message, amazing choir piece and communion. Then after all that was open mic night. It was great to hear the music that God put on different people’s hearts. I could easily say that was one of my top highlights. (It even beat out the amazing sushi we had!)

Danny Martinez: “The Midwinter band was excellent, the preaching was outstanding, the worship seminar was awesome, and of course, the fellowship! Glenn Kaiser, Jenny McDonald, Jay Phelan, Geoff Twigg, just awesome.”

Jen Lowe: “Gary’s reminder that there’s a reason ministry is a call not a preference hit home for me this year. I appreciated the abundance and variety of instruments during worship, including the vocal gifts of the choir. All the speakers were incredible and touched my heart in different ways. And it’s always so life-giving to see my friends and meet new ones.”

Tabatha Mason: “Sameh Maurice’s word to pray like crazy and story of the man who had seen Jesus when asked before baptism if he was ready to give his life for Jesus if that’s what it took, “If you had seen Him, you never would have asked me that question.” So beautiful.”

Daniel Johnson: “Mark Labberton’s unpacking of Daniel, putting it into our context in the church today, and how we tend to follow the “mesmerizing rhythms” of the culture around us rather than stay true to God, as Daniel and his friends did, even as they served in the highest levels of Babylonian government. Also Sameh Maurice’s three points: Begin with love, pray like crazy, and THEN share the truth of Jesus. Too often we tend to operate in reverse in our Evangelical fervor to get people to “go to heaven” if they die tonight…”

Tim Coyer: “Tuesday night, hearing the strings with ‘All the Poor and Powerless’ was one of my favorite moments.“

Glenn Kaiser: “The worship leader’s lunch gatherings as well as Jay & Geoff & Jen’s teaching/sharing were excellent. Amazing, cool open mic night too! Worship team sweet right through MW. Kudos!”

Karen Galdamez: “ I came to the Covenant 21 years ago when my dad was called to pastor a Hispanic church in Turlock and I fall in love over and over again with the Covenant. I love the open table to all cultures and all walks of life, the invitation to walk the Jesus life.”

I’m grateful for the testimony of so many who were blessed by our time in San Diego. I’ve saved two for last, because I think they have special significance. First, for those who couldn’t be with us physically:

Betty Fitzgerald: “This was my first MidWinter and I attended through Covchurch.tv. I must confess after viewing the opening Worship service I became a CovTV junkie! I would watch the clock waiting for the next broadcast. I was most touched by Danny Carroll’s message and honestly that surprised me because in our little corner of the world there are no immigrants to speak of. But God spoke to my heart through that message when Dr. Carroll said people move because they are hungry. At that moment I understood that those walking through the doors of of our church for the first time are Spiritually hungry. From that point forward I listened with attentiveness through that filter. And then Glenn Kaiser! Just so much fun! “Live your life for a change, you’re not taking it with you anyhow”. Ah, words to live by for sure.”

And finally, I love these words from a long-time attender of Midwinter. And I’m so grateful for the growing community of worship leaders.

Dan Schuttler: ”Midwinter used to be a dreaded rite-of-passage for church musicians, hunting and pecking our way through the mass of senior and associate pastors to see a familiar face and/or sympathetic ear of the few fellow worship pastors who dared to also attend. Maybe we’d get lucky and a workshop might be related to worship and the arts. Now, it’s almost 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Full and engaging worship led by a diverse groups of people, reflecting how God is changing us as a denomination. Workshops, open mics, classes and the wonderful connecting times….Wow!! I dread it no more (even when it’s in Chicago…Ha!)”

Hope to see all of you next year in Chicago, and until then, we’ll see you on Facebook! Please feel free to share more favorite Midwinter Moments in the comments.

 

 



WARNING: Contents Under Pressure

1 Comment » Written on January 18th, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Leadership, Local Church
Tags: , , , ,

 

Today’s post is written by Jo Anne Taylor, Music and Worship Pastor at Bethlehem Covenant Church, Minneapolis, MN.

