Carol Hochhalter

This Easter worship service centers around the theme of celebration through festive music, the retelling of the resurrection story from the gospels, communion that focuses on hope and victory, and a commission to serve with joy. Worship leaders may choose from several musical selections and arrangements. Celebrate As We Gather Song: “A Resurrection Declaration” with choir, brass, and bells Roger Thornhill and Victor C. Johnson

It was the Reformation that brought western Christians back to the basics. It is the echoes of the Reformation that continue to call us to reform our ways, not only to claim but to live out the basic tenets of our faith. This worship series is a means to do just that as we commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, reaffirm its teachings, and seek to realign our lives accordingly.

Three times within the last week I have heard of churches that are letting people go hired professionals as well as seasoned volunteers, because they do not fit the image the church is trying to portray. The three churches are in three different states, three different types of communities, and two of them are of the “reformed” persuasion. In each case, the church was honest. And unbiblical. Idolatrous, if I can be frank.

I started walking last June because of a FaceBook challenge put out by a former student. My job is primarily sedentary, and the goal of 10,000 steps a day seemed like a mountain to me. But I started. It was easier in the summer, and more difficult once school and classes and meetings filled my days. I’m on my fourth “tool” to track my steps. As important as meeting my goal was, the trackers have not been the most helpful aid to meeting my goal. Most helpful has been the music of the Psalms.