What’s a Playlist?
May Playlist
Lead
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
5/1/25
Introduction
What makes a good leader? Is it personality? Is it charisma? Is it a skill set? What does it mean to let God lead you? Where do you think Jesus is leading you? These are some questions to ask as we work our way through the Lead Playlist this month.
Lead & Prayer
The following is a prayer from the ELW. Although lead does not appear in the prayer, it certainly is a prayer asking God to lead us in all aspects of our lives. Use it as your guide as you work your way through our Lead Playlist this month.
Into your hands, almighty God, we place ourselves: our minds to know you, our hearts to love you, our wills to serve you, for we are yours. Into your hands, incarnate Savior, we place ourselves: receive us and draw us after you, that we may follow your steps; abide in us and enliven us by the power of your indwelling. Into your hands, O hovering Spirit, we place ourselves: take us and fashion us after your image; let your comfort strengthen, your grace renew, and your fire cleanse us, soul and body, in life and in death, in this world of shadows and in your changeless world of light eternal now and forever. Amen.
Lead & Scripture
Different forms of the word lead appear in the Bible more than four hundred times. For me, the verses that immediately come to mind are the words from the 23rd Psalm. You’ll find the King James Version printed below. Explore it—and maybe other translations—this month. The message of these words is certainly a guide for letting God lead your life.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Lead & The Bible Project
The Bible Project is an online resource for Bible study. The article linked below– “How Does the Bible’s Story Lead to Jesus? Learning to See the Messiah in Every Story”—is written by Shara Drimalla and shows how the story of Jesus starts in Genesis and continues throughout the Bible. Click the link below to read more.
Lead & Pope Francis
The article linked below discusses how Pope Francis led the Catholic Church. It discusses his teachings, decisions, and controversies. It’ll be interesting to see how the next pope leads.
Lead & Poetry
Below you’ll find a poem by theologian and poet John Henry Newman. Read through it several times and consider how you see the theme of lead in the writing.
“Lead, Kindly Light”
John Henry Newman
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,–
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene,–one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
Shouldst lead me on:
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead thou me on!
I loved the garish days, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on;
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
Lead & Generosity
Below you’ll find a link to a TED Talk by Joe Davis, an organizational expert. He shares some thoughts from his experience in the business world on leadership and generosity. How might you apply the idea of generosity in leadership at work, at church, in your home, or in your neighborhood?
Leadership on the Court
We watch a lot of sports at our house. My husband especially likes watching the Golden State Warriors, partly because their coach, Steve Kerr, was one of his beloved University of Arizona Wildcats. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat! Although I’m an ASU fan, I’ve grown to cheer for the Warriors too, partly because Steph Curry is so fun to watch. The Athletic recently wrote the following about Curry, “Throughout his 16-year career, all with the Warriors, Curry has developed into one of the unique leaders of his era. Not overtly demanding or vocal, he challenges traditional ideas of leadership and provides a different framework in which to cajole, rally and inspire. At the heart of Curry’s leadership style is one word, repeated again and again by teammates, coaches and staffers. It’s the same word he uses for his end-of-workout games: Joy.” Leading with joy . . . we all could learn from that! For more on Curry’s leadership style, click the link below to read an article from Forbes.
Leadership at the Movies
Some of the most memorable characters in film are remembered because they’re leaders. Click the link below to watch some movie clips displaying characteristics of leaders. ***Be aware that there’s some mature language in this video.
Lead & Music
Here’s some music connected to our lead theme.
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”—Hymns of Grace
“Lead Me, Guide Me”—Notre Dame Folk Choir
“Lead Me Home”—Jamey Johnson
“Leader of the Band”—Dan Fogelberg
March & April Playlist
Lent
Everything in Between
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
3/1/25
Introduction
Desert Cross is using materials from A Sanctified Art for Lent this year. Everything in Between: Meeting God in the Midst of Extremes will take us from Ash Wednesday to Easter. We hope you find useful material from this Lenten Playlist as you walk through the season this year.
