Select Topic

Jeff Barker on Combining Music and Public Scripture Reading

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed many churches to do online worship services, inspiring some liturgists to more creatively present Bible readings. Jeff Barker explains how to combine music with the lections or scripture passages.

September 9, 2020 | 5 min read
Creative Scripture Reading for Virtual 91ÁÔÆæ

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches still gather through virtual worship. Finding creative ways to read the Bible for online worship services can help worshipers experience what Romans 15:4 promises: “The Scriptures give us strength to go on.â€

September 9, 2020 | 6 min read
91ÁÔÆæ Resources for Pregnancy Loss and Infertility

Many church members stay silent about miscarriages and other common reproductive losses. Yet Christian traditions contain many helpful books and worship resources to aid those who have experienced reproductive loss. Your church can start with these resources to engage this issue more directly and care for those who mourn.

June 2, 2020 | 10 min read

Church Responses to Infertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy Loss

After decades of silence, church leaders and congregations have begun accompanying people who mourn losing children before or soon after birth or letting go of dreams to form a family.

June 2, 2020 | 9 min read
Shaping 91ÁÔÆæ During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Offering Hope at Grace and Peace Christian Reformed Church, Chicago, Illinois

Chantel Varnado, worship arts director at Grace and Peace CRC, shares her insights for leading worship in the time of COVID-19, drawing wisdom and her own experience from her multicultural worshiping context.

May 18, 2020 | 5 min read
Lora Copley and Elizabeth Vander Haagen on Family Prayer and 91ÁÔÆæ

Families spending more time together during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have the opportunity to nurture—or begin—daily practices of family worship and prayer.

May 1, 2020 | 7 min read

Lora Copley on Preparing Families for Sunday 91ÁÔÆæ

If you have been wanting to start or strengthen your family’s faith formation, perhaps the new coronavirus pandemic offers a novel opportunity.

May 1, 2020 | 6 min read
Shaping 91ÁÔÆæ During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Jesus’ Presence among First Nations Anglicans in Canada

In this conversation, Mark L. MacDonald shares his insights challenges for worshiping in time of COVID-19 in his context of indigenous congregations in the Anglican Church of Canada.

May 1, 2020 | 5 min read
Stacey Edwards-Dunn on African American Infertility and the Church’s Response

People experiencing infertility often suffer in silence. African Americans experience more infertility than other racial groups. But churches can offer healing when they open the door for conversations and include these sorrows in worship.

April 24, 2020 | 6 min read

Shaping 91ÁÔÆæ During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sparking New Connections at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Roxboro, North Carolina

Like many congregations, New Mount Zion Baptist Church has people with varying abilities, incomes, and technology access. In this edited conversation, LaTonya McIver Penny shares how to use a mix of digital and old-fashioned ways to help worshipers and community members stay connected.

April 14, 2020 | 5 min read
Shaping 91ÁÔÆæ During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Maintaining Community via Virtual 91ÁÔÆæ at St. Monica Catholic Community, Santa Monica, California

St. Monica Catholic Community aims to welcome and engage every member toward deeper participation in worship and parish life. In this edited conversation, Dale Sieverding explains how to keep members of a church community feeling connected even though they cannot commune together.

April 14, 2020 | 5 min read
Dennis R. Edwards on 1 Peter and Good Shepherd Sunday

For lectionary Year A, Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter, includes a reading from 1 Peter. New Testament scholar Dennis R. Edwards explains why Peter’s first letter is especially relevant as people deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 14, 2020 | 6 min read