Archive for May 2021
A Hymn for Trinity Sunday, May 30: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (ELW #413)
By Rob Durocher Minister of Worship and the Arts, Deacon True story— MANY years ago, my brother Chris and I were sitting in church enjoying the congregation’s singing of the glorious hymn, Holy, Holy, Holy! We both did our best to sing along, young as we were (because back then it was cool to pretend…
Read MoreMy Journey in the Pursuit of Racial Healing
By Mark Ritchie When I followed God’s invitation into social justice work fourteen years ago, I began volunteering weekly at Rowan Helping Ministries in their Crisis Assistance Network (C.A.N.) program hearing requests for assistance from those who have less resources than will meet their basic needs. This is very humbling work as I quickly learned…
Read MoreLeading from the Keys: Davis Brown Steps in as Interim Worship Leader
By Susan Shinn Turner Since mid-March, Davis Brown has been interim contemporary worship leader at 9:27 worship. If his name sounds familiar, it should. Davis is a longtime musician for both 9:27 worship (keyboard) and 11 am worship (percussion). “It’s going well,” he says of his new assignment. “I was honored to be considered for…
Read MoreThe Head that Once Was Crowned with Thorns – A Hymn for the Ascension of Our Lord
The head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now; A royal diadem adorns the mighty victor’s brow. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Hymn 432) On Thursday, May 13, the Christian Church celebrates the Ascension of our Lord forty days after Easter, a longstanding observation within the church’s Liturgical Year. In the Gospel of Luke…
Read MoreIt’s time to FOCUS on VBS!
By Susan Shinn Turner It’s time to focus on Vacation Bible School at St. John’s! “In thinking about what would be the safest way to get back for Bible school, we decided on a three-day VBS, dividing up age groups,” says Stacey Shafer, children’s minister. VBS for 3- and 4-year-olds and kindergartners and first graders…
Read MoreFirst Look “Bloom” Fundraiser: Help us revamp the First Look space this May
By Susan Shinn Turner For the First Look children at St. John’s ages birth to 4, it’s time to Bloom! Bloom is a fundraiser to revamp the First Look area, according to Stacey Shafer, children’s minister. The Epic classroom for third- to fifth-graders and the First Look area will switch spaces. “Because of the numbers…
Read More