Lent & Prayer
The following is a prayer from the ELW. It demonstrates the “in between” of life from dust and the reality of living life with the knowledge of our mortality. Use it as your guide as you work your way through our Lenten Playlist.
Gracious God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and our neighbors. Call forth our prayers and acts of kindness, and strengthen us to face our mortality with confidence in the mercy of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lent & Scripture
During this Lenten season, we’ll be hearing “in between” stories from the Bible. They’re stories from Luke that demonstrate two things and how they’re connected. Check out the list below and read through them over these next forty days.
Intention & Action—Luke 9:51-62
Stranger & Neighbor—Luke 10:25-37
Faith & Works—Luke 10:38-42
Rest & Growth—Luke 13:6-9
Lost & Found—Luke 15:1-7
Righteousness & Mercy—Luke 19:1-10
Shouting & Silence—Luke 19:29-40
Power & Humility—Luke 22:1-27
Acceptance & Resistance—Luke 23:32-49
Grief & Hope—Luke 24:1-12
Lent & Theme Logo
Take a look at the theme logo at the top of the Lenten Playlist. Below you’ll find the story of the logo from A Sanctified Art.
In the logo, the two hands reaching toward each other represent our longing for connection despite the politics, assumptions, beliefs, and narratives that divide us. The hands look as if they are reaching in for a handshake, but they are paused just before they connect. The negative space in between the hands creates the shape of a doorway, symbolizing hospitality or a pathway forward. The doorway invites us to look for God in the spaces in between. In the typography, the “in” is bracketed, emphasizing the promise that God shows up in surprising ways and unexpected places, but is present in it all. The shape of the hands further echoes the bracket shape. Grammatically, brackets are used to provide additional explanation or information. The brackets around the [in] represent the charge to each of us: to dig deeper into complexity and nuance, to ask questions and stay curious, and to be open to where God might meet us along the way.
Lent & The Basics
Click the link below for a lesson on “the basics” of Lent. It’s a great summary of the season and its meaning.
Lent & Poetry
The following poem is by Rev. Sarah Speed of A Sanctified Art. It demonstrates the “in between” theme.
“Both, Please”
It’s one thing to speak of love. It’s another
to hold a newborn in your arms,
to sing someone to sleep,
to lean down and listen to their breathing.
It’s one thing to speak of faith. It’s another
to press your forehead to the floor,
to cry out in prayer,
to ask the hard questions and still
thank God for the meal.
It’s one thing to speak of the Divine. It’s another
to walk under a tunnel of wisteria,
to stand barefoot at the edge of the sea,
to hear the birds sing as the sun returns
and whisper, Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It’s one thing and another, so I pray,
Give me both, please. Show me both, please.
Lent & The Bible Project
The Bible Project is an online resource for Bible study. You’ll find a video link below that walks us through Holy Week.
Lent & Music
Below you’ll find some music connected to Lent.
“I want Jesus to Walk with Me”
“Go to Dark Gethsemane”
February Playlist
Wisdom
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
2/1/25
Introduction
I love watching police dramas. I think it comes from watching TV shows with my dad when I was a kid. We watched many of them and tried to solve the crimes together. Mike and I have been streaming an AMC show on Netflix called Dark Winds, and we’re looking forward to Season 3 starting next month on AMC. The main characters are Navajo Tribal Police Officers, and the show follows the cases they’re investigating. The cases are interesting, and the show gives you some insight into the culture on the reservation. One of the things I’ve noticed is how often they refer to the Wisdom of the Elders. They respect the previous generations and the lessons learned from them. This month’s Playlist theme is Wisdom. Come along with us as we explore the Wisdom we learn from God.
Wisdom & Prayer
We continue in the Season of Epiphany this month. The following prayer is from Walter Brueggemann’s Prayers for a Privileged People. Use the prayer this month as you work your way through the Wisdom Playlist.
