We continue from our previous episode to discuss the resources for the month of November posted on our website. The Worship Team shares the thinking behind the decision to depart from the lectionary and present a three-week series on the theme of Gratitude: “Our Hymn of Grateful Praise.” Listen in as we unpack some familiar biblical texts and liturgy and music as well as some creative ideas on how to incorporate Thanksgiving and Christ the King into the worship experience of the local church.

Worship Matters: Episode 95 – Resources for November and Christ the King

What could be more fun than planning for Advent and Christmas? Join the Worship Team as we present the resources prepared for the upcoming Advent season: Our Spirit Waits. The season of Advent reminds us both that we are waiting for the promise to be fulfilled and that this waiting is an active, passionate longing for what God has in store for us all. Listen in as we discuss resources and possibilities for a memorable and meaningful season of Advent worship.

Worship Matters: Episode 96 – Resources for Advent & Christmas

The Worship Team continues the journey through Year B with a discussion about Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord. There are some significant events coming up in this season, so listen in to how worship can help your church in “Becoming the People of God.” Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary, as you know, so let this season in January be a time of revitalization and hope for your local context. Then we present our standalone series for Transfiguration, titled “Crossing Over,” as a great transition from the Season after Epiphany into the Season of Lent. Join us as we present the themes and suggestions for this significant season.

Worship Matters: Episode 97 – Resources for Epiphany and Ordinary Time

Here on the brink of another calendar year, the Worship Team shares some details – and some excitement – about the things that are coming for 2024. We start with the familiar and the Lenten worship resources already available, but then go on into worship webinars, teaching materials on sacraments and membership, workshops for annual conferences, the new iteration of School of Congregational Development coming in the summer, Hey Preacher, and much, much more. Listen in and be prepared to join us in our enthusiasm for what we are becoming together.

Worship Matters: Episode 98 – Preview of Coming Attractions

The season of Lent begins on Valentine’s Day in 2024. It seems a strange juxtaposition and yet a perfect opportunity to spend time reflecting on Depths of Love, which is our Lenten theme. Far from a hearts and flowers expression, the love presented in the Gospels gives us insight into the God we worship and the calling we have to live out this love by the commandment to love one another. Join the worship team as we discuss the possibilities for this important season and get us ready for Holy Week and the glorious celebration of Easter to come.

Worship Matters: Episode 99 – Resources for Lent

The worship team takes a moment to reflect on the Worship Matters podcast – how it started, what we were trying to accomplish, and what we have learned along the way. We share our favorite episodes and guests, special events, and how Covid and the ongoing disaffiliation impact all redirected some of our content along the way. Listen as the team shares some of the outgrowths of the podcast, leading to Prayers for Anti-racism, the worship webinars, hymnal project updates, Hey Preacher resources, disability ministry, and many other current and future projects were podcast conversations on Worship Matters. Join us for this lighthearted anniversary edition of Worship Matters.

Worship Matters: Episode 100 – A Look Back

Claire K. McKeever-Burgett describes herself as an author, creative contemplative, and spiritual leader who has dedicated her life to bridging spirituality and social justice. The worship team talked with her about her newest book titled “Blessed are the Women: Naming and Reclaiming Women’s Stories from the Gospels.” (Chalice Press) McKeever-Burgett’s imaginative approach to enriching the stories of women, many of whose names are not even recorded in the text, invites all of us to enter into these stories and to hear and be heard in a world that silences some voices. She weaves her own story into the Gospel stories as she encourages her readers to engage in worship and action that leads to justice. Join us for this lively conversation with Claire McKeever-Burgett. You can find more of her writing on Substack: https://clairemckeeverburgett.substack.com.

Worship Matters: Episode 103 – Author Claire K. McKeever-Burgett and ‘Blessed are the Women’

Eastertide makes an early appearance this year, giving us the opportunity to spend the first half of this season of Resurrection preparing for Earth Day, which also happens to be the Fourth Sunday of Easter. In this episode, Lisa Hancock interviews members of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement who were part of a team who wrote many of the worship resources for our Eastertide series, “How Shall We Live.” Tune in to learn more about these worship resources, as well as tools and ideas for integrating creation justice into worship throughout the year!

If you would like to learn more and get involved in the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement, you can find more information here: https://umcreationjustice.org/. You can also find more worship resources developed by the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement here: https://umcreationjustice.org/library/.

Worship Matters: Episode 101 – Eastertide and the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement

Sustaining the glow after Easter Sunday has passed is always a struggle for the local congregation. The Worship Team shares the resources prepared for more of Eastertide and looks forward to another celebration of Pentecost. Last episode we presented the resources for the first three weeks after Easter in a collaboration with members of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement (See Worship Matters Episode 101). Now we continue with another three weeks with a series called “How Shall We Love.” Central to our Christian witness is the command to love God and love neighbor. But what should that love look like in our own context? Join us as we share these resources. And then let’s plan for a grand and glorious Pentecost Sunday, with “These Bones Shall Live,” a weaving of Ezekiel and Acts to tell the story we need to hear today.

Worship Matters: Episode 102 – Resources for Easter Season and Pentecost Sunday

“Worship Matters” is a podcast from the worship team of Discipleship Ministries, designed to deal with the intricacies of planning worship each week. Hosted by Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Executive Director of Worship Ministries and the Director of Liturgical Ministries; Dr. Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Director of Music Ministries; and Dr. Derek Weber, Director of Preaching Ministries, this podcast explores how to plan worship using the common lectionary while creating worship experiences and series that are engaging, relevant, and adaptable for any church setting.

Worship Matters: Episode 102 – Resources for Easter Season and Pentecost Sunday

Worship Matters

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