By Pastor John Hulden

I started out as a half-time solo pastor at church on the lower Eastside of Saint Paul. Fresh out of seminary, I kept asking, “What are the advantages to our small size? There must be some!” I tried many things. (God bless those wonderful Eastsiders who put up with me and my ideas.) And, every once in a while, something took hold.

For the post-Communion blessing one Sunday, I invited folks to form a circle, holding hands. They graciously agreed. But I really wanted us to sing the post-Communion canticle while standing in a circle. But you can’t hold hands and a hymnbook (and this was waaaaay before projectors and screens).

“What are the advantages to our small size? There must be some!”

Do you remember the continuous paper used in old computer printers? If you are too young, you’ll just have to believe me. That next week, I wrote in block letters all the words to “Thank the Lord and sing his praise” on that continuous roll of paper and the Sunday School kids helped me color in the letters.

With the help of masking tape, the words encircled the walls of our little sanctuary. I don’t know how much it mattered to most people, but I loved that we could hold hands and pray and sing in a circle after being refreshed “through the healing power of this gift of life.”

 

I’M PRIVILEGED TO visit congregations all over our synod. I still get excited when I see or hear of a good idea. Below is a list of a few of them. But please read them with this caution: What makes them so good is they came out of the context of the congregation. Appreciate these ideas (or not), and blessings to you and your worship leaders if they might inspire you.

  • Our Saviour’s in Minneapolis asks worshippers to initial their favorite Bible verse in every one of their confirmation students’ Bibles as the teenagers prepare for Confirmation Sunday.
  • At University Lutheran Church of Hope, the pastor takes time during worship to stand at the baptismal font and share a few words about a saint in their congregation whose funeral service was just held – or is in the coming week. This remembrance of baptism for the living and dead was suggested by a chaplain in the congregation who witnessed the power of God’s baptismal promise in her work every day.
  • As a frequent visitor at worship services, I so appreciate the melody line on the screen instead of just the words. Sometimes I don’t know the tune (although I can tell the worshippers know it well). If the music notes are there, I can join in the singing and feel much more a part of the worship service.
  • Diamond Lake Lutheran doesn’t have Kids’ Sermons; it has “Sermon on the Steps.” You might know I love a good kids’ sermon, but this title reminds everyone – especially us pastors — that we are called to preach, not just have adorable conversations with those young kiddos. (This aligns with Question #3 in my five questions to ask every kids’ sermon.
  • Congregations participating in the Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices cohorts remember their newly discovered neighborhood connections/assets/events/relationships and they become petitions in the Prayers of Intercession on Sunday – written and led by lay leaders.
  • Some congregations incorporate their short mission statement into the Dismissal and Sending so all those gathered leave worship knowing ministry continues out the church doors.

What is a good idea from your congregation?