The wise ones hurried from the East. They are the wise ones from the world. They are the ones wise in science, for they read the “intelligent design” of the stars. They are the wise ones of the economy, for they come with gold. They are the wise ones of politics, for they sought a king. They are our delegates, as we stand carrying all the learning of the academy, of the market, of the laboratory, of the halls of power.
They came, tenaciously and eagerly and regally. They came and bowed down before your foolishness. They sensed the contradiction between his vulnerability and their sagacity, between his innocence and their calculation, between his exposure and their many concealing robes of power.
They worshiped him! They recognized that he called into question all that they treasured, so they yielded their best to him, their preciousness, their secret potions, their rich perfumes.
And we stand alongside them with our wealth, our control, our smarts, our sophistication, our affluence.
Give us freedom like theirs to yield, to worship, to adore, to have our lives contradicted.
Give us grace like theirs to embrace the foolishness of the child, that the first will be last and the last first, that the humble will be exalted and the exalted humbled, that we may lose the world and gain our lives.
Give us the imagination like theirs to go home by another route on the path where foolishness is wisdom and weakness is strength and poverty is wealth. Make our new foolishness specific that the world might become – through us – new. Amen.
Wisdom & Scripture
Several books in the Bible are referred to as Wisdom books. Spend some time this month reading through Proverbs. Use the link below for a study of Proverbs offered by Enter the Bible, a resource from Luther Seminary. You can work your way through the course over the next few weeks.
Wisdom & The Bible Project
The Bible Project is an online resource for Bible study. You’ll find two video links below. The first one discusses the Book of Proverbs and Wisdom literature. The second one is an overview of the Book of Proverbs.
Wisdom & Native American Wisdom
The link below will take you to a page labeled Native American Wisdom. It includes quotes representing several tribes. Spend some time exploring it.
Wisdom & Poetry
When I searched for poems related to our Wisdom theme, Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” popped up. It’s a short poem, yet it has much to say. You’ll find it printed below. How do you think it connects to our Wisdom theme?
“Nothing Gold Can Stay”
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.
Wisdom & Wicked
Did you see Wicked? One writer saw the character of Elphaba similar to the prophets in the Bible. Curious? Click the link below to read the article. Spoiler Alert: If you’re planning on seeing the movie, you may want to wait to read it.
Wisdom & The Basics
Below you’ll find an article from Psychology Today. It’ll give you an overview of Wisdom and some research and theories looking into it.
Wisdom & Music
Below you’ll find some music connected to our Wisdom theme.
“Beloved, God’s Chosen”
“Praise and Thanksgiving”
“Lights of Home”
January Playlist
Epiphany
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
1/1/25
Introduction
When I taught high school English, a highlight each year was teaching To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s a powerful book, and we had great class discussions exploring its themes. The father, Atticus, is raising his children, Jem and Scout, in the South and dealing with some harsh realities of life. Death. Racism. Prejudice. Poverty. Loss. Throughout the book, Atticus tries to teach his children to look at things from another person’s viewpoint. That’s a difficult lesson for all of us, especially for children. Towards the end of the book, Scout has an epiphany as she stands on her misjudged neighbor’s front porch and looks at their town and its people from his point of view. It’s a powerful scene as she suddenly understands some of what her father has been trying to teach her. This month’s Playlist Theme is Epiphany. If it’s been a while since you’ve read the book, this month might be a good time to reread it.
Epiphany & Prayer
The following prayer is from the Lutheran Book of Worship. Use the prayer this month as you work your way through the Epiphany Playlist.
Almighty and ever-living God, you revealed the incarnation of your Son by the brilliant shining of a star. Shine the light of your justice always in our hearts and over all lands, and accept our lives as the treasure we offer in your praise and for your service, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Epiphany & Scripture
The Epiphany of Our Lord is January 6. The assigned Gospel Reading for that day is Matthew 2:1-12. Take some time to read through those verses several times this month.
Epiphany & Enter the Bible
Below you’ll find two links from the Enter the Bible, a website from Luther Seminary. The first one defines Epiphany. The second one gives some background on Matthew 2:1-12.
