This year at Cornerstone, the huge music festival set in a corn field in Illinois, there will be a formal “(re)marriage of worship and the arts.” Cornerstone is known for their music, yet it has always promoted visual arts. But this year, they are specifically focusing on their visual arts program, called Burning Brush. Part of this experience will include a Labyrinth featuring the Stations of the Cross, as well as a Pilgrimage, displaying art on the Names of God. Cornerstone also incorporates film into their 4-day celebration.
This integration of art and worship only seems natural. Created in God’s image, we have been given the amazing gift of creativity. It is something that we focus on at Merge, too, as we incorporate hands-on activities, visual arts, music and media into our daily activities. At Merge, you can also participate in walk-through experiences such as the Tabernacle and the Journey to the Cross.
In what other ways do you see a marriage of worship and the arts? How can we worship God through the arts?
During my freshman year of high school, a book entitled, The Jesus I Never Knew, was awarded Christian book of the year. Over ten years later, I am just getting around to reading it. And, I wish that I hadn’t waited so long! Philip Yancey (who also wrote What’s So Amazing About Grace?) takes an honest look at the Jesus described in the Gospels. Yancey says, “The Jesus I got to know in writing this book is very different from the Jesus I learned about in Sunday School. In some ways he is more comforting; in some ways more terrifying.” This book is challenging some of my preconceptions and filling in some much needed context in the life of Jesus. It is also forcing me to wrestle with some difficult questions about who Jesus really is and what he expects of me.
The story of God is so fascinating, and I am learning a lot through my experience with Merge. During Merge, we invite you to get into God’s story and relate to the characters. What I am finding is that its central character is more complex than we often allow Him to be. We prefer the Jesus who gives answers, not the One who asks questions. If you haven’t already read this book yet, pick up a copy. You might be really surprised as you take a fresh look at our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth.
I recently read an article about a new book. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but I’m excited to get my hands on it! From what I can tell, it has the potential to stir the hearts and move the hands of Christians across America. Ron Sider, president of Evangelicals for Social Action, and professor at Palmer Theological Seminary, has published a second edition of his book, Just Generosity: A New Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America (Baker Books).
His book challenges Christians in America to take it upon themselves to put an end to poverty by doing more than just donating money, clothes or food. Ron’s vision is for faith-based groups to collaborate with businesses, the media, and the government to defeat poverty in our nation. For those of us less familiar with the issue, Ron provides a great background on the current state of poverty in America—with statistics, a review of current policies, as well as policy suggestions for the future.
Take a look at this compelling issue and find out how you can be an agent whom God uses to bring restoration to the poor and broken!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue of poverty and how Christians can make a difference—maybe you have a story of how some are already making a difference. Or, if you’ve read this book or others like it, we’d love to hear your feedback!
Brandon Grissom was the music leader at Merge last summer in Chicago, and we are excited about the new album that he has come out with called Scattered Around! Not only are Brandon and his wife Beki some of the coolest people we know, Brandon is the Worship Leader for Elevate - the junior high ministry at Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago suburbs.
Check out his website at http://www.purevolume.com/brandongrissom…you can listen to some of Brandon’s music (and buy it!), email him, and link to his MySpace page. So, check it out!
I just finished reading Presence-Centered Youth Ministry by Mike King, president of YouthFront.
This is a very good book that thought-fully addresses the need for a paradigm shift in youth ministry (and church ministry). I believe this work is helping to redefine youth ministry… here are a few excerpts that stood out to me:
“The notion of youth workers as entertainers and program directors must give way to youth workers as authentic shepherds, spiritual guides with a holy anointing to lead youth into the presence of God.” P. 25
“The way of the kingdom is through relationships, not events. Youth workers who serve as spiritual guides for youth nurture a presence-centered youth ministry by engaging in the hard work of creating an environment of authentic community.” P.69
If you are a student out there, let us know what you think about this!!
