Cokesbury Logo



NEW PRODUCT ALERT!!!

We want to launch an exciting new online research database, and we need your help!
This new resource will include the entire text of the New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, the complete Interpretation Series from Westminster John Knox Press, and twenty-eight volumes of the Abingdon Old and New Testament Commentaries, among hundreds of other Bible Dictionaries, theology texts, devotions, prayers, and sample sermons.

Please click here to take a Quick Poll regarding names for this great new resource.



Part 1: How to Grow a Media Ministry
by Len Wilson and Jason Moore

This is the first of a four-part series on strategies for developing a viable congregational media ministry. This series is designed for anyone who uses media in worship or in the local church. We have identified a number of ways to grow a local church media ministry that apply regardless of if the ministry is long established or simply the vision of a single, passionate individual.

Read more . . .

“Digital, visual media is not an add-on but an emerging, fundamentally new system of communication, equal to the oral and written word.” from Len and Jason’s new book.

Learn More . . .




What is your congregation’s tradition for taking the offering each week? Do you pass the plate? Do you have special music?

Would you consider having people come forward to the altar during weekly worship to bring their tithes and offerings to the altar rail and also time allow for prayer?


What resources have helped you the most in worship planning?
www.textweek.com-absolutely the best first place to look! Also, the Renew! Songs and Hymns for Blended Worship (Accompaniment) has great information about worship planning and the 4-fold pattern of worship in a variety of styles.

What tip or suggestion would you give a new pastor or worship team planning their first worship service?
Keep the focus on God’s story of salvation; figure out what the non-negotiables are and stick to them; and look at the service as a whole-not fill in the blank-to design a service that will “make conditions favorable” for the congregation to have an encounter with God.

If you could change one thing about your congregation’s worship, what would it be?Enthusiastic singing. When people abandon their self-consciousness to the point of enthusiastically singing, then they are truly focused on worshiping God, and not what their neighbor might think.

What is your role in your congregation’s worship? How many years experience do you have in worship planning?
Director of Worship and Music, 22 years - but really I only count the past 9. That’s when I started to get the idea that planning worship was about more than picking music I liked. 

A big WorshipConnection "Thank You" to Dr. Julie for sharing her worship knowledge with all of us!



Today we begin a four part series on media ministry in the church, specifically worship, by Len Wilson and Jason Moore.
Through this series you’ll get some practical ideas as well as some challenging insights.

Don’t miss our bonus article by Christian Piatt, it is timely as many of us juggle fall themes of stewardship and Thankgiving.

Our poll this week is about how you’re using technology in worship - answer the poll to see what others are doing!

Lastly, you’ll see links to some seasonal bulletins and new Advent products including paraments and banners. Another way to add visuals to worship!

Betsy Hall
Worship Leader
WorshipConnection.com

Are you ready?
Shawn Wood will empower and inspire you to develop your God-given talents and contribute something that makes a difference in the world. 

Learn More . . .



Gratitude Versus the Tyranny of the Un-Possessed
by Christian Piatt


I’m a big basketball fan. I’ve traveled as far as 700 miles to attend an NBA playoff game, and I’m proud to say I once caught Kenyon Martin in my arms when he leapt over his team’s bench for a wayward ball. Read more



These sumptious bulletins will really get your congregation in the holiday spirit!

     

Seasonal Bulletins Online Catalog



Learn more . . .

From warm, cozy cuddles to turkey on the table, Thanks for Thanksgiving reminds us all to say "Thank you" for the little things in life.