Shared Sorrow is Lessened, Shared Joy Increased

After a month of visiting other churches, I continue to struggle with “Joys and Concerns.” Anybody else find it difficult to shift gears between a celebration like the birth of a baby and a painful concern like learning of a friend who was just diagnosed with cancer? The emotional shift feels like whiplash of the heart. Terry Tippens at Winder First UMC named that dissonance for me several years ago so he separates the celebration from the struggle. Terry suggested putting the Concerns before the Pastoral Prayer and making Joys the precursor to the offering so that our giving continues in the spirit of celebration. One church I visited had everyone begin their celebrations with the phrase "I thank God for . . ." which made it feel like worship rather than just an announcement.
Any other thoughts? Suggestions? Share your favorite worship ideas with other's on my blog at www.e-quipping.blogspot.com which also includes a list of topics on which I am available to consult in your local church free of charge (your apportionments at work.) Contact me at pschroeder@ngumc.org or 678-533-1444 to talk about ways the Office of Connectional Ministries can help you in your ministry. I look forward to working and worshipping with you in the days ahead.
Phil Schroeder

Please post your worship ideas!!