We have barely made it through Christmas, but planning for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter is already underway. Meanwhile, there’s a plumbing leak (that no one can locate) pouring water into the child care center downstairs, the photocopier we bought less than a year ago is inoperable again, and there aren’t enough volunteers to fill all the volunteer assignments for this weekend. The flu outbreak has us rethinking the way we greet one another. No one can find the projector for the contemporary worship, and no one can remember if the person who was supposed to run it was ever actually asked to do so. A member of the congregation becomes ill after arriving at church, and the ambulance arrives minutes before worship is to begin, blocking the entrance to the building.

Just a typical Sunday at XYZ Covenant Church in Your Town, USA, right? One emergency after another interrupts our plans. The pressure becomes intense for pastors and congregational leaders who find themselves bouncing from one crisis to the next, barely catching a breath in between.

The pressure builds as we are faced not only with problems we could avoid if we planned better, but real catastrophes like death and sickness and job loss and power outages and other events beyond our control. We become so accustomed to operating in “crisis mode” that we forget this might not be what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Abide in me.”

Our English word “crisis” comes from the Greek word that means “judgment” or “decision.” A true crisis is a turning point, a moment of decision. The decisions we make may be life-or-death, or they may have less dire consequences. Some decisions must be made on the spur of the moment, while others can be pondered and made at leisure. How we react to these crises tells the world a great deal about our faith and our willingness to practice what we preach: that God loves us, that we belong to Him, and grace abounds.

Does your church have a plan for dealing with unavoidable emergencies when they arise? How do your leaders and pastors avoid the burnout that so often accompanies living in crisis mode? What can you do to support your church’s leaders through the stress that comes with a true crisis?



Devotional for a pilgrimage…

1 Comment » Written on January 12th, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Bible, Event Worship Resources, Events, NPTS, Resources for Worship, Scripture, Songwriting

Today’s post is written by Geoff Twigg, Adjunct Professor at North Park University in Chicago. Geoff is a pastor, singer/songwriter, worship leader and ministry consultant, and serves the ECC as a member of the denomination’s Commission on Worship.

As we leave the Holidays behind and focus on a new calendar year, Covenanters everywhere across North America see another milestone in the near future; the Midwinter Conference. I’ve had a lot of preparation to do before the Conference this time, and so I have an even greater sense of anticipation than in previous years.

I’m reminded of a great Hebrew tradition, honed by many years of repetition, a tradition that can inspire us as we approach this new year, and particularly if we’re planning to gather together in San Diego. The practice leads us to focus on a subset of the book of Psalms, called the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) which form useful devotional guidelines as we consider our pilgrimage.

No, dear reader, don’t worry; I’m not misinterpreting the Midwinter Conference as being more than it is. However, it can be a time when we seek the Lord for new revelations about our practice, or a time of refreshment and renewed spiritual vitality. In fact, I am praying that’s true for each of us, even those pastors and staff who have to stay home so that others can go.

I should, however, mention here that there is a rich offering this year for those involved in worship ministry. We have workshops, conversations planned over lunch, the opportunity to record your own song ideas or talk over how best to approach recording, a full class on worship and the Bible, an open-mic night, a hymn-sing… the list goes on and on. You can sing in the choir, or just ‘chill’ in sunny San Diego.

Meanwhile, back to the point; getting ready to let God re-focus your vision. In this devotional for a pilgrimage, we find a wide range of subjects covered. Be open; any or all of them might have special meaning for you. Here is a cursory analysis of the topics covered, roughly in order. You might care to hear them spoken by a variety of voices:

“It is God who protects and helps us” (I lift my eyes to the hills…), “it’s good to get together to worship God!” (and we pray for peace of our city and our Kingdom).

God shelters us and we’re devoted to God; “we thank God for constant help and protection”, (remember how God helped us in history?). There are reminders that unless the work is established by God it’s all in vain; that despite opposition I’m flourishing through God’s help…

I’m desperate for God, “I trust God as a child trusts”, (remember how David established this special place, and was rewarded?), and a reminder that working together in unity brings a special blessing. We end with a final song of praise in celebration.

This year, when we’re finally at Midwinter, our thoughts will be guided towards God’s preparation of his servants (Ps.139), God’s protection (Ps.46) and the provision of everything we need to do God’s work (Ps.126).

Before we get there, however, would you care to join me as we consider the themes that formed the thinking of believers on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, for many centuries past?



Looking forward, looking back.

