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Katie J. Graber on Singing with Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation

Some congregations worry that singing songs outside their own tradition might be inauthentic or offensive. Ethnomusicologist Katie J. Graber gives reasons for using worship songs from other cultures and eras—and how to do so with proper appreciation and attribution.

February 28, 2023
La Bendición en el Antiguo Testamento

En el culto público, la bendición es un componente indispensable de la liturgía. Podemos decir que cada iglesia, independientemente de su tradición teológica y denominacional, ha hecho de la bendición parte del culto público, por lo general, al final del culto.

February 27, 2023 | 12 min read

Herbert H. Tsang on the Beauty of Low-Tech Connections

COVID-19, “the triple pandemic,” and future universal health threats will continue to prevent many congregants, especially senior members, from attending worship in person. But for those willing to put up with some “holy messiness,” Herbert H. Tsang offers low-tech solutions to connect, sing, and worship together.

February 23, 2023
Guitar Technique for Playing in Worship

Explore a jazz and classical guitarist's techniques for playing in worship. Jason Werkema demonstrates left- and right-hand exercises, fretboard memorization, expanded chord voicings, fingerstyle technique, and much more!

February 21, 2023 | 33 min video
Lent Resource Guide

This list of Lenten art, music, devotions, liturgies, books, and sermons will help you plan worship for Lent and includes resources for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.

February 20, 2023 | 2 min read

Worship Service: Our Identity in Christ Alone

A worship service based on Colossians 3:1-11. The service is led by Danny Román-Gloró, preaching; James Abbington; Brandon A. Boyd; an orchestra from Calvin Christian High School [Grandville, Michigan] directed by Karel deWaal Malefyt; and an orchestra from Grand Rapids Christian High School [Grand Rapids, Michigan] directed by Cyndi Betts and Erin DeYoung.

February 10, 2023 | 1 min read
Sharing and Serving: The Lord's Supper

This fourth session is part of “Experiencing the Contours of Early Modern Worship,” a series of five linked sessions bringing current-day participants into the world of Reformation Europe. What was it like to attend worship in Wittenberg in 1530, Geneva in 1550, London in 1570, or Venice in 1590? When people in different confessional contexts joined in worship and participated in the sacrament in this period, what differences and similarities were there? Join Sue Rozeboom [Western Theological Seminary] and Karin Maag [Meeter Center] for an overview of the range of perspectives on and practices of this sacrament in the Reformation era.

February 10, 2023 | 75 min video
Worship Service: A Chosen and Thankful People

A service of the word and table based on Colossians 3:12-17. The service is led by Laura de Jong, preaching; Ron Rienstra; and Western Theological Seminary Chapel Stewards, past and present [Holland, Michigan].

February 10, 2023 | 1 min read

Metanarratives and Identity: The Challenge and Opportunity of Colossians

In this session Scott Hoezee talks with Marianne Meye Thompson about her Colossians commentary and most particularly about the sweeping claims Paul makes regarding Christ. How does Paul's metanarrative fit in a world that promotes not one, but a diversity of stories, and how does Paul's call to find our identity in the Christ of this grand narrative sound to people today? The session also explores how to preach and teach this message in our present context.

February 10, 2023 | 70 min video
Welcoming All Bodies and Abilities into Worship and the Life of the Church

This session explores a biblical view of disability and practical ways of including people with disabilities in every aspect of the church for the flourishing of the entire worshiping community.

February 10, 2023 | 60 min video
Proclaiming and Responding to God's Word: Exegesis and Preaching

This fifth session is part of “Experiencing the Contours of Early Modern Worship,” a series of five linked sessions bringing current-day participants into the world of Reformation Europe. What was it like to attend worship in Wittenberg in 1530, Geneva in 1550, London in 1570, or Venice in 1590? When people in different confessional contexts joined in worship and participated in the sacrament in this period, what differences and similarities were there? Join John Thompson [professor emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary] and Karin Maag [Meeter Center] as they explore how pastors interpreted scripture and preached to their congregations.

February 10, 2023 | 81 min video