By Chaplain Mike We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. • Hebrews 6:11-12 (NIV) I amContinue reading “Living In the In-Between”
Category Archives: Christian Seasons
My Christmas Poet
By Chaplain Mike For years now, a favorite book in my library has been an old worn copy of The Poetical Works of Christina Georgina Rossetti, published in 1904. A brief note in fountain pen ink inside the cover says that it was given as a Christmas gift in 1908, and a sticker in theContinue reading “My Christmas Poet”
Advent I—Fervent in Hope
By Chaplain Mike Text for Advent I—Isaiah 2:1-5 On each Sunday of Advent, we light a candle on the Advent Wreath, gradually turning darkness to light to mark the coming of Jesus. There is no universal liturgy attached to the candlelighting, but this year we will follow a common way of expressing its significance. TheContinue reading “Advent I—Fervent in Hope”
Another Look: Evangelicalism and Special Seasons
By Chaplain Mike Note from CM: This article was originally posted on Dec. 2, 2009. As we prepare to mark Advent and Christmas again this year, I thought we might revisit it and discuss how our churches approach special seasons. When I ministered in suburban evangelical churches (nine years in one as worship pastor), thereContinue reading “Another Look: Evangelicalism and Special Seasons”
Church Year Spirituality: Faith of Our Family
By Chaplain Mike When I was a pastor in local non-denominational congregations, I found it difficult to maintain a sense of cohesion and togetherness within the church’s program. Each church, of course, had its own traditions, and they created a certain level of family identity and oneness. But I’m talking about something deeper than whenContinue reading “Church Year Spirituality: Faith of Our Family”
Church Year Spirituality: Some Resources
By Chaplain Mike Over this past week, many have asked about resources for understanding and keeping the Church Year. I have compiled a starter list here in three categories: Books that give an overview of the Church Year to help individuals, families, and churches grasp its basic concepts and begin participating in Church Year spirituality.Continue reading “Church Year Spirituality: Some Resources”
Christ the King Sunday
By Chaplain Mike Today is “The Feast of Christ the King” the final Sunday in the church year. This feast of worship is not some relic from medieval times, when kings ruled the earth. No, “Christ the King” Sunday is one of most recent additions to the church calendar. It was introduced in 1925 byContinue reading “Christ the King Sunday”
iMonk Classic: Do You Know What Your Church Is Doing Next Sunday?
Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From Feb 23, 2009 Note from CM: Here is one of Michael Spencer’s posts on the Church Year and how it might be used fruitfully by evangelicals. “Part of the problem is that evangelicals really don’t have traditions,†said Carter. “Instead, we have these fads that are built onContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Do You Know What Your Church Is Doing Next Sunday?”
Church Year Spirituality: The Eastern Orthodox Calendar
Note from CM: In our “Church Year Spirituality” series, I have focused on the calendar of the Western church, and have done so in an intentionally general way. This is the church to which I belong, and so I speak from that perspective. I have not focused on specific differences between traditions within the WesternContinue reading “Church Year Spirituality: The Eastern Orthodox Calendar”
Church Year Spirituality: Practical Wisdom
By Chaplain Mike The freest time in our adult life was after we were married and before we had children. Having graduated from college, we were no longer bound by a school schedule. We lived in a small, iconic Vermont village where the pace of life was slow, the program of our church modest, andContinue reading “Church Year Spirituality: Practical Wisdom”
The Internet Monk Archives 