Enter the Bible–Matthew 2:1-12
Epiphany & The Magi
The article below is from Christianity Today. It discusses the coming of the Magi, and it lists other Epiphany examples in the Bible. Read through it and look up the Bible stories listed.
Epiphany & Pope Francis
In last year’s Epiphany message, Pope Francis told listeners, “The Magi teach us that an encounter with God opens us up to a greater reality, which makes us change our way of life and transform our world.” He encouraged followers to look at the Epiphany as an invitation to serve others. Click the link below to read more.
Epiphany & A Blessing
We’ve heard blessings by Jan Richardson shared in worship services at Desert Cross. Below you’ll find a link to one of her blessings for Epiphany.
Epiphany & Art
Vanderbilt University Divinity Library has an interesting website where you can search for artwork by scripture verses or lectionary day. Pastor Andrea found this painting for Epiphany. It’s titled “Awake My Soul” by Mike Moyers. He writes, “I firmly believe that art is a communion with the soul. Through my art, I strive to make known the beauty and wonder of life and faith.”
Vanderbilt University Divinity Library
Epiphany & NASA
The artwork above looks like a star to me. That made me think of stars in the sky, and that made me think of the images we’ve seen from NASA. Below you’ll find a link to information about the James Webb Space Telescope. You’ll also find a link to a slideshow of images from 2024.
Epiphany & Music
Below you’ll find some music related to light, a symbol of Epiphany. Enjoy!
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
“Christ Be Our Light”
“This Little Light of Mine”
December Playlist
Beginning
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
12/1/24
Introduction
I’ve been thinking about beginnings lately. When you meet someone, do you recognize the beginning of a friendship? When you go out on a first date, do you know it’s the beginning of a years long relationship? When you develop a new interest, do you see the beginning of a vocation? When you share your faith with someone, do know you’re planting seeds that may take a long, long time to grow? We’re exploring Beginning in our Playlist this month and in our Advent theme, Words for the Beginning.
Beginning & Scripture
The following prayer is from The Morning Blessing in Luther’s Small Catechism. Use the prayer this month as you work your way through the Beginning Playlist.
I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I ask that you would also protect me today from sin and all evil, so that my life and actions may please you. Into your hands I commend myself: my body, my soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel be with me, so that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Beginning & Scripture
Let’s focus on Genesis 1 and John 1 this month. Both chapters start with “In the beginning” and tell a story. One of creation. One of birth. Read through both chapters a couple of times this month and see what new things you notice.
Beginning & Genesis
Below you’ll find a link to an article from Enter the Bible, a website from Luther Seminary. It discusses the opening of Genesis.
Beginning & John
Below is a video from Enter the Bible focusing on the opening of John.
Beginning & Living Lutheran
Below you’ll find a link to an article from Living Lutheran. It explores new beginnings and how each of us can find something new in the Good News.
Beginning & Poetry
Below is a poem titled “In the Beginning” by Dylan Thomas.
“In the Beginning”
In the beginning was the three-pointed star,
One smile of light across the empty face,
One bough of bone across the rooting air,
The substance forked that marrowed the first sun,
And, burning ciphers on the round of space,
Heaven and hell mixed as they spun.
In the beginning was the pale signature,
Three-syllabled and starry as the smile,
And after came the imprints on the water,
Stamp of the minted face upon the moon;
The blood that touched the crosstree and the grail
Touched the first cloud and left a sign.
In the beginning was the mounting fire
That set alight the weathers from a spark,
A three-eyed, red-eyed spark, blunt as a flower,
Life rose and spouted from the rolling seas,
Burst in the roots, pumped from the earth and rock
The secret oils that drive the grass.
In the beginning was the word, the word
That from the solid bases of the light
Abstracted all the letters of the void;
And from the cloudy bases of the breath
The word flowed up, translating to the heart
First characters of birth and death.
In the beginning was the secret brain.
The brain was celled and soldered in the thought
Before the pitch was forking to a sun;
Before the veins were shaking in their sieve,
Blood shot and scattered to the winds of light
The ribbed original of love.
