The Fellowship Blogs

Second Sunday of Advent

Week of: December 8, 2019
Scripture: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
(Psalm 72:4-5, NRSV)

Devotion

Lighting two candles and remembering we have John the Baptist waiting just outside the chancel, still unseen but smelly, we turn to portions of Psalm 72. As all psalms selected for this season are well-crafted and have many appropriate uses, in this context our focus is filtered by the coming incarnation of Emmanuel. In a moment, John the Baptizer will call for repentance, but in anticipation we sing to God for holy justice and righteousness for the poor, deliverance for the needy, and peace that abounds.

This prayer/song seems to offer possibilities of a broader perspective; might we even be so bold as to insert our own name in the Psalm? It could be an interesting exercise, for in doing so the focus shifts from who we are asking God to help, to our real hopes. This shift is especially important in light of the continuing preparations for Christ's coming.

What do our worship visuals proclaim about God's justice? Do our anthems and congregational songs offer a vehicle for repentance? Are we engaging in rituals that promote peace and justice?

Prayerful Reflection:

Could there be such a connection between John's call to repentance and the text of Psalm 72? Is there a lack of justice for the poor? Who is in need of "deliverance"? Does peace abound? The peace of Christ has no bounds but how do we find this justice?

"May [we] be like the rain that falls on mown grass, like showers that water the earth" (Psalm 72:6).

May we incarnate the Word of God in this time and space, that in very real ways, we may usher in God’s peace.

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Director of Music, Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, Raytown, MO
Artist in Residence, Community Christian Church, Kansas City, MO 

First Sunday of Advent

Week of: December 1, 2019
Scripture: Psalm 122

"Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers." For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
(Psalm 122:7-9, NRSV)

Devotion

What a delight it is to begin a new Christian Year. It’s such a joy gathering together in worship, giving thanks and praise to the Holy One. We light one candle, centered on the beginning yet focused on the end of all time when Christ comes in final victory, when the lion lies down with the lamb, when anxiety ceases and all is at peace.

Psalm 122 leads us through majestic gates and thrones, a strong temple for God's people. In the midst of this grand stability is a call for something ethereal and elusive as a single flame, a plea for peace.

This time of year is easily lost to worry about ourselves, our families, and certainly our churches. "Can we get enough tenors?" "Where did we put the Advent wreath?" "How did I get all this done last year?" On and on it goes in our heads, voices of fear and failure, potentially stifling the joy this season can bring and robbing peace from those around us and throughout the world.

In the midst of this anxiety, the candle shines its message of peace, a flickering, dancing antidote to despair.

Prayerful Reflection:

Take a moment lighting the first candle, watching it burn, seeing it alive; in giving thanks and praise there is peace. In a moment of focus in thanksgiving for God's living house, the saints and sinners we meet in our day to day lives, our anxiety lessens, our hearts are touched with peace. This peace won't stop, but grows stronger as it is fed. Holding our candles higher we wait, wanting a greater peace for all humankind.

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Director of Music, Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, Raytown, MO
Artist in Residence, Community Christian Church, Kansas City, MO 

Reign of Christ / Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: November 24, 2019
Scripture: Colossians 1:11-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things have been created through him and for him.
(Colossians 1:15-16, NRSV)

Devotion

You're on a rollercoaster, approaching that first hill at a slow crawl. You have this sickening anticipation in the pit of your stomach. You slowly inch over the top, revealing a gut-wrenching view of where you are heading before you plunge into a mind-numbing adrenaline rush. Your life revolves around church ministry and this week is your hill. You are inching your way to the top; December is in view. You are about to plummet into Advent and the weeks of programs, parties, and performances before Christmas are enough to make your head spin. It is a time of great joy but it can be a season of great stress as well.

Take time to stop the ride for a moment. Find a quiet corner in your world and focus on why you do what you do. This passage of Colossians describes Jesus on a cosmic level as the "first born of all creation." Yet, this God took on flesh and lived with us simply because we are loved beyond any love we ourselves can give. And Jesus has chosen you to tell his story. There is honor, humility, and joy in knowing that. As you begin this Christmas season, remember why you do what you do and who chose you to do it. Enjoy the ride!

