Worship

For over 35 years, the Calvin Symposium on Worship has annually gathered together worshipers from many Christian traditions across Canada, the US, and beyond, bringing together people from a variety of roles in worship and leadership, including pastors, worship planners and leaders, musicians, scholars, students, worship bands and teams, organists, visual artists, preachers, chaplains, missionaries, liturgists, council and session leaders, and more. Cosponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary, the Symposium aims to encourage leaders in churches and worshiping communities of all sizes and settings. In 2024, Services of the Word focused on Ezekiel’s messages of judgment but also of profound hope provide just the word the people of God need.”

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Schedule
2024
Friday, February 9th
12:00 AM

A Trickle of Ever-Growing Hope

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Jared E. Alcántara, Truett Theological Seminary
David Cherwin
Pearl Shangkuan, Calvin University

12:00 AM

In this final worship service, Jared Alcantara will preach on Ezekiel 47, “A Trickle of Ever-Growing Hope.” As we dwell with these images of hope after a hard time, we will be led by Calvin University choirs directed by Pearl Shangkuan. Organist David Cherwien will participate as well.

Wednesday, February 7th
12:00 AM

Celtic Psalms: Songs of Healing and Hope for a Troubled World

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Brian Hehn
Celtic Psalms
Kiran Young Wimberly

12:00 AM

As we seek a world of love and mercy, justice and peace, it's essential that we find resources of resilience to help us through the challenges we face. The psalms offer a timeless source of healing and hope. They remind us that God listens to our honest prayers, and they reconnect us with what brings us delight, solace, and joy. In this service of psalms set to soulful Celtic melodies, we will allow a healing space for expressing difficult emotions while also tapping into the hopeful future God envisions for all people. This service will be led by Kiran Young Wimberly, The McGraths, Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy, and Brian Hehn.

Thursday, February 8th
12:00 AM

God’s Glory Departs from Israel

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Chan Gyu Jang, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Anne Emile Zaki, Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo

12:00 AM

Led in Korean and English by the Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church Choir, directed by Chan Gyu Jang; the Living Water Church Worship Team, directed by Yohan Lee; and members of the Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary Korean communities. Anne Zaki will preach on Ezekiel 10–11, “God’s Glory Departs from Israel.”

Wednesday, February 7th
12:00 AM

International Worship Night

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

12:00 AM

Join this student-led service of praise to God with a focus on Psalm 67, including songs reflecting the worshiping communities of the many places around the globe that Calvin University students represent.

12:00 AM

Jazz Vespers with Ruth Naomi Floyd

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Ruth Naomi Floyd, Temple University

12:00 AM

Lament shows us that it takes time to recognize the depth of the brokenness of our souls, families, communities, and world. In the midst of the darkest night, there is Light ever-present and hope in our sorrow. We will express our lament, gratitude, and prayers to God, all carried in poetry, scripture, and the moving language of jazz music shared by Ruth Naomi Floyd and her quartet.

Friday, February 9th
12:00 AM

Prophetic Words of Judgment

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Rodrigo Cano
Paul Ryan, Calvin University
Rachel Wilhelm

12:00 AM

Rodrigo Cano will preach on Ezekiel 18–25. The music and liturgy will be led by the Calvin University Worship Apprentices, Paul Ryan, and Rachel Wilhelm.

Thursday, February 8th
12:00 AM

Service of Lament with Rachel Wilhelm

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Rachel Wilhelm

12:00 AM

This vesper service, led by Rachel Wilhelm, guides participants through a structured journey of lament using song, silence, and scripture-based reflections. The service transitions from confession, complaint, and petition to a final assurance of God's faithfulness and enduring presence.

12:00 AM

Service of Song and Prayer

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
David Cherwin, National Lutheran Choir

12:00 AM

David M. Cherwien and The Choral Scholars lead this service of song and prayer centered around the botanical images of Christ and his people found in scripture.

Wednesday, February 7th
12:00 AM

The Prophetic Call and First Messages

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Justin B. Fung
Brian Hehn
Mark Labberton, Fuller Theological Seminary
Joel Littlepage
Katie Ritsema-Roelofs
Alexis VanZalen, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Kimberly Williams

12:00 AM

Mark Labberton will preach “The Prophetic Call and First Messages” based on Ezekiel 1–2. Other worship service participants include Alexis VanZalen, the Grand Rapids Christian High School band, Katie Ritsema Roelofs, Joel Littlepage, Kimberly Williams, Brian Hehn and Justin Fung.

Thursday, February 8th
12:00 AM

The Valley of Dry Bones

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Ruth Naomi Floyd
Nate Glasper, Calvin University
Brianna K. Parker

12:00 AM

Preacher Brianna Parker will focus on the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37 in this service of the word and table that is led by the Calvin University Gospel Choir and Nate Glasper with Ruth Naomi Floyd.