(This appears at Crosswalk.com) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Does it ever … Read More
This list “Top 15 Soul Soothing Songs” began because of a new Facebook friendship. I “friended” author David Dark (The Sacredness of Questioning Everything ), which led me to think about the exceptional music of his wife– Sarah Masen. I found one of my favorite Masen songs on YouTube, “75 Grains of Sand” (# 4 on this list), and the … Read More
Just posted to the New Renaissance Arts Movement blog, a fascinating video about visual design in the local church by Betsey Steele Halstead, from a class she led for Sojourn Visual Arts. She shares several inspiring examples of design in churches. I’m always looking for ways to improve the stage and sanctuary design of our church and this talk gave … Read More
The first thing I noticed when I walked out of the airport in Boise, Idaho was an unusual sweet scent in the air, kind of like marshmallows and flowers. My hosts didn’t smell it so I wondered if it was my imagination or maybe the hand soap I used in Salt Lake City. Either way, I like being greeted by a nice scent in a new … Read More
By J. Scott McElroy and Jessie Nilo Just imagine if the local church became the place in culture to experience beauty, creativity, and transcendence. Hundreds of years ago churches were, in many ways, centers for these experiences. Somehow, over time we’ve abdicated that role. Now, many churches are moving in that direction again and there’s a growing desire to begin … Read More