Author Archives: Chaplainmike

Singing in Community

One of the earliest forms of American folk music speaks to the power of people singing together in community. As Steven Sabol says in his article, “Sacred Harp Singing: History & Tradition”  — “At Sacred Harp singings and conventions, participants sing the powerful and harmonious American music from The Sacred Harp, the most enduring of the shape-noteContinue reading “Singing in Community”

Review: Hymns for the Christian Life

Hymns for the Christian Life by Keith and Kristyn Getty * * * Respected modern singer/songwriters and hymn composers Keith and Kristyn Getty have released another fine album of serious contemporary music in their characteristic Celtic style (along with some bluegrass tunes) for the church. It’s called “Hymns for the Christian Life,” and it dealsContinue reading “Review: Hymns for the Christian Life”

iMonk Classic: How “Traditional” is the Traditional Service?

Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer from July, 2007 Note from CM: This piece from Michael Spencer is five years old. During that time, I have been worshiping mostly in a Lutheran church where these observations don’t apply. I’ve been a bit out of the loop on what has been happening on Sunday mornings inContinue reading “iMonk Classic: How “Traditional” is the Traditional Service?”

Announcing The iMonk Book Club

Put on your reading glasses, my fellow iMonks. We are introducing a book club here at the iMonastery. Chaplain Mike will be taking a very well-earned sabbatical during the month of November as he completes coursework toward his ordination in the Lutheran church. I considered spending the month pondering the question, “When will Cincinnati everContinue reading “Announcing The iMonk Book Club”

Sacramental Thoughts for Sundays: “The Visible, Tangible Prop”

Sacramental Thoughts for Sundays Sunday, October 21, 2012 “The Visible, Tangible Prop,” from Luther: Man Between God and the Devil, by Heiko Oberman * * * Trust in the alien Word determined the way Luther experienced, interpreted, and defended the sacraments of baptism and holy communion. The Devil, that master of subjectivity, lurks in theContinue reading “Sacramental Thoughts for Sundays: “The Visible, Tangible Prop””

A Few Random Thoughts I’ve Had and Heard Lately

from Nadia Bolz-Weber: “…we heard UCC pastor Lillian Daniel say that she doesn’t go to church to have her needs met. She goes to church to have her needs changed. The Gospel of Jesus Christ will never meet your needs, but brothers and sisters watch out. Because it WILL change your needs. And that isContinue reading “A Few Random Thoughts I’ve Had and Heard Lately”

Saturday Ramblings 10.20.12

Greetings from the infirmary here at the iMonastery. Your Rambler has the crud once again. Allergies? Raging cold? Cooties? Who knows? I just know my nose is running more than a Kenyan preparing for the Olympics. My head feels like a brick smashed into it. Or at least like a brick itself. John Michael Talbot, whoContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 10.20.12”

Peter Enns on Reasons to Not Give Up on Fundamentalists

Yesterday, Pete Enns ran a great post about why he (and blogs like IM) should remain engaged in loving conversation with those in more fundamentalist traditions of the faith who disagree with us. Here are the nine reasons he listed: 1. Fundamentalists are human beings and therefore are of infinite worth. 2. Fundamentalists are my brothers andContinue reading “Peter Enns on Reasons to Not Give Up on Fundamentalists”

Guest Post: WTH on “There Is neither Art nor Pop, neither Indie or Mainstream…”

Note from CM: Long-time friend of IM and fellow at Michael’s Boar’s Head Tavern, Wenatchee the Hatchet is a classical guitarist and composer who blogs HERE. He is always thoughtful and thorough in what he writes, so I am delighted that he could contribute a post to our “Church Music Month.” * * * ThereContinue reading “Guest Post: WTH on “There Is neither Art nor Pop, neither Indie or Mainstream…””