Prayer

Glorious God, thank you for the opportunity and honor of telling the story of Jesus! Give me patience and strength and ignite the joy within me to inspire others to listen, know, and share the good news. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

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Director of Worship and Music Arts
Ooltewah United Methodist Church
Ooltewah, TN

Photo: A rainbow appears after a storm at Lake Junaluska during Music & Worship Arts Week 2019.   (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: November 17, 2019
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.
(2 Thessalonians 3:13, NRSV)

Devotion

One of the most difficult responsibilities of church leaders is removing a volunteer from a position in ministry. Volunteers are the backbone of the church, so we don't want to tell them that they need to step down, but sometimes it's a necessity for both the church and that person. Their talents may not fit well in a particular ministry. They may be distracted from their duties by major life events, burned out, or, frankly, causing conflict within the worship arts ministry or congregation.

None of these situations is easy and all of them require prayer and thought. For the most part, these events, though awkward, may in time reveal God's plan to take that volunteer in another direction. Sometimes congregants may find another ministry that allows their spiritual growth to flourish. We need to trust that God has a purpose and solution. It may not produce the outcome you expected, but it is always for God's purpose and your own good. Never shy away from doing what is right. Be ready to witness to what God will do through you.

Prayer

God, in my difficult decisions, help me not to shy away from what is right. Guide me to face awkward and uncomfortable situations with courage, love, patience, and wisdom. In the name of Christ. Amen.

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Director of Worship and Music Arts
Ooltewah United Methodist Church
Ooltewah, TN

Photo: Dance clinician Stephanie Crockett raises her arms during a solo dance at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019.   (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: November 10, 2019
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
(2 Thessalonians 2:15, NRSV)

Devotion

If you asked me who were my favorite teachers in high school, I could give you many examples, but one name always springs to mind: Coach Shaw.

Coach Shaw embodied the characteristics you find in high school coaches: he was loud, rough around the edges, and didn't back down from anyone. Now, I'm no athlete, either then or now, so I don't remember Coach Shaw for his work on the ball field. However, I do remember being in Coach Shaw's World History class. I remember his famous mantra: "It's easy to pass my class ... if you do the work." That was true, and very few were foolish enough to cheat, because he would eat them alive!

But it wasn't fear that drove students like me to do the work. Using a combination of his hilarious jokes and his brash approach to world history, he taught his class with integrity and purpose. You wanted to learn from this man. He had a way of telling stories that made you want to go deeper, to know more about the world. Coach Shaw had a lasting and positive effect on my life.

The Thessalonians had Paul, and I had Coach Shaw; who has God placed in your life to shape you into a better person? Who has helped instill your beliefs and encourage you to continue to become what God intends for you to be? Are you that "Coach Shaw" to someone else in your life? What traditions and influences have you shared with others, especially those within your worship arts ministry?

Prayer

Thank you, loving God, for the people you have brought into my life who have led, shaped, and encouraged me to be the person you intended. Please lead me to be that same influence with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Director of Worship and Music Arts
Ooltewah United Methodist Church
Ooltewah, TN

Photo: Elementary choral clinician Amanda Craft teaches a young assistant how to conduct at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019.  (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

All Saints Sunday / Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: November 3, 2019
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.
(1 Thessalonians 1:4, NRSV)

Devotion

It means a lot when someone gives you a compliment, but it means just a little more when you hear that someone was boasting about you to someone else. It is a good sign when people are willing to share their positive opinions of you, your abilities, personality, and your thinking with others. They are genuinely thankful for the person you are, what you do, and how you do it.

According to Paul, the church of Thessalonica was winning. They weren't just growing in numbers, they were growing spiritually in faith and love as well, despite the hardships they faced. Paul used them as an example to the other churches he was shepherding and boasted about their "steadfastness and faith." It had to be a huge encouragement to the Thessalonians. It was also a template for the other churches to follow.

Let's take a different approach to this scripture. God is the epitome of steadfastness and faith. Like Paul bragging about the Thessalonians, do we compliment God to others? In our worship, in our planning, and in our daily lives do our actions brag of God's goodness? When you dance, sing, act, read, move, smile, and breathe does your being boast of God? What you do is a true gift from God, so using it to the best of your abilities is bragging on God's wondrous and amazing grace.

Prayer

Almighty God, may my actions boast of your greatness, and may that boasting encourage others to seek and know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Director of Worship and Music Arts
Ooltewah United Methodist Church
Ooltewah, TN

Photo: Dancers rehearse prior to worship at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City during The Fellowship's 2019 Convocation, "A Place at the Table." (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 27, 2019
Scripture: Psalm 65

God of Zion, to you even silence is praise. Promises made to you are kept —you listen to prayer — and all living things come to you.
(Psalm 65:1-2, CEB)

Devotion

The choir practices its rousing Sunday anthem with the orchestra. The liturgical dancers stomp and leap for joy. Tools bang and clatter as a new piece of worship art is installed. Lectors rehearse their readings aloud, and pastors rehearse their sermons for next week. The praise band rocks the sanctuary rafters. Children laugh and shriek with delight in the hallways of the church. The workroom copier hums along to the telephone's ringing, and traffic in and out of office doors creates a noisy ruckus. We talk, shout, pray, argue, sing, cry, and laugh.

