Worship and the Arts
Welcome back! A slow return to in-person gatherings
By Susan Shinn Turner As the congregational life of St. John’s returns to normal, some folks — new and old — are asking how they can become involved. “Our first…
Read MoreA 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…
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…
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…
Read MoreO Sacred Head Now Wounded- A Hymn for Holy Week
By Rob Durocher Minister of Worship and the Arts, Deacon (Evangelical Lutheran Worship #351)O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine…
Read MoreI Want Jesus to Walk With Me (ELW 325): A Song for Our Lenten Journey
By Rob Durocher Minister or Worship and the Arts, Deacon Deep from the history of the African American Spiritual comes a song without a known author or a known source…
Read MoreBradley Chestnut Accepts New Call in Bluffton S.C.
By Susan Shinn Turner Bradley Chestnut, St. John’s contemporary worship leader since 2016, will become worship leader/pastor at Live Oak Church in Bluffton, SC, near Hilton Head. He starts March…
Read MoreO Come, All Ye Faithful: A Christmas Carol Reflection
By Rob Durocher Minister of Music and the Arts, Deacon I don’t know about you, but there is always something so incredibly triumphant and soul stirring when we all join…
Read MoreSt. John’s to host four services for Christmas Eve
By Susan Shinn Turner St. John’s is hosting four Christmas Eve services this year: 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, each service will…
Read MoreA blessing in disguise
By Susan Shinn Turner In mid-March, the 11 am worship service moved completely online, and it’s presented a unique opportunity for St. John’s to reach more people than ever. “We’ve…
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