4 comments Written on January 4th, 2013     
Filed under: Better Together, Resources for Worship, Stories

Today’s post is written by Matt Nightingale, Director of Worship Ministries at Redeemer Covenant Church in Tulsa, OK.

We’re four days in. Welcome to 2013. Let’s have a little interactivity this week:

1) Looking back at 2012, describe one or two sweet moments of worship for you and/or your congregation.

2) Looking back at 2012, what’s one book or other resource that you found helpful in your worship leading ministry?

3) Looking back at 2012, name some musicians/songwriters who helped you and/or your congregations worship in song. Be specific with artist names and songs/albums.

4) Looking forward to 2013, name one or two dreams that you have for the worship life of your congregation.

I look forward to your responses!

 



Following the Star

4 comments Written on December 24th, 2012     
Filed under: Advent, Arts, Better Together, Visual Arts
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Star-Cross Nativity, by Allison t Régnier – www.allisontregnier.com

Last Friday, Allison Régnier gave permission to show her artwork on this blog. She gives a beautiful explanation of her piece, “Star-Cross Nativity,” which we share with you today, as you prepare for the coming of The Light of the World. Blessed Christmas to you!

Ron & Allison Régnier have been Artist/Missionaries in France for 15 years and are members of Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue, WA. They serve under the organization Artists in Christian Testimony (ACT) Intl. (Rick Lindholtz, also in the Covenant, serves under ACT Intl. as well.

Check out Allison’s website and her Facebook page.

Allison writes, “This is what I usually share when I present the piece:

“While I paint, I try to meditate on the meaning of my subject in order to visually transmit what it represents. So while painting the nativity, I was thinking about verses that describe God as light. I chose to represent the star as a star/cross. For before the creation of the earth God provided the means by which we can be saved. While I was painting, an onlooker at the French community center exclaimed, ‘Let there be light!’ Genesis. 1:3 is not a text that we often associate with Christmas and Christ’s birth — but The Creator’s act of sending the God of Light into the darkness of the world was just like ‘in the beginning.’ When we find ourselves in total darkness, doesn’t even the smallest glimmer of light begin to restore our hope? This restoration is even more profound when an individual welcomes the redemptive Light of Christ and becomes spiritually enLIGHTened. This is why the prophet Isaiah proclaimed ‘For the people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned!’ (Isaiah 9:2). Where the light of Christ is not shining bright enough, this world is still like “the land of deep darkness.” Christmas announces the dawning of The Bright and Morning Star. The first beams of the dawning of the day all things will be made new have begun to shine. Can you see the light on the horizon?”



Ready for Christmas?

2 comments Written on December 21st, 2012     
Filed under: Advent, Arts, Better Together, Current Events
Tags: , , ,

Star-Cross Nativity, by Allison t Régnier – www.allisontregnier.com

Today’s post is written by Jo Anne Taylor, Music and Worship Pastor at Bethlehem Covenant Church, Minneapolis, MN.

The Waiting is almost over. The bulletins have been proofread and tweaked. The choir and the worship team have rehearsed. The children have practiced their speaking parts. The Advent wreath is on its last candle. The pastor is working hard to get that Christmas Eve message ready to be delivered on Monday, right on the heels of a full weekend of Advent worship and church activities.

But are we ready?

Amid all the preparations and bustle, in between the rehearsals and the meetings, the decisions about logistics and the theological implications of serving (or not serving) Communion on Christmas Eve, where, exactly, do we find Jesus? As we recruit last-minute volunteers and deal with the surprises of births and deaths that affect our congregations in unpredictable ways, as we watch the news and the weather reports, imagining that our attention to them will somehow transform them into favorable messages of hope and good will, where is our Lord?

Are we ready?

Are we ready to welcome God with us, Emmanuel? Are we ready to pause, to wonder, to ponder, to turn our attention completely toward the One Who Saves? Are we ready to bow the knees of our hearts to worship him simply and reverently, without all the noise and flash of our busy, busy lives?

The waiting is over. Ready or not, here he comes.

Come. Let us adore him.