Beginning & Music
It’s Christmas time, so it seems appropriate to start with “The First Noel” by Carrie Underwood.
Here’s “A Child is Born” from Celtic Worship.
From Broadway, here’s a young Hugh Jackman singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.”
And from Chicago . . . well, it’s Chicago!
November Playlist
Believe
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
11/1/24
Introduction
I attended Confirmation classes on Saturday mornings at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, Ohio. Pastor Collins gathered us each week to teach us Bible lessons and Luther’s Small Catechism. Before our Confirmation, we took a written exam, writing out The Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayers, etc. We did a lot of memorization, but I’m not sure how much we understood, how much we absorbed, how much we believed. Yet, those lessons set a foundation of my faith, and I’m grateful for that foundation today. Come along with us this month as we explore faith in our Believe Playlist.
Believe & Prayer
The following prayer is from the ELW. Use the prayer this month as you work your way through the Believe Playlist.
God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Believe & The Apostles’ Creed
Let’s focus on The Apostles’ Creed this month. It’s the statement of faith we recite at worship. You’ll find it printed below. Reread it throughout the month and observe new words, phrases, ideas that stand out to you.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Believe & Guideposts
Below you’ll find a link to an article from Guideposts. With some small word changes, the author makes the creed more personal.
Believe & Luther House of Study
Do you need a refresher course on The Apostles’ Creed? Use the link below to watch three videos from the Luther House of Study, each focusing on a different article of the creed.
Believe & ELCA
Here’s a link to the ELCA’s website with some information on Lutheran teachings and beliefs.
Believe & Living Lutheran
I have a confession. I find great comfort in the doubts of Thomas. He was with Jesus, and still, he has questions. The article linked below comes from Living Lutheran. It makes the case that the doubts of Thomas actually show his faith.
Believe & Pew Research
It’s not new news . . . more and more people in America are not connected to a faith community. Below you’ll find a link to a recent report on a Pew Research study on religion and faith in America.
Believe & Music
Here’s beautiful version of “Just As I am, Without One Plea” performed by Carrie Underwood at The Ryman. I’d love to go there one day.
Just for fun, enjoy “I’m a Believer” by The Monkees. I watched reruns of the TV show after school, and yes, I had huge crush on Davy Jones!
October Playlist
Belong
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
10/1/24
Introduction
I’d say I was a member of Desert Cross before I felt like I belonged at Desert Cross. That’s on me. It took me a while, several years in fact, to join a group here. That’s how I started to meet people, learn their stories, and make connections. It takes time and effort to belong to an organization, whether it’s a faith community, an interest club, a neighborhood group, even your family, but there’s so much joy to be found in that sense of belonging! As you work your way through the Belong Playlist, think about how you might help someone feel a sense of belonging at Desert Cross.
Belong & Prayer
The following prayer is from the ELW. As we celebrate 40 years of ministry at Desert Cross, it’s good to look back on those who came before us and the work they did to build this community we now belong to. Use this prayer throughout the month as you work your way through the Belong Playlist.
We thank you, Lord God, for brave and believing people who planted your message in this place. We praise you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who worked in them to gather and give order to this community, and who still sustains it. Remembering all those who have gone before us, we pray that we may follow as they followed, in the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Belong & Scripture
The word belong appears throughout the Bible. Often its reference is to possessions. In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus uses the word differently. Take a look at the verses below. As you read them, remember that we are all God’s children, no matter our age. How are you a part of the kingdom of heaven? How do you belong to God?
Matthew 19:13-15
13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Belong & Living Lutheran
The article linked below comes from Living Lutheran. Although it was published several years ago, we’re still living with division among us. The author challenges all of us to look for what we have in common with one another rather than focusing on our differences.
Belong & The Church
The podcast linked below was on our Worship Playlist last month, but we’re sharing it again on our Belong Playlist as it has some crossover discussion. The podcast, On Point, recently explored the decline in church attendance. Click the link below to listen to the discussion. Consider what we in the Church can learn from it.
