Worship Together, September 2022 Edition

Worship Together

Worship Resources of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

September | 2022

All Congregational Gathering, October 15

Rev. Joshua Patty

Regional Minister and President

Our Upper Midwest region's annual All Congregational Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 15 at the Christian Conference Center in Newton, IA. I hope that you will join us as we worship together, learn together, and have some fun together.

In addition, I hope that you will help you congregation participate in two ways. First, be part of the Banner Procession. Each congregation is invited to bring (or send) a congregational banner that will be part of the worship space. (If you want to participate in the procession, please arrive at the College Avenue Worship Center by 9am to prepare.)

Second, I hope that each congregation will share a short 1-2 minute video sharing one thing that your congregation does really well. We want to celebrate a favorite ministry, part of worship, or any other aspect of your congregational life that your members might lift up with pride. Videos may be emailed to office@uppermidwestcc.org.

Learn More and Register Today!

Helpful Recent Articles

Here's an important article about youth participation in worship and church life: "Does Your Church Truly Embrace Children or Merely Tolerate Them?"

Also, if you're trying to figure out how digital worship fits in your congregation, here's news about millennial participation patterns. Spoiler alert: Most who engage online want in-person experiences too.

2022 Regional Calendar

For more details go to the Regional website:

uppermidwestcc.org

Sep 18 Sanctuary Dedication, Pleasantville Christian Church 2 pm

Sept 22 Regional Operations Council, 7 pm

Sept 25 Reconciliation Special Offering

Sept 30-Oct 2 UMW Fall Women's Retreat

Oct 2 World Communion Sunday; Reconciliation Special Offering

Oct 15 All Congregational Gathering, Christian Conference Center

July 29 - Aug 1, 2023

General Assembly

Louisville, KY

Looking for Worship Resources?

Videos:

Christian Church YouTube Channel recent messages from General minister, discussions and more
Upper Midwest Region's YouTube Channel with video messages, updates, and more

Music:

Chalice Hymnal and Praise List of public domain and CCLI music
Hymnary.org is a vast searchable resource for hymns and hymnals (offers copyright or public domain information)

Prayers, Liturgies & More:

Worship Ways from the United Church of Christ (permission granted to congregations to adapt and use in worship)
Worship Planning from United Methodist Church (permission granted to congregations to adapt and use in worship)

Reconciliation Special Offering, Sept. 25 & Oct. 2

The Reconciliation Special Offering supports anti-racism and pro-reconciliation ministries in our region and through Reconciliation Ministry. This offering is usually received Sept. 25 and Oct. 2.

Worship Resources for Special Offering

Moment for Mission
Reconciliation Ministry Resources (Scriptures, Calls to Worship, Prayers) -- near bottom of page
Video from Upper Midwest Anti-racism/Pro-reconciliation Team

World Communion Sunday, October 2

Each year, congregations are invited to celebrate World Communion Sunday on the first Sunday of October. This Christian unity commitment begun by Presbyterians in the 1930s, has been endorsed by the National Council of Churches since 1940 and involves denominations around the world.

World Communion Sunday offers Disciples a wonderful opportunity to highlight the centrality of the Lord's Supper in our shared spiritual practices.

Worship Resources

Worship ideas from Global Ministries

Resources from United Church of Christ

Resources from United Church of Canada

Description of history and resources from Presbyterian Church (USA)

Watch for resources for the Reconciliation Special Offering

Resources and News

Resources to Strengthen Your Worship Services

These are some resources that have been featured in previous issues of Worship Together:

"Imagine a World with More..." Worship Series resources
Rev. Jim Keat YouTube channel, offering guidance for digital ministry
Worship Ideas for Small Congregations, 30 minute webinar
Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Copyright Infringement, from UCC general counsel
Free Stewardship resources, including related worship materials, from Center for Faith and Giving
Children Worship & Wonder Trainings
Fourth Sunday sermons provided each month by AllianceQ
Disciples Tech Corps

Keep up to date with the latest news from our regional and throughout the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Your financial gifts to the

Christmas Special Offering and

Disciples Mission Fund support Worship Together and other publications from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

Make a Gift to Support Regional Ministry in the Upper Midwest

Christian Church in the Upper Midwest | www.uppermidwestcc.org