Worship

As we gather for the 2008 Calvin Symposium on Worship, we turn to the Book of Hebrews as a focal point for the worship services at this year's conference. For many in the church, Hebrews is a strange and daunting book. No one knows who wrote it or to whom it was addressed. Many people find the theology and imagery of the book to be complex and at time a little quirky. In more recent times many scholars have concluded that Hebrews is not actually a letter at all but rather an extended sermon.

A recording and service outline of an evening worship service from the 2008 Calvin Symposium on Worship. Susan Briehl preaches on Hebrews 4:14-5:10 ("Approach with Boldness") and Marty Haugen leads congregational song.

Music in this service was written, and is being offered, by persons experienced in blues and jazz. However, we ask you not to try to define what particular piece of music is jazz and what is not jazz in this service. Our only goal is hold a fitting Vespers to end the afternoon.

We are not trying to prove any point of view. We are not saying that music from the history of the Church is no longer valid for today's worshippers. Nor are we trying to show that music derived from jazz should be recommended for present-day worship. Indeed we are not even promoting the idea that this kind of music will attract new worshippers.

But since all of us have various skills we can offer to God, our Vespers Service today has been designed to allow musicians who play jazz to share their own gifts, and in so doing, involve the worshippers in a special worship experience.

A service of morning devotions with music led by Michael Card and the L.O.F.T. (Living Our Faith Together) Worship Team, and preaching on Hebrews 12:1-13 by Trygve Johnson.

A morning worship service at the 2008 Calvin Symposium on Worship, featuring John Ferguson leading worship and David A. Davies preaching on Hebrews 10:1-18 ("Witnessing Perfection").

An outline and recording of the opening worship service at the 2008 Calvin Symposium on Worship based on Hebrews 2:1-12, with a sermon by Scott Hoezee called, "Yet at Present."