Ministry Matters - Faith & the scientific senses: awe | No holiness but social holiness

Why is the experience of awe so important to each of us? Faith & the scientific senses: Awe by Lawson Bryan   In its description of the early Christian Church the Acts of the Apostles includes this line, “Awe came upon everyone….” But how can such an experience be studied scientifically?  Researchers from Johns Hopkins University applied “factor analysis” to the answers of hundreds of questions about experiences of awe, which allowed them to create a psychometric scale to rate these kinds of experiences. Read here

What happens when we leave 'the room' bringing love with us? No holiness but social holiness: Communing and sending forth by William McDonald   You walk forward and kneel at the rail at the chancel steps. Your knees fall on the needlepoint image of the church as a ship on water. The body of Christ, given for you. The Christ remembered, the Christ present, and the Christ yet to come is here, in one bread, pressed into your slightly sweaty outstretched palm. You take Christ into yourself as he simultaneously takes you and the rest of the church—the symbol of which you’re kneeling on—into himself, his wounded and resurrected body. Read here

How can we best provide a safe, supportive space? Safer Sanctuaries: A comprehensive update by Chris Wilterdink   Leaders of faith communities play an essential role in providing a space of support, guidance and connection to individuals seeking to live out their spiritual beliefs. Safer Sanctuaries continues that tradition and expands upon those foundations. Read here

Focusing your faith, being prepared, and preparing a Sunday sermon Letting love and gratitude shine through in worship this week

Leading with kids in worship this week