Belong & The News
It’s no secret that we’re living through divided times. Those divisions are felt in politics, in neighborhoods, in families. The PBS story below explores the impact those divisions are having on faith communities and why some don’t want to belong to faith communities because of those divisions. It includes Ryan Burge, the pastor and researcher, referenced in the podcast above. Click the link below to watch the story.
Belong & The Loneliness Epidemic
Studies show that loneliness is taking a toll on us. It’s called The Loneliness Epidemic. How do we solve it? Join a book club. Join an exercise group. Join a congregation. Being socially engaged does a lot of good for you and for the community. Click the link below to read more.
Belong & The Loneliness Epidemic
Belong & Poetry
“Belonging”
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer
And if it’s true we are alone,
we are alone together,
the way blades of grass
are alone, but exist as a field.
Sometimes I feel it,
the green fuse that ignites us,
the wild thrum that unites us,
an inner hum that reminds us
of our shared humanity.
Just as thirty-five trillion
red blood cells join in one body
to become one blood.
Just as one hundred thirty-six thousand
notes make up one symphony.
Alone as we are, our small voices
weave into the one big conversation.
Our actions are essential
to the one infinite story of what it is
to be alive. When we feel alone,
we belong to the grand communion
of those who sometimes feel alone—
we are the dust, the dust that hopes,
a rising of dust, a thrill of dust,
the dust that dances in the light
with all other dust, the dust
that makes the world.
Belong & Music
Here’s some music with connections to our Belong theme. Enjoy the listen!
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
“We Are One in Mission”
“What a Fellowship”
“We Belong Together”
September Playlist
Worship
Denise McClellan, Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
9/1/24
Introduction
I clearly remember sitting in Worship as a little girl at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, Ohio. My dad sat between my younger sister and me . . . I’ll let you guess why. He often had a dot-to-dot game going with each of us. It was a way to keep us busy during the service. When the pastor started the sermon, he’d give each of us a piece of gum but never bubble gum! He knew how to keep us quiet! I also remember other things from those Worship services. I remember the congregation singing hymns together. I remember the flowers on the altar arranged by Mrs. Daughters who owned a florist in town. I remember the kids I went to Confirmation with on Saturday mornings. I remember when the Council changed the rules, and girls were allowed to be acolytes. Mostly, I remember the kindness of the people there. Worship, to me, is more than just what happens on Sunday morning. It’s the community gathered together to be God’s people.
Worship & Prayer
The following prayer is from the ELW. Use it as your prayer this month as you work your way through the Worship Playlist.
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Worship & Scripture
There are many passages in the Bible that talk about Worship. Psalm 96 praises God and gives us guidance on how to Worship.
Psalm 96
1 O sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be revered above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!
The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.’
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord; for he is coming,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with his truth.
Worship & Enter the Bible
Below you’ll find a link to a video from Enter the Bible. It’s a website from Luther Seminary. The link explains the Call to Worship and the Call to Justice in the Book of Amos.
Worship & ELCA
Desert Cross is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Below is a link to the ELCA’s website discussing the role of Worship in our faith.
Worship & Living Lutheran
The articles linked below come from Living Lutheran. The magazine recently shared a series on Worship. Take some time to read the articles and see what takeaways you have from them. I especially love the “rules” for worship!
Worship & Why We Worship
Below is a link to an article from The Christian Century by Debie Thomas, Minister of Lifelong Formation and Discipleship at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California. In it, she discusses the practice of Worship. It’s followed by an interview with her.
Worship & The People
Do you remember that song with the hand motions about the Church? I can’t remember the exact words, but it was something like, “Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open it up, and see all the people!” Today we’re asking a question. Where are the people? As we all know, church attendance is on the decline across many denominations in our country. The podcast, On Point, recently explored this decline. Click the link below to listen to the discussion or read the article. Consider what we in the Church can learn from it.
Worship & Music
Here’s some music with connections to our Worship theme. Click the links below and spend some time in Worship.
“You Are Holy”
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
Desert Cross Faith Formation 