Then the time comes when rehearsals are complete. Paint brushes are set aside. Vacuums return to closets and office machines are silenced. All is assembled and we are ready. A holy hush falls over our industry and our conversation. It is not an awkward silence, but the silence of anticipation. We await the arrival of the guest for whom we have been preparing so earnestly and with such profound love. God — our salvation, our security and our strength  — has been invited to be the object of our worship and we wait in breathless expectation of God's sure presence. Dumbstruck with wonder and awe, we reverently offer one last gift — our silence — which falls on God's ear as deafening praise.

Prayer

We come to you knowing that you listen even when our prayers are too deep for words. Receive our silence as praise and bring us close to you. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, because we wait for you. Amen.

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Director of Traditional Music and Worship
First United Methodist Church
Hopkinsville, KY

Photo: The chancel area of Church of the Resurrection Downtown in Kansas City is prepared prior to worship during The Fellowship's 2019 Convocation, "A Place at the Table." Worship visuals were designed by Todd Pick. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 20, 2019
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 3:14-15, CEB)

Devotion

When I received my first mathematics textbook with an answer key, it only provided answers to the odd numbered problems. I still had to show my work, but that safety net helped build my skill and confidence to succeed on the other questions. Though a solid math student, I never failed to check the answers in the back of the book ... just to make sure. I had learned, but I wasn't convinced.

Paul reminds me: "You've learned your lessons but be sure to check your answers in the Book!" He challenges me to measure my beliefs against the standard of God's Word for assurance. Finding truth begs me to profess my conviction. My errors call me to repent and change. To paraphrase missiologist Paul G. Hiebert, we may hold on to our truths but our convictions hold on to us.

We encounter challenges to our artistic convictions from within and without. Is that song too secular? Is that skit too long? Is the drum too loud? Is the altar arrangement too abstract? When these challenges spring from a holy and loving heart space they merit our consideration. Ultimately, however, though we come from different disciplines, we share the same reference tool. Let us never forget to check our answers in the Book! 

Prayer

"Lord, your word is so pleasing to my taste buds — it's sweeter than honey in my mouth." ^*

Keep us returning time and again to your holy scripture that makes us wise and leads us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we entreat you. Amen.

* Psalm 119:103, CEB

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Director of Traditional Music and Worship
First United Methodist Church
Hopkinsville, KY

Photo: A dancer recesses with the chancel bible at the end of closing worship of Music & Worship Arts Week 2018. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: October 13, 2019
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-15

Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I'm suffering to the point that I'm in prison like a common criminal. But God's word cannot be imprisoned.
(2 Timothy 2:8-9, CEB)

Devotion

I don't know about you, but Paul's words to his beloved Timothy do my heart a world of good. Heaven knows that the majority of us do not suffer to the point of being incarcerated for the sake of the gospel, but I'm certain we could all recall a time when our efforts to share the message of salvation through Christ Jesus became fettered. Virtual chains shackled the limbs of our creativity, afflicting the heart of our artist ministry.

Budget cuts unravel the new shepherd costumes for the drama department. An outbreak of the flu wipes out your children's presentation for Mother's Day. Your grand plans for a dazzling Pentecost celebration go up in flames because "we've never done it that way before." We strive to rejoice while enduring these blows to our efforts and egos, but we do not sense an up-building of character or hope! (Romans 5:4)

This is when Paul's good news steps in; our God, who cannot be bound by time or space, will likewise not be confined by any human hindrance. God's word cannot be imprisoned, so our perseverance in God's word is not in vain. Granted, the fruits of our labors may not ripen as we first expected. In fact, we may think we planted apples but find kumquats growing instead! Still God's promised faithfulness is immutable and God's message of salvation is "off the chain."

Prayer

Almighty and ever-present God, we give thanks for your faithfulness and the strength you lend us as we persevere in our art for your sake. Help us to present ourselves as "tried-and-true" workers, never ashamed of your message nor overwhelmed by adversity. We humbly ask these things in the name of your suffering servant, Jesus. Amen.

