These are copied or expanded versions of our ‘In Preparation’ notes used most weeks at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. They are intended to help us prepare for worship by calling attention to either a theme or a particular element of the service.
On my desk is a tome entitled “Reformation Worship,” edited by Jonathan Gibson and Mark Earngey. It’s 688 pages of historical material and commentary on “Liturgies from the past for the present.” I reference it off and on and find that this subtitle holds true. Browsing through old liturgies causes me to evaluate and consider […]
Reformation Sunday 2024 Read More »
Each year there are a few services that call for repeating certain elements. During seasons like Advent or Easter we look forward to singing old favorites and reading certain passages. Though it’s not one of the evangelical feast days, Reformation Sunday has become one of those times. Reading Psalm 46 and singing A Mighty Fortress
Reformation Sunday Read More »
Psalm of the Month for October 2022 The beginning is a very good place to start. Psalm 1 serves as an introduction to the Psalter. It lays out the contrast that can be seen throughout the book. There are two paths, two approaches, two types of people: the righteous and the wicked. The version we
Blessed Are All They, Psalm 1 Read More »
Worship notes for July 3, 2022. In Isaiah 28:12 the Lord calls his people to find rest and repose, but they would not listen. Not much has changed. Sometimes I wonder if it’s because we prefer our anxiousness. In any case, when I am anxious I don’t rest well, and I probably don’t listen well
Refreshment for the Restless Read More »
Worship Notes for June 26, 2022 The two themes woven throughout our service today are the fear of the Lord and the Lord’s compassion. Without the fear of God we obey self, others, or the prevailing culture. Without the Lord’s compassion we would not know his salvation. The two midwives in Exodus 1 were commanded
For many churches certain worship services or seasons look very similar from year to year: Advent and Christmas, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Sunday, Pentecost, etc. To this short list we could add Reformation Sunday and Thanksgiving. In our context all this is very intentional, and not simply traditional. Christmas Carols become old
CCC Worship Notes for March 13, 2022 This week we will study a fairly gruesome passage of Scripture. Genesis 34 is not the most uplifting section… What songs do you sing when dealing with defilement and murder? At the very least you can say that Jacob did not provide stellar leadership. Knowing that is at least