Our Churches: Bethany Covenant Church – Mount Vernon, Washington

Post a Comment » Written on November 13th, 2012     
Filed under: Architecture, Better Together, Choral, Culture, Intergenerational, Local Church, Our Churches, Style of Worship, Vocation and Call

We continue our series of posts here on the Worship Connect blog profiling individual Covenant churches. Our purpose is to celebrate God’s work in and through us, to demonstrate the diversity of approaches to worship in the ECC, and to prompt prayer for one another. We are better together.

Our latest post comes to us from Randall Wilkens Associate Pastor of Worship and the Arts at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, WA.

About 30 years ago, the congregation of Bethany Covenant Church decided it was time to move out of their small neighborhood church building. They had outgrown it—maybe not so much in numbers as in vision—and they wanted to ramp-up their outreach and visibility in the community. So this church of about 250 members bought five acres in a developing area of town and made plans to build. The first phase of the multi-phase project would include a sanctuary with a capacity of 780, about three times the church’s membership! It would seem this little church didn’t plan to stay little!

When the new sanctuary was completed in 1987, it was immediately the premiere performance space in the Mount Vernon area, and remained so until 2005 when McIntyre Hall was built on the campus of Skagit Valley College. The sanctuary’s sloped wooden ceiling and curved sheetrock walls were designed in consultation with an acoustic engineer, with ever-pleasing results. The room has often been used by school bands, community choirs, and other concert groups. It continues to be the venue for our church’s annual Christmas Musical—drawing an audience of 1,200 over two nights—and for other concert outreaches the church undertakes throughout the year. And of course it is used for worship multiple times each week—both for our own traditional and contemporary services, and for multiple services of a Russian congregation that rents the building.

A lot can change in 25 years. When Bethany’s sanctuary was built, contemporary worship was not yet common in evangelical churches. So despite the fact the sanctuary platform is almost 80 feet wide from the baptistry on one end to the choir loft on the other, it never seems to have quite the right space for a worship band. And while the forward-thinking congregation made sure a projection screen was installed, they never envisioned it would be used every Sunday, so it was designed to disappear into the floor most of the time. When raised it was about two stories high, so the unused bottom half eventually had to be concealed to prevent it from dominating the room like a huge white monolith. When that screen accidentally tore five years ago, its demise provided us an opportunity for a welcome upgrade!

Other changes have been made over the years and still others are planned. All the major components of the sound system have been replaced over the past ten years. As recently as last summer a new production booth was completed—housing new Mac computers and video equipment donated by a member of the congregation. Plans are underway to replace the mauve carpet with something more up-to-date, and to modify the platform to better serve current worship needs. Those worship needs continue to be those of a multi-generational congregation which values traditional and contemporary worship equally, supporting both with just about equal attendance.

On the contemporary side, Bethany Covenant struggled in the past to find its voice. In planting a church several years ago, we were depleted of many of our best contemporary worship musicians. Yet we have not given up on the conviction that contemporary worship is needed for an effective outreach and to give expression to younger generations of worshipers. We have persevered, and that perseverance has paid off, as we are now blessed with an influx of young worship musicians whose leadership has brought more vitality to our contemporary worship service.On the traditional side, Bethany Covenant has a long-standing heritage of choral music, and still has a fine 35-voice adult choir, along with successful youth, children’s, and bell choirs. We are blessed to have a 9-foot Steinway concert grand that’s used for everything from classical piano pieces to accompaniment for our resident gospel quartet. And this weekend we will dedicate a brand new, 3-manual custom Allen organ. This instrument is unique; there is not another like it anywhere in the world. Everything from the individually-selected stops on its French terraced console to the 34-channel audio system, promises years of beautiful music devoted the glory and majesty of our God. The organ even features a MIDI module that will make it a useful instrument for contemporary worship.

There is always a concern that when a church has two unique services it will just end up as two congregations meeting in the same building. That doesn’t seem to have happened at Bethany Covenant. A Christian formation hour between the services gives the whole congregation a chance to grow in their faith together. Fellowship dinners on Wednesday nights provide opportunities for the whole church family to sit down to a meal together. “Festival services” several times a year bring everyone together in one gathering where traditional and contemporary styles are integrated. These gatherings happen around some of the most important times in the life of our church: our fall Ministry Fair, Christmas, Easter, and Confirmation Sunday. In the opinion of our church’s worship pastor (the writer of this article!) gathering like this as one body to worship our Lord is like a little taste of heaven!



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