National Immigrants Day is a day when we can remember how the United States is a country built by immigrants, many of whom overcame the most challenging obstacles to settle here. To mark the occasion, please we screened three powerful short films created by Working Films for the Stories Beyond Borders project—one that includes scenes of an event hosted by the Living Sanctuary Team at Calvary a few years ago! These documentaries feature real stories of the strength and resilience of immigrants while illustrating ways we can love our neighbors by giving our time, energy, and resources to support those seeking a better life for their families, like many of our ancestors did before us.
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.
