July 15, 2008

"Of the Bible texts that Christian worshipers happen to know from memory, chances are worshipers learned the vast majority of them through music. When Colossians 3:16 reminds us to 'sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,' it does so, in part, to set in motion our obedience to the command that precedes it: 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.' This is a crucial and rewarding spiritual discipline for brand new and lifelong worshipers."

- John Witvliet, from the preface to Singing the New Testament (see below)

Singing the New Testament (Faith Alive Christian Resources)

This collection of songs which quote or paraphrase texts of the New Testament is a resource for those who desire to put Scripture in the mouths, minds, and hearts of God's people, whether those people gather in small groups, in choirs, or as a congregation. Just as various Scripture passages can be used as prayer, praise, lament, or teaching, so can these songs. You may choose to use them in various parts of the worship service, making the connection between Scripture, preaching, and song, thus enabling your congregants to dwell more fully with Scripture itself.

View the table of contents and selected songs, and order copies for your church.

www.calvin.edu/worship/pub/singing_the_nt.php

Candler offers the Eucharist during chapel worship three times a week. Photo by Cindy M. Brown.

How often people gather for worship at seminaries, how long chapel lasts, who plans and leads it, who comes, whether music or liturgy ever varies—it's all over the map.

"On many seminary campuses, there’s not much thinking about worship or how it's structured," says Ron Rienstra, who recently surveyed chapel practices at Protestant seminaries in the U.S.

Read more.

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

Poster Session at Grants Colloquium 2008

Get glimpses of worship renewal around North America through posters that capture some of the grassroots work in our Worship Renewal Grants Program. Grant recipients from 2007 displayed posters summarizing their projects at Colloquium 2008. You can view all of the posters online, and see pictures and video clips from the poster session.

www.calvin.edu/worship/grants/colloq

Christ's Priesthood and Our Praises
Gerrit Scott Dawson

Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the true worship leader in every service: Christ continues in his office of High Priest. But while Jesus is our High Priest, we too are given a crucial role. We have been made "priests to his God and Father" (Rev. 1:6). This workshop explored the implications for worship and preaching that come from a new understanding of 1) the reality of Christ's priesthood and 2) the reality that we are, in George Herbert's phrase, "Secretaries of thy praise."

Listen.

www.calvin.edu/worship/idis/theology/priesthood_praises.php

Recent Posts at our Blog

- 'Seeing the Savior' exhibit
- Review of 'Sundays in America'

More posts

www.calvin.edu/worship/blog

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

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