How are Christians responding to a God that would allow COVID-19 and human suffering? In this 2-part online series with Rev. Dr. Gregory Love, he guides us through four main models of the Christian response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watching this series will help you better understand what many different Christians mean when they talk about suffering, including in the media, and also help you figure out your own view. Gregory Love is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at San Francisco Theological Seminary and The Graduate Theological Union. Dr. Love’s research, writing, and teaching have focused on bringing three voices together: the sciences, contemporary theology, and feminist theory. Dr. Love is also a Presbyterian pastor, and speaks and teaches frequently in church venues, where he enjoys making difficult theological material come to life for people whose daily vocations are in the public sphere.
Talking with Kids About the Order of Worship in the Bulletin.
If I visited Calvary for the first time and had not been to a Presbyterian church before, I would want someone to help me understand what I was doing throughout the order of worship. This blog provides an example of how some churches annotate their bulletins so children, youth, and adults can learn more about why we choose to read, sing, pray, and listen at certain times during the worship service. Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church (www.hbpres.net) in Louisville, Kentucky offers a model of how to explain the order of worship.
Being transparent about how we worship together is in line with our reformed tradition. We can read and interpret the Bible ourselves, as well as worship and say prayers with our own bodies. Many years ago, a priest would do all of this while the congregation sat or stood. It is important for parents to share with their children that all people have the freedom to contribute to a worship service. By singing, listening, praying, and sharing, we get to know each other and witness each other’s talents and inspiring work. Fellowship and education events are only part of the ways that we form our faith together. Participating in worship is what binds us together each Sunday, so that we can support each other at or outside of church during the week.
