Fanny Crosby, the poetic songbird was blinded, while only six weeks old, by a quack unlicensed doctor. He permanently scarred her corneas by applying hot mustard poultices to her mildly infected eyes. Her father died when she was just twelve months old, forcing her mother to become a maid to support the family. Despite these tragedies, Crosby never fell into … [Read more...] about Fanny Crosby: Poetic Songbird
Worship
Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
When we accept a theology of suffering there’s the question of how to introduce lament as a truthful, healing practice that leads us back to hope. Worship leader and recording artist Brian Doerksen agrees that offering a space for lament in our worship draws us together as community, reminding us we’re not alone in our feelings of hopelessness and grief. Taking it one step … [Read more...] about Lament and the Church: Part 2, in the context of worship
John and Mary Newton: the transforming power of grace
John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace, the world’s best-known song, believed in the transforming power of Grace. Being an only child, he was deeply loved by his godly mother Elizabeth who taught him the Holy scriptures. She longed for her son to one day be a pastor. His mother’s best friend was also named Elizabeth. They both agreed that their young children (John Newton … [Read more...] about John and Mary Newton: the transforming power of grace
Sing a new song – or an old one
While on vacation in the USA, my husband and I tried out a contemporary church for Sunday morning worship. A visiting worship pastor led us through the worship time. The sanctuary was dark with beautiful video and lighting engaging the senses in worship. At one point, the worship leader stopped and asked the audience if they liked singing new songs. In this service, most were … [Read more...] about Sing a new song – or an old one