John Calvin called it an "inestimable privilege" for believers "to be found numbered among the worshipers of God." How can we most fruitfully prepare ourselves to appreciate this privilege as we gather for worship? We explore this question in the newest section of our website.

Preparing for Worship

Preparing for Worship is the newest section of our website. Each week, we post items for prayer from recent news articles under "Preparing to Pray." We have found that by lifting up specific requests in our prayers for the world, worshipers can see prayer as an essential part of being the global body of Christ.

Vital Worship
Feature stories...for inspiration, reflection, and group discussion

Risks and Rewards of Multistaff Ministry

Sunday worship during July 2005 was highly unusual for the people of Friendship Missionary Baptist, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The services included no choirs, dance, or drama. “The congregation became the choir. This was frightening and exciting at the same time,” says Tony McNeill, minister of music and arts.

As a full-time ordained pastor, Dave De Ridder was highly qualified to lead multiple Bible studies. So he did. But it felt like too much on top of his other responsibilities. Then he got some good advice from his elders at Third Christian Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado.

These snippets of life in real churches hint at the risks and rewards of hiring multiple staff. When average worship attendance tops 150 or 200, most churches expand their ministry roster. But capitalizing on the potential of a larger staff requires ministers and congregations to rethink their roles.

Read more.

www.calvin.edu/worship/stories/multistaff.php

The Matter of Devotion: Art, Liturgy, and the Stuff of Worship
November 10-13, 2005
Houston, Texas

How should the joy, suffering, and repentance be given flesh in the language, music, architecture, and visual art that create both the environment for worship and the liturgy that takes place there? The 2005 Image Conference will explore these questions. In what ways does art provide a sacramental link between the sacred part of our week and the workaday world of diapers and spreadsheets, shoes and books? Speakers include Kathleen Norris, Nicholas Wolterstorff, and other distinguished artists and scholars.

www.calvin.edu/worship/events/calendar.php

Renewing Worship
November 12, 2005
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
New Brunswick, New Jersey

A day for those who plan and lead worship with nationally known author and pastor Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Cosponsored by the Office of Ministry, Reformed Church in America and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

www.calvin.edu/worship/events/calendar.php

Find our regularly updated Worship Weblog at Serving You under "Interaction."

Recent entries:
- Report from 'Worship Matters' in Milwaukee
- A Visit to Caldwell Chapel in Louisville
- Reflections from Psalm Festival

www.calvin.edu/worship/serving

Do you know someone who would benefit from reading this web highlighter?  Please FORWARD a copy to a friend.  To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE, please visit www.calvin.edu/worship/web_highlighter and fill in the form including your e-mail address.

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402

worship@calvin.edu 616-526-6088