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Director of Traditional Music and Worship
First United Methodist Church
Hopkinsville, KY

Photo: Amy Valdez Barker preaches at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kansas City as part of The Fellowship's 2019 Convocation, "A Place at the Table." (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost / World Communion Sunday

Week of: October 6, 2019
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

I'm reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I'm sure that this faith is also inside you. Because of this, I'm reminding you to revive God's gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
(2 Timothy 1:5-7, CEB)

Devotion

In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul celebrates the exemplary lives of faith lived by Lois and Eunice, Timothy's grandmother and mother, then exhorts Timothy to prepare himself for the challenges of his future ministry. As worship leaders, we can step into Timothy's sandals and look to both the past and future to strengthen our spiritual leadership.

It is a sweet thing to call to mind those persons who have been like Paul, Lois, or Eunice for us — spiritual parents and grandparents, some by blood and others by adoption through Christ — who have laid literal and figurative hands upon us to commission our way forward. We hold fast to their sound teachings; we keep our feet pointed toward the future.

Filled with a spirit of boldness and love we give thanks for the joys of passionate sacred artistry in worship in a world culture very different from that of our foremothers and forefathers in faith. We honor them and our holy calling by bridging the span between generations and continuing to nurture those who may someday call us "God-parents."

Prayer

Thank you, God, for our spiritual parents and grandparents who established in us a foundation of authentic faith. Open our eyes and hearts to recognize those in our lives with whom you are calling us to seek to be in relationship. By the power of the Holy Spirit, bind up our world with cords of familial love and help our community on earth better reflect your heavenly kingdom. We ask this in the great name of Jesus. Amen.

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Director of Traditional Music and Worship
First United Methodist Church
Hopkinsville, KY

Photo: Dancers from multiple generations participate in the dance program at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 29, 2019
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.
(1 Timothy 6:11b-12a, NRSV)

Devotion

This week’s reading reminds me that being a Christian isn’t always easy. Sometimes we are asked to turn the other cheek or play the role of peacemaker in a difficult situation. At other times, we are called to fight the good fight of faith.

As we struggle with our political and religious institutions, there are moments when we need to fight the good fight. Thankfully, Paul gives us guidelines: in our disagreements, we should pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

God never promised we would be free from disagreement, nor were we promised we would be able to easily and quickly solve our differences. Yet, as Christ followers, if we model the character attributes that Paul shared with Timothy, we might be able to bring others to the table to work through our disagreements. When we depart from the table we are able to do so in love, rather than righteous indignation towards the other person(s).

Prayer

God of truth and justice, give us the wisdom and clarity of heart to know when we need to fight the good fight. In our disagreements, strengthen our resolve to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. May we be models in the church and in the secular world of how to have healthy engagement when we disagree. Amen.

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Vice President of Administration, The Fellowship
Director of Music Ministries, First UMC
Peoria, IL

Photo: The 2019 Convocation worship team leads “Canticle of the Turning” during worship on Tuesday evening at Church of the Resurrection Downtown in Kansas City. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 22, 2019
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

... who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:4, NRSV)

Devotion

I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit working within our worship arts leads to changed lives — lives that want to follow Jesus. Scripture reminds us that petitions and prayers are to be made for all, not just for people who think like we do. As the number of people who profess faith in Jesus Christ declines and our churches see reduced numbers, we as worship artists have the wonderful privilege of connecting artists with a faith community.

May we actively seek to invite people outside the walls of our church to be a part of our worship ministries. Could we begin with small steps in the form of temporary commitments that allow others to experience our worship communities and presence of the Holy Spirit? We can provide the open door for a positive experience that breaks down human barriers and allows for the Holy Spirit to move.

Prayer

Lord God, challenge us to pray for the needs of others before we pray for ourselves. Empower us to be invitational and welcoming to those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. May our words and deeds reflect your grace and love to all so they may come to faith in you. Amen.

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Vice President of Administration, The Fellowship
Director of Music Ministries, First UMC
Peoria, IL

Photo: Flags and streamers are waved during the closing hymn of opening worship at Convocation 2019, held at St. James UMC in Kansas City. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 15, 2019
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost."
(Luke 15:9, NRSV)

Devotion

This summer when I was visiting my family, I had the opportunity to be “Uncle Doug” and play games with my nephew. At one point he became agitated because he was missing a game piece, even though the piece was not necessary for playing the game. The game stopped while he looked everywhere until he could find the piece. Once he located it and the game was complete, his smile returned and we could continue having fun.

