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Past events organized by topic
Leadership—Planning Worship
A Crash Course in Worship Planning
based on the publication The Worship Sourcebook to develop a model for planning that values both solid principles and flexible applications, that gives attention both to music and spoken words, and that is accessible for first-time participants, but also challenges veterans to rethink their established habits
Fine Tuning—A Master Class for Worship Teams
constructive feedback provided to two local worship teams on their worship leadership and planning which communicated encouragement and practical ideas for leading contemporary/blended worship with musical, theological, and liturgical integrity
Fresh Ideas for Planning a Thanksgiving Service
creative ways to give thanks, especially in a troubled world. See also A Thanksgiving Service of Confession (high school chapel) and other occasional services.
Hospitality and Worship
practical ways to embody hospitality in a congregation
Principals, Process and Product: Planning a Contemporary Worship Service
practical suggestions to worship leaders, planners, pastors, musicians, worship committee members, and others who seek to explore the collaborative model of worship planning, using the gifts of many members in planning and leading contemporary worship and to discover practical ideas for adoration, confession, lament, proclamation, reconciliation, and celebration for contemporary worship. Also see Ten Service Plans for Contemporary Worship.
The "In Between" Words
Scripture readings, sermons, and songs take up most of the time in a worship service. But it's often what happens in between them that is most telling. Those little words and phrases that welcome guests, introduce songs, and prepare us for prayer make all the difference for encouraging full participation in worship.
These phrases are crucial for extending hospitality and for forming congregations for deep engagement with God and each other. This workshop-for both worshipers and worship leaders-will explore their significance and offer lots of tips for anyone who speaks in worship (pastors, worship team members, prayer leaders, deacons and others). Note: resources to be posted soon.
Liturgical Arts
Dance
Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks to the Risen Lord
Five liturgical dance teams from local congregations prepared for Easter worship by learning a liturgical dance.
Media
Using PowerPoint Wisely in Traditional and Contemporary Services: A Workshop for All Involved in Planning, Leading and Participating in Worship
used PowerPoint to demonstrate some of the "best practices" of churches of all sizes and styles of worship. Learn how to use presentational technologies appropriately for the benefit of authentic worship.
Using Presentational Technologies Wisely in Worship
discussed and demonstrated both the opportunities and the common problems in using presentational technologies “fittingly” in worship. Read more about the Worship and Technology Initiative.
Music
Music Technology for the Church Musician
This workshop held in the Calvin College music lab offered an introduction to music technology software including notation, music instruction, and sequencing.
Sing! A New Creation workshop
highlighted hymnal supplement Sing! A New Creation, and included sessions about justice and leadership as they relate to worship and suggestions for bringing joy and hope with diverse songs from many different traditions
Sing a Song of Thanks!
new and familiar songs to help your congregation give thanks
Worship Music as Soul Food: Reconsidering our Spiritual Diets
How does music work to sustain us spiritually? How does music help us pray? How does music help us proclaim God's Word? What kind of diet do we need to sustain healthy, vibrant faith? These questions guided the discussion on both current practices and new opportunities in worship music.
Worship Team Basics
Piano, guitars, drums, vocalists, etc.-How do we make sense of it all? The anatomy of a worship team may be alien to some of us, but the life of and work of a worship team is very familiar: support congregational singing. In this workshop we looked at the various parts and configurations of a worship team and put together its potential for leading the church's song.
Visual
Visual Arts in Worship
highlighted the important role of the visual arts in worship and the life of the church. Local artists shared their experience of incorporating the arts into the ministry life of their church.
Upcoming events are posted on the Calendar of Events page. Look for "Workshops."
Contact Us
Is there a workshop topic that would be of special interest to your
church? If you have a suggestion for a future Worship Planners Resource
Network session, please let us know. Or if one of the past workshops seems appropriate for your congregation, please
email Betty Grit to see if we can present that workshop again.