The recent call to refocus on word and sacrament in church liturgy is explored in these musings about how parish ministers, choir directors, and lay leaders can return to basics in their Sunday services without changing the long-time programs valued by their congregations. The worry that that skillful public speaking and trained musicians may become "entertainment" for a passive audience is discussed, as is the challenge of finding a balanced approach to the "relevance" problem--the result of ministers focusing their sermons on modern social dilemmas at the expense of the more authentic church service of established liturgy and biblical interpretation.

For those grieving the loss of a loved one or searching for consolation and hope, this spiritual guide creates a framework for the journey toward healing. Helping mourners progress from a state of raw grief, sorrow, anger, and isolation to an awareness of the wounded heart and finally to a dawning awareness of the strength of faith, the book outlines a series of comforts to be used as befits the individual's situation. Psalms, words of comfort and courage, songs of sadness and renewed joys, a guide to individual prayer or prayers with others, and outlines for simple prayer services are provided to aid the healing soul.