At times it can be easy for me to shrug off the missing pieces or individuals serving in particular aspects of ministries because I am focused on the bigger picture. Yet, if I truly seek to live my life as a good shepherd or like the woman with the lost coin, I will pause and be mindful of and search for those who are missing or have fallen away from the ministries I oversee. Then, I can rejoice when that person reconnects with the church.

I pray that in those moments when I am the one who is lost, I may be sensitive to those individuals who seek to find me and help me return to the Good Shepherd.

Prayer

God of second chances, thank you for pausing the game to come and find me when I go astray. Thank you for rejoicing upon my return. Remind me that my ministry should focus on others and not on the programming of the church. Amen.

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Vice President of Administration, The Fellowship
Director of Music Ministries, First UMC
Peoria, IL

Photo: Children participate in a song during worship at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 8, 2019
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
(Psalm 139:14a, NRSV)

Devotion

This psalm reminds us that we are wonderfully made by God. We have the joyful responsibility to praise the Almighty using the talents with which God gifted us at our birth.

As members of worship leadership teams, we seek to find the best dancers, musicians, writers, speakers, and visual artists to share in our worship services. Yet, do we seek to involve those who are still developing their talent? Do we seek to involve those who have an unusual or unconventional gift?

God knows those in our church with talents that are untapped or even ignored. Maybe it is time for us to look around to see the beautiful gift-sets which surround us. I believe that when we, as the Church, seek to involve all ages and all abilities in our acts of worship, God will smile as our worship and praise ascend to heaven.

Prayer

Creating and Loving God, thank you for the talents you have blessed us with as worship leaders in your Church. Open our eyes to see those around us who are waiting to be asked to use their God-given talents and gifts as offerings of praise to you in our worship communities. Amen.

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Vice President of Administration, The Fellowship
Director of Music Ministries, First UMC
Peoria, IL

Photo: Dancers perform during the Thursday afternoon dance program at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: September 1, 2019
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:4-13

… for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.
(Jeremiah 2:13, NRSV)

Devotion

One of my greatest fears used to be disappointing my parents or my mentors. As worship artists, I believe we all find ourselves desiring our worship services to go “as we have planned” so we do not disappoint others.

It is easy to fall into that temptation without asking, “Where is God? What is God saying in this passage of scripture? How is the Spirit leading in my church?”

When we begin to dig our own cisterns and do things our way, we will find ourselves serving with a sense of incompleteness, eventually leading to disappointment. However, when we follow the Spirit’s leading, we will drink and serve from the overflowing abundance of living water found in wells that are without blemish.

Prayer

Loving God, when we go astray and start to drink from the incomplete wells we have dug, lead us back to your deep and overflowing water. Remind us to seek your will and to rely on you and not on our own understanding. Amen.

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Vice President of Administration, The Fellowship
Director of Music Ministries, First UMC
Peoria, IL

Photo: Hycliff Soler dances during worship at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: August 25, 2019
Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
(Luke 13:13, NRSV)

Devotion

In reading the 13th chapter of Luke, when Jesus healed the woman on the sabbath, I am reminded of Jesus’ radical grace. A woman showed up at the synagogue in need of healing. It does not mention that Jesus gave consideration to who she was, what happened to her, where she came from ... or provide any other detail. Jesus saw someone in need and his grace-filled response was to heal her.

Jesus also seemed to disregard sabbath law, which put him at odds with the religious leaders. He pointed out to them the inconsistencies in the law that would allow consideration of the needs of one group but not another group. Apparently, it was okay to tend to the needs of animals on the sabbath, but not humans. For Jesus, however, grace is available for all.

In our worship planning, we must not get so engrossed in what we are doing that we forget why we are doing it, leading us to neglect to offer grace to those in need. We must not be like the religious leaders at the synagogue who were more concerned about observing the law than helping people. Instead, we must be ever-mindful that our calling as worship artists is to help facilitate experiences for hurt people to be healed and offer praise, and for God's grace to be extended to them.

Prayer

Gracious God, let us be ever-mindful that all we do is for your glory. Amen.

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Pastor, Oak Chapel UMC
Chair, Baltimore-Washington Conference Worship Team
Silver Spring, MD

Photo: Congregants partake in communion at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: August 18, 2019
Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7

Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard ...
(Isaiah 5:1, NRSV)

Devotion

The opening of this pericope in the 5th chapter of Isaiah presents itself as a love song. The writer begins by speaking of the many things his beloved did to care for his vineyard to promote growth and a fruitful harvest, but was met with disappointment. Not only were his expectations unfulfilled, but he also faced judgment for this perceived failure.

