Trying Something New This Summer?
Ascension, Washington Crossing, is experimenting with worship-in-the-round this summer. What new things are you trying this season? Let us know in the comments.
One nice advantage of movable chairs instead of pews, Ascension has discovered, is the flexibility and creativity they provide. For the summer months, Ascension has redesigned its sanctuary layout to put worshippers in a circle around a central altar.
“I Love You. Love, God”
The Bible is a lot like the love messages parents receive from their children, Pastor Keith Anderson of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church says in a new YouTube video. “The Bible can be a messy, complicated, confusing book, but at the heart of the Bible is this message: ‘I love you. Love, God.” Short, direct video messages of inspiration can be easily shared via social media, and are easy for “wired” congregation members to share in their social circles. Read more 
Blessed by lay preaching
Pastor Matt Staniz from St. Luke, Devon, shared an idea in the ELCA Clergy Facebook group: St. Luke’s features lay preachers at midweek worship during Lent and in the summer. Preachers are given a theme and select a text to preach on, and the pastors offer support and encouragement. “It’s been remarkable listening to people preach and witnessing how it equips them to proclaim, lead and discern how they are called to be the church,” he says.
Beer and Hymns
“There is something very cool about singing Beautiful Savior, Amazing Grace, and A Mighty Fortress in a pub,” Pastor Keith Anderson of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church writes in his blog about the experience of UDLC’s first “Beer and Hymns” evening. “Sure, its partly the novelty of it, but it also worshipful, spiritual, intimate, fun, great outreach, and an affirmation of God’s presence in our daily lives – in all the places we gather, including pubs.” Read more
“Dinner and B.S.”
Young adults aren’t always motivated to attend Sunday worship, and Gloria Dei, Huntingdon Valley, and Trinity, Fort Washington have found young adults ask for more when offered the chance to gather for a meal and conversation about life and faith. The two congregations, linked through the call of the Rev. Jim Goodyear as youth minister at Gloria Dei and pastor of Trinity, began inviting young people aged 18-30 to “Dinner and B.S.,” an informal meal and conversation Goodyear hosts.
“It’s designed to let young adults without children to get together and talk about life,” Goodyear says. As dinner morphs into “B.S.”, Goodyear says, “I listen for what’s going on in their lives, and bring a faith perspective to it.” Sometimes “B.S.” becomes bible study, and “sometimes it’s just about the B.S. of life,” he says. Read more
Bible Study via Skype
What is the “new thing” that you have p erceived God doing?
Leading congregation to greater emphasis on Bible literacy; using Skype to start online bible study; have met 3 times so far – a keeper.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Biggest help is to create safe environment and encouragement where people feel they can try new things without being embarrassed or criticized. I feel long-time members can inadvertently crush spirit of newcomers. Read more
“God’s Giving Bin”
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
God is calling us to engage our children more in worship.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity?
We introduced God’s giving bin. A bin we have the kids roll through the aisle prior to the children’s sermon collecting donations from our members. Read more
“Spark” Sunday School
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
“SPARK” Sunday School – fantastic uptake of young children in Christian Education and worship
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
As Pastor, spending much more of my time with the children as part of the Christian Education program, and informally. Read more
Bible Study Explores God’s New Thing
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? — Isaiah 43:18-19
Explore God’s promise of hope and renewal expressed by the Prophet Isaiah in a bible study based on Bishop Burkat’s presentation at last fall’s “God Is Doing Something New” conference events. This bible study, suitable for council retreats, small groups or ongoing bible study groups, will help you look at what central traditions need to be honored in your congregation as well as what “former things” might be clouding the view of what God is doing right now. Read more
Following Jesus into Prison
“…I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Jesus is clear that his followers are to act on behalf of “the least of these,” including those behind bars. In that spirit, volunteers at St. Paul, Red Hill have been discipling prisoners who need to hear the Good News, visiting sending Bibles and a teaching newsletter to incarcerated persons, because “God doesn’t give up on anybody.” Read more
What I Can Do to Make a Difference
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Helping me to broaden my reaching out to others. Making me increasingly aware of many things (little and big) I can do to make a difference to others and give them renewed hope and faith.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
I am trying to listen to my heart more and my ego less. Other Christians help me get on track or stay on track AND forgive me when I come up short. Read more
Drive-by Prayer
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
“Drive-by Prayer”
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Saturday morning to early afternoon hold up signs to invite anyone for prayer – share prayer with walk-byes and drive-byes near church property. Read more
Congregational Spiritual Retreat
What is the “new thing” that you have seen?
St. David’s held its annual spiritual retreat weekend at the Luther Inn in Wildwood, New Jersey. The Bible study theme was “Reviewing the Sacraments.” Aside from singing and praying, evening campfires, walks on the boardwalk and beach, much (over) eating and much laughter, there were informal, intense reviews and discussions of Baptism and Holy Communion. Margie and her husband traveled over 7 hours from the Pittsburgh area to participate. Margie was baptized at the retreat. Read more
Prayer on the Streets
Like many congregations, St. Mark (Clifton Heights) has long had prayer chains and prayer lists. We also heavily advertised our opening the church for prayer during the week, but we had few participants. Several members of the prayer team wanted to go where the people are instead of expecting them to come to us. So, we decided to take prayer to the streets by setting up a table with a large sign encouraging people to “Stop by for Prayer.” Read more