Through the sacrament of baptism, God shows his love -- the same love that claims us for his family, that sent Christ into the world to die for us; the same love that we show to one another. Using simple, clear text adapted from the French Reformed Church liturgy and paired with vibrant illustrations and straightforward explanations on every page, At Your Baptism provides the perfect way to show young children how baptism is a sign of God's love and promises.

Seeking to tell worship history in the same way it is usually experienced, Walking Where Jesus Walked is a document-rich snapshot of the church in Jerusalem in the late fourth century. / Here the reader journeys with a woman visiting Jerusalem as the highlight of a Holy Land pilgrimage in the last part of the fourth century. As she marvels at the new churches built at so many sites associated with Jesus Christ, she notes how remembrance shaped by Scripture and fitting to the time and place serves as the bedrock for this churchs worship. Ruth helps todays reader hear the preaching which caused shouts of delight at the tomb of Christ, know the readings which lead the congregation to weep in the shadow of Calvary, and see the new buildings which sought to manifest Gods glory at the places where Jesus had walked, died, and risen from the grave. / By pairing contemporary descriptions, artistic portrayals, and worship texts with various commentaries to guide readers, this first in a series of case studies of particular worshiping communities from around the world and throughout Christian liturgical history aims to allow a worshiper today to think concretely and contextually about some of the continually important issues for Christian worship.

Traditional surveys of Christian worship have not only stressed the profound changes that occurred in the fragmenting Reformation churches of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, but have also primarily focused on the theological understanding, rather than the practice, of worship. Contributors to this unique collection underline the complexity and diversity of late medieval and carly modern Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Reformed worship practices in Europe. They examine a range of rites (baptism, marriage, and the Eucharist), elements of worship (visual art, music, prayer texts, rituals), geographic locations (Spain, Geneva, England, Sweden, Germany), and settings (home, school, and church). To illustrate the experience of worship by medieval and early modern laity and clergy, each essay is preceded by selections from key primary source documents being discussed. Contributors reveal that, contrary to the artificial separation of these two time periods by the modern academy, there was actually a great deal of continuity between medieval and early modern liturgical practices. They also demonstrate that political and social pressures were as significant as theological or doctrinal rationales when it came to modifying or retaining traditional practices. Worship in Medieval and Early Modern Europe offers readers a chance to understand better the societal and confessional norms that motivated late medieval and early modern Christians to maintain or change traditional Catholic worship practices. Featuring some of the most outstanding scholars in the field, this volume will be invaluable to academics interested in the Reformation, early modern studies, theology, and liturgical studies,as well as to general readers who wish to learn how their worship life was shaped in the sixteenth century.

Traditional surveys of Christian worship have not only stressed the profound changes that occurred in the fragmenting Reformation churches of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, but have also primarily focused on the theological understanding, rather than the practice, of worship. Contributors to this unique collection underline the complexity and diversity of late medieval and carly modern Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Reformed worship practices in Europe. They examine a range of rites (baptism, marriage, and the Eucharist), elements of worship (visual art, music, prayer texts, rituals), geographic locations (Spain, Geneva, England, Sweden, Germany), and settings (home, school, and church). To illustrate the experience of worship by medieval and early modern laity and clergy, each essay is preceded by selections from key primary source documents being discussed. Contributors reveal that, contrary to the artificial separation of these two time periods by the modern academy, there was actually a great deal of continuity between medieval and early modern liturgical practices. They also demonstrate that political and social pressures were as significant as theological or doctrinal rationales when it came to modifying or retaining traditional practices. Worship in Medieval and Early Modern Europe offers readers a chance to understand better the societal and confessional norms that motivated late medieval and early modern Christians to maintain or change traditional Catholic worship practices. Featuring some of the most outstanding scholars in the field, this volume will be invaluable to academics interested in the Reformation, early modern studies, theology, and liturgical studies,as well as to general readers who wish to learn how their worship life was shaped in the sixteenth century.

What exactly is worship? How can we account for its power? In Worship Seeking Understanding, noted worship expert John Witvliet mines the riches of the Bible, theology, history, music, and pastoral research to provide windows into the practice of Christian worship.
With this work, Witvliet attempts to build bridges between theory and practice, among various worship-related disciplines, and across denominational lines. If worship renewal is to occur, each bridge must be formed. His hope is that this work will not only articulate questions about worship but also enrich the practice of worship in congregations today. Witvliet's broad scope and insightful advice will be welcomed by pastors, worship leaders, church leaders, and students.

The Worship Sourcebook is a collection of more than 2,500 prayers, litanies, and spoken texts for every element of traditional worship services held throughout the seasons of the church year. This indispensable resource for worship planners and pastors includes texts that can be read aloud as well as outlines that can be adapted for your situation. Teaching notes offer guidance for planning each element of the service. Thought-provoking perspectives on the meaning and purpose of worship help stimulate discussion and reflection. The companion CD contains the entire text of the book for easy cutting and pasting into bulletins, PowerPoint slides, orders of worship, and more. This second edition includes new and revised liturgies, additional prayers for challenging situations facing today's church, and new appendices.

