As all the evangelical pointers continue to signal a continued shift toward worship expressions which are more rooted and liturgical, I’ve noticed an increased re-engagement with that archaic piece of print material known as the “order of worship.” Others call it an “order of service,” a “printed liturgy,” or simply a “bulletin.” Screens in worship have served well many functions, but one thing they cannot get away from is that the words and ideas they project are fleeting. You can’t (usually) know what’s coming next in a worship service with screens. You can’t meditate on any portion of the worship service when the screens constantly change text before you. You can’t take a screen home with you for reflection.
Emerging, Traditional, or Deep? A Review of Jim Belcher’s “Deep Worship”
Review of Jim Belcher, Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional (Downers Grove, IVP: 2009)Chapter 7, “Deep Worship” Our pastoral team has been reading through Deep Church, by Jim Belcher. We were intrigued by the subtitle, because we felt it captured our vision for our local church: “A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional.” Most of us had the opportunity to personally meet Jim a few weeks ago when he spoke at St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal … Read More
Worship Recap 2-21-10
As part of the Sunday Setlists Blog Carnival sponsored by Fred McKinnon 1 – Sola – Zac Hicks, 2010This is our song of the month. It is Christ centered and easy to learn. The congregation will soon be able to connect with it very well. 2 – Better Is One Day – Matt Redman, 1995This song sounds archaic, yet precise. The congregation connects with this song a lot. I think, because it’s very well known, and they can allow … Read More
In Defense of “Secular” Cultural Forms in Worship, Part 2
PART 2: ANCIENT ISRAELITE INSTRUMENTATION AND THEIR PAGAN COUNTERPARTS Read Part 1 here. If you haven’t read the introduction to the previous post, do so, because I’m going to jump straight into Exhibit B. In the 1920s, archaeologists unearthed an ancient, forgotten city—Ugarit—which lies on the northeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, on the western coast of current day Syria. The ruins of Ugarit, dating from between the 13th and 12th centuries B.C., were quite a find, because of their … Read More
Our baby girl is here!
Hello Everyone! Bronwyn Anna Hicks Born February 19, 2010, 11:51pm 7 lbs 5 oz, 20.5 inches Our joy is here! We hit the hospital at about 4pm. Abby slowly progressed from 4 to 6 cm and then stalled for a long while. We spent time hanging out, and we were beginning to think her birthday would fall on 2/20. She squeaked in at the last minute. All of a sudden we were calling in the team, and after two quick … Read More
Worship Recap 2-14-10
Sunday Setlists is brought to you by Fred McKinnon and his Blog Carnival, part of this complete breakfast. 1 – Sola – Zac Hicks, 2010This brand new song from Zac Hicks’ new album coming in 2011, textually emphasizes Christ as our leader through whom we worship God. Musically, it has a processional “march” feel to it; very appropriate for an opening song. 2 – Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman & Beth Redman, 2002I particularly enjoy this … Read More
Facts about Lent
I was forwarded an email from the desk of a Denver Seminary professor I respect and admire. He included some great facts about Lent…some of which were new to me. Hopefully they’re helpful. Today begins our penitential season. *The history of the observation of a period of fasting, repentance, and preparation prior to the celebration of the resurrection is much older than the history of the celebration of Christmas. In the late 2nd century, Irenaus of Lyons wrote of just … Read More
Gotta love those Anglicans
(Photos by Paul Adams) This past Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to join hands with other churches in our neighborhood for a unique experience. Our band was invited to participate in an Evensong service at St. Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church here in Denver. Rector Chris Ditzenberger and I are friends and brothers through a small group of local clergy that gather for prayer and sharing once a month, and Chris asked us to come and be a part … Read More
Ash Wednesday – How We’re Doing It
I and other friends have received questions from non-liturgical evangelicals about how to do “liturgical stuff” like Ash Wednesday services. Toward that end, I’m posting the liturgy that we will follow (built off of various traditions and some of our own twists). We’re including both Communion and the Imposition of Ashes. I’m also posting “Worship Notes,” which we print alongside our liturgy to help people understand why we do what we do. Worship Notes function kind of like a commentary … Read More
Why Corporate Imaging and Branding are Important for Churches
Our church, I believe, is still learning this lesson, so I share my reflections in the midst of our own “growing pains.” I’m discovering that, for a church which strives to be multi-generational not only in congregation but leadership, this is where some of the younger people (or at least younger thinkers) need to help lead the way in vision and mission. Some people think this is frivolous pandering to culture. Some people think it is “selling out,” making the … Read More