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Free in Christ: Worship
"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2). Read how three churches* offer worship services that fit their context. The first is from John Bortulin, pastor at St. John, Mukwonago, Wis.
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My station on any given Sunday is outside the front doors, anxiously waiting and watching for those who walk up the sidewalk. It can be quite the sight! Every last one of them, even those whom I have never met, is an answer to prayer. Even more important, every last one of them is so precious to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life, his blood, for them.
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What shall they find? Whom shall they find? What will the next 60 minutes look like?
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All congregations are going to do something when they gather. In freedom, we make decisions, not just because but with these individuals in mind, with Christ Jesus in mind—Christ Jesus who is for them.
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By providing a snapshot of some things we are currently doing in our church family, I am not implying that this is what should be done in every context. These are things the Lord has graciously blessed in our context.
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Children matter. Jesus welcomed children (Mark 10: 13-16), and so do we. A pastor’s smile and his genuine warmth will say it clearly: We want your children here. They are ours too. What can we do to help you, dear young parent? How can we make this easier? Let the service folder notes, the announcements, the space, the messages, the constant reminders in forums and studies show this desire.
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*Also included are examples from Trinity, Crete, Ill. (pictured above), and Tree of Life, Cary, N.C.
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Lydia Kratz, a member at Our Savior, Birmingham, Ala., doesn’t remember how she got started in art. “I just never stopped,” she says. “I was drawing all the time.” Now a senior majoring in studio art at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn., Kratz . . .
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More than 70 individuals attended the WELS Staff Ministry Conference, Sept. 19–21, at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. This was the first time conference attendee Rakel Drechsler was back at MLC since 2005, when she was an international student . . .
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The Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) reached a milestone this year: 40 years of helping WELS seniors serve in God’s kingdom. To WELS members throughout the United States, OWLS offers a sense of active purpose to those who are retired and/or 55 . . .
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