The Christian practice of hymn singing, says renowned biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann, is a countercultural act. It marks the Christian community as different from an unforgiving and often ungrateful culture. It is also, he adds, an "absurd enterprise in the midst of the hyper-busy, market-driven society that surrounds us. In this helpful and engaging volume, Brueggemann discusses both why we sing and what we sing. The first part of the book examines the Psalms and what they can teach us about the reasons that corporate song is a part of the Christian tradition. The second part looks at fifteen popular hymns, including classic and contemporary ones such as Blest Be the Ties That Binds, God's Eye Is on the Sparrow, Once to Every Man and Nation, Someone Asked the Question, and We Are Marching in the Light of God, and the reasons why they have caught our imagination. To know why we sing, Brueggemann writes, may bring us to a deeper delight in our singing and a strengthened resolve to sing without calculation before the God who is enthroned on the praises of Israel (Ps. 22:3).

Come and stand amazed, you people, See how God is reconciled! See his plans of love accomplished, See his gift, this newborn child. Rediscover the miracle of Christ's birth with this compelling collection of classic Christmas sermons from legendary figures of the faith, including John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wyclif, Jerome, Augustine, and Thomas ?? Kempis. Each sermon includes a brief introduction to and interpretation of the message, along with an appropriate hymn text, inviting you to linger over the oft-told narratives and events of Christmas. Designed to help worshipers pray more deeply, understand more clearly, and touch more truly, these sermons from the past will spark fresh, effective ideas for today's preachers. The words of these classic giants of faith will also bring inspiration and joy to personal Advent devotions. Share in the treasures of the classic Christian tradition through this thought-provoking collection. "This is a wonderfully inspiring collection of some of the church's best preaching on the Incarnation. Ancient wisdom becomes contemporary inspiration in this great collection of sermons and hymns."-William H. Willimon, dean of the chapel, professor of Christian ministry, Duke University

The biblical Psalms are, without doubt, a valuable source for Christian worship, but the vast text can prove daunting without direction. John D. Witvliet offers a solution with this brief but comprehensive survey of key theological themes, practical guidelines, and published resources related to the use of the Psalms.

Arranged in symphonic form with a "prelude" and "interludes," "The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship" opens with a foundation of words about the Psalms from our wise church fathers, followed by a broad meditation on the basics of worship. Witvliet follows with an extensive tutorial on choosing a Psalm, engaging a congregation, deciding whether to speak or sing the text, and many other practical solutions for integrating Psalms into congregational worship for any generation.

By including both classroom exercises and a brief musical Psalm sampler as helpful appendices, Witvliet provides all the resources necessary to spark a renewed engagement with the Psalms in community and public worship. This will be an important text for pastors and worship leaders desiring to lead their congregations to renewal.

This indispensable volume is the most comprehensive resource on the Psalms for use in Christian worship ever published. It offers a single-volume anthology of psalm use, covering the history, reception, and practice of the Psalms in Christian worship. The book contains all 150 psalms, most in multiple formats, and utilizes a wide variety of musical and spoken settings. It also provides complete musical settings for morning and evening prayer. Each psalm appears in its actual biblical text, including as responsive readings. This invaluable resource for churches of all traditions is well suited to congregational use, helping pastors, worship leaders and planners, and choirs bring the Psalms back into the heart of congregational worship.

This rich, inviting volume illumines Paul?'s letter to the Philippians through evocative juxtapositions of visual images, poetry, and other worship-related arts with theological reflections, prayers, and more. The book?'s multidimensional approach creates abundant space for unhurried contemplation, whether in individual reflection or group study. It invites readers to dwell with Philippians to slow down, to explore the texture and palette of Paul?'s message in a deliberately measured way, to be drawn into the mystery, beauty, and life-changing power of this joyful biblical letter. In this beautiful book, a vast communion of artists, theologians, historians, poets, and worshipers surrounds one letter from the Apostle Paul. Rich selections from the work of these witnesses provide varied opportunities for both newcomers and lifelong Bible readers to envision and encounter God?'s Word in fresh ways. When received with attention and pondered in prayer, the resources gathered here can expand imagination, deepen discernment, and encourage faithful living. Dorothy C. Bass American Christians are in too much of a hurry. We miss out on most of what is right in front of us. When this most is in the Bible, our faith and obedience and prayer are impoverished. This conversation with Philippians slows us down to a stroll so we can take it all in God?'s word not as instruction but as companion. All of us need this. Eugene H. Peterson This wonderful commentary makes Philippians come alive in new ways. The combination of rich visual experience with creative written commentary has made me a more engaged biblical dweller Richard Mouw This beautifully produced book, through its skillful interweaving of images and texts, allows the Apostle Paul to speak in fresh and unexpected ways. A striking and original initiative. Jeremy Begbie Not much in our frazzled life encourages us to slow down and savor God?'s presence in Scripture. The images, prayers, and reflections in this beautiful book work this miracle. Dwelling with Philippians is slow food for the spirit Keep it beside you, pray with it, give it to your friends, your family and especially to your pastor William Dyrness