This text reminds us that things will not always work as we plan. There will be times when we are faced with disappointment. There will be times when we labor, expecting the results to be a fruitful harvest, but end up with an unproductive yield. While this does not seem fair, we continue to labor, knowing that we do not labor in vain.

Thus, we continue to preach, to pray, to sing, and to worship knowing that in due season, our vineyard will flourish.

Prayer

Lord, in the midst of disappointments, let us remember that we do not labor in vain. We know you see our good works. Let that knowledge propel us to continue in our calling, especially when others want to judge us as failures. Amen.

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Pastor, Oak Chapel UMC
Chair, Baltimore-Washington Conference Worship Team
Silver Spring, MD

Photo: A dramatic portrayal of scripture as seen during worship at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: August 11, 2019
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1, NRSV)

Devotion

Blind faith seems like an oxymoron. Faith in and of itself is blind, so we don’t need to say “blind faith.” Faith requires us to believe in that which we cannot see. In faith, we have full assurance that all we hope for will come to pass, if we are in the will of God.

As worship artists, we strive to create worship, believing that the Spirit of the Lord will reign in the service. We expect that persons who attend worship and are fully engaged will encounter God in a transformative way.

Each week, we want to offer hope through worship. Our worship celebrates a God of hope who transcends despair, who gives light in darkness, peace in chaos, and love instead of hate. We must give persons attending worship something in which to look forward, to believe. If our hope is merely put in that which we can see, we become disenchanted and depressed. Instead, we live in hope, believing the promises of God.

Prayer

God, help us not only to live in faith, but also to be examples of faith in all we say and do. Our hope is fixed in our ability to believe that which we cannot see. Let us see with eyes of faith. Amen.

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Pastor, Oak Chapel UMC
Chair, Baltimore-Washington Conference Worship Team
Silver Spring, MD

Photo: Members of the dance ensemble perform at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: August 4, 2019
Scripture: Psalm 107:1-9, 43

Let those who are wise give heed to these things and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
(Psalm 107:43, NRSV)

Devotion

The psalm for this week is a psalm of thanksgiving. It is believed to be composed for use in special thanksgiving rituals. These rituals gave an opportunity for the redeemed of the Lord to celebrate their redemption by offering thanks to God and sharing their testimony with others.

Psalm 107 provides several instances in which the people have been redeemed, but our pericope only covers persons who have been rescued from wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty. The Lord redeemed them and now it is time for them to offer thanksgiving.

In our worship services, people come in need of redemption and seek to give thanks for having received it. Everyone shows up at a different place with a different situation. As worship planners, we must make space for everyone. Sometimes, it is as simple as providing a time to share joys and concerns; other times, our rituals need to be more involved.

It is important that we come together as a community or congregation to share God’s movement in our lives, reminding others that God’s redemption is for all. Just as God brought one person out of the desert, God will also bring out others.

Prayer

Almighty God, we give thanks for your steadfast love and for redeeming us. Help us to facilitate worship encounters with opportunities to share testimony of your goodness and redemption. Amen.

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Pastor, Oak Chapel UMC
Chair, Baltimore-Washington Conference Worship Team
Silver Spring, MD

Photo: Congregants hold hands prior to receiving Communion during Friday worship at Music & Worship Arts Week 2019. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Week of: July 28, 2019
Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)

You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well-constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out. Quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
(Colossians 2:6-7, The Message)

Devotion

One of the beautiful sources of revitalization in our practice of discipleship is remembering and reconnecting with the beginning of our lives as Christ-followers.

When and how did you first encounter the Living Christ? Where were you? What did you see, hear, smell, taste, touch? How did you feel? What did you think? What did you do?

Did you receive this encounter as a gift? How did you respond? Did you experience it more in your mind, your heart, your physical being, or your innermost soul?

Since then, how have you deeply rooted yourself in Christ Jesus? What daily, weekly, seasonal practices have helped you sink your roots deeply into the ground of your being?

How have you constructed your life upon Christ? Have you made decisions for the way you spend your time, money, energy, even your vocation, based on your encounter with the Living Christ?

Are there ways in which your everyday "yes" to the tasks related to your life as a worship arts leader embody "living it"?

Prayer

Living Christ, let my living spill over into thanksgiving to you. Amen.  

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President, The Fellowship
Deacon, The United Methodist Church
Lynchburg District Revitalization Coordinator
Lynchburg, VA

Photo: The labyrinth next to Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska is seen during Music & Worship Arts Week 2018. (Fellowship photo by Daniel Craig.)