Weekends can be really tricky for church workers. They’re busy for us, but often, that’s when our families and friends have time to spend together. Bill and I share how we’ve navigated the challenges—and opportunities—of working on the weekends.
I’ve been thinking a lot about “calling” lately. No surprise, since I started a podcast called “Called” and our first episode was about what “calling” could mean. Although I’ve come to identify with the term, I haven’t always felt this way.
Today I have some special for you – a guest post! It’s by Craig Harmann, who you may already know from his writing over at Church Music Makers. Craig has been in ministry for 18 years and while he’s felt “called” to ministry this whole time, what he believes “calling” IS has changed over the …
It’s that time of the year! On this episode of the Called podcast, Bill and I talk all things wrapping up the program year. Celebrating the good things, learning from what didn’t work so well, and thinking about where to go next. (Plus the important question, “When should the next program year begin?”)
Last summer, I was the new kid in town. I started my new position at a church in June, right after the program year ended and people scattered to their summer travels. But I wanted to get to know everyone involved in the music program, especially choir members and handbell ringers. And I didn’t want …
The Best Thing I Did At Church Last Summer (And Why I’m Doing It Again) Read More »
What does “calling” mean? In the inaugural episode of Called – At the Intersection of Life and Ministry, Pastor Bill Smutz and I talk about what calling can mean in all areas of our lives. The call to ministry is an important one, but it’s not the only one.
Y’all, I am so excited to announce this new podcast! My colleague Bill Smutz and I have been working on a ministry related podcast since the winter and now it’s ready for the world! Here’s what the show is: practical advice for church workers, based on our experiences of over 50 (!) years. We’re talking …
I’ve got a problem. It’s the first year to come up, but it won’t be the last. What do I DO for my family’s Easter traditions, given that I’ll be, uh, kinda busy on Easter morning and more than a little tired in the afternoon? Oh and! My husband will be working Friday, Saturday AND …
Whenever I select choral anthems whose texts don’t quite make sense on the surface, I try to explain the text to the choir, and then to the congregation via a note in the bulletin. Take that strange story of Jesus basically calling a Canaanite woman a dog when she asks him to heal her daughter. …
I save a lot of my easy or mundane tasks to do later. I call this the “strategy of low-hanging fruit.” When I have energy, I want to spend it climbing to the top of the tree. All that low-hanging fruit can wait.