Forest Hills Mennonite Church

After the events of this past weekend, Pastor Jon offers some perspectives on how we remain faithful to Jesus during tumultuous times. 

Christian worship practices throughout history have an experiential richness that can seem to be lacking from some post-Enlightenment or Protestant expressions. What are some benefits of embracing liturgical traditions in worship?

Oil, in the ancient world, was rich with symbolism and significance. From celebrating abundance to practicing hospitality, for experiencing joy to seeking health, oil was an important part of daily life. How might we experience the richness of that tradition today?

The Psalms remind us of how good and pleasant it is for kinfolk to live together in unity. Our experiences of worship, however, sometimes serve to remind us of our differences rather than bringing us closer together. How does our mentality about worship allow us to move closer to unity?

Almost 5% of the Psalms are characterized as "penitential" or "confessional" Psalms—prayers offered to God after transgressions or sins. While we tend to think of confession as a primarily private matter, the Psalms invite us to consider the practice of corporate confession in gathered worship. 

W. David O. Taylor says that Christian worship suffers from theologies that "prioritize the interior and invisible activities of the heart and mind, where the 'real' action of worship is believed to occur." Scripture, in contrast, presents a vision of worship overflowing with physicality, as God's people stand, bow, kneel, dance, clap, sing, shout, and raise their hands before their creator. 

The Psalms are an ancient songbook overflowing with expressions of praise to God. Within their rich diversity, what can we learn about our own practices of worship today? 

Why does God save us?