These questions have prompted scientists, philosophers, and theologians at Church of the Servant to dig deeper together, and with the congregation, into issues in faith and science. Church of the Servant has received a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to foster dialogue between the Christian faith and modern science. Program activities include a series of public dialogues in October 2011, February 2012, October 2012, and February 2013.

For details about the upcoming events — along with a recommended reading list — see Faith and Science: A Dialogue. Or see the program’s Facebook page.

These questions have prompted scientists, philosophers, and theologians at Church of the Servant to dig deeper together, and with the congregation, into issues in faith and science. Church of the Servant has received a $30,000 grant from the Scientists in Congregations initiative, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, to foster dialogue between the Christian faith and modern science.

Program activities will include a series of public dialogues at Church of the Servant to be held in October 2011, February 2012, October 2012, and February 2013.

For details about the October 2011 events — along with a recommended reading list — see Faith and Science: A Dialogue. Or see the program’s Facebook page.

Our goal in the coming year will be to encourage one another to keep our eyes on the prize, to shape our conduct by this living hope. We will begin with the Psalms of Ascent, sometimes described as a devotional or songbook for pilgrims, but all year long the theme of pilgrimage will inform our life together.

In the fall,  this all-church focus will include: 

• Small group Bible studies on the Psalms of Ascent. Sign up at the designated table in the café. Download the study guide here (PDF).
• A sermon series on the Psalms of Ascent, beginning Sept. 11.
• Copies of Eugene Peterson’s book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction for sale for $15. This book provides an insightful chapter on each of the Psalms of Ascent. Purchase a copy at the designated table in the café, and read each chapter ahead of the corresponding sermon.

For more information, contact Janice McWhertor, Minister of Congregational Life. 

This contest is made possible by a generous donation in memory of  Ben Fackler, who loved all things musical.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

• A congregational song based on a Psalm or a significant portion of a Psalm.
• Any musical style or lyrical form. Creativity is encouraged.
• Settings may include solo, choir, readers, and instrumentalists, as long as the congregation is given a significant role. Available musicians include piano (no organ), choir, cantors/vocal soloists, a variety of advanced instrumentalists, string ensemble, Joyful Noise Orchestra (small orchestra), Guitarchestra (folk ensemble of guitars, fiddle, accordion, etc), and hand percussion.
• Songs based on the Psalms of Ascent (120-134) are especially welcome this year, and settings of less frequently sung Psalms are always encouraged.
• Music submissions should be at minimum in lead sheet (melody, lyrics, chord symbols) or hymn (two staves, four parts) format. Fully notated accompaniment parts are encouraged, and MP3 demos can be helpful.
• Texts without music will be considered; text-only submissions should include tune suggestions.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submissions may be emailed as PDF attachments to music@churchoftheservantcrc.org or mailed to New Psalm Contest, Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
• Do not print your name or identifying marks on the music itself. Instead, include all contact info in the body of the email or in a cover letter.
• No more than two submissions per person.
• The contest is open to everyone (except the judges).
• Only unpublished songs that have received no awards may be submitted.
• If a submission is co-authored or uses copyrighted material, proof of permission must be included.
• Submissions will not be returned. Please do not send original copies.
• All submissions must be emailed or postmarked by October 1, 2011.

JUDGING

• Submissions will be judged on their quality and usability at Church of the Servant.
• $500 will be awarded the winner. Judges have the right to award no winner or divide the award money as they see fit.
• Contest results will be made public by November 30, 2011.
• Premiere will take place in worship at Church of the Servant on January 29, 2012. The winning composer is welcome to attend, but travel funds are not available.

FINE PRINT

• Composer retains all rights to the song and is encouraged to seekpublication.
• All future dissemination of the song will include the phrase “Winner of the Church of the Servant 2011 New Psalm Contest, in memory of Ben Fackler.”
• Winner grants Church of the Servant the right to use the song in its worship and publicize his/her name.

(A printable PDF document of these contest guidelines is also available.) Questions should be directed to Greg Scheer (music@churchoftheservantcrc.org; 616-956-7611).

April 17, Palm Sunday
8:30 & 11:00am and 6:00pm
Morning worship begins with a procession of palms. Children, children’s teachers and leaders, parents, and anyone else wishing to join the procession: Please meet in the café area just before either morning service to receive palms and instructions.
(Nursery available for morning services.)

April 21, Maundy Thursday
7:00pm
Maundy Thursday is a worship service remembering the upper room. We will gather around tables in the fellowship hall to hear the words of Christ and to break bread. There is a special role in the service for young readers.
(Nursery available for children up to age 5.)

April 22, Good Friday
12:15pm
Good Friday worship is a 45-minute service of scripture readings and songs focusing on the end of Christ’s life, from the betrayal in the garden through his burial.
(Nursery available for children up to age 5.)

April 23, Holy Saturday Easter Vigil
8:30pm
In the early church, the Great Vigil of Easter was an all-night service of prayer and rising joy leading directly into Easter morning. It continues today as a separate service, sometimes called the first service of Easter. Beginning in the darkness of Saturday night, we light the Christ Candle and bring its light back into the church in a solemn and joyful procession. Readings from Scripture retell the story of God’s salvation culminating in the first Easter gospel reading. Since the earliest days of the church, the vigil was also a time for baptism as children and new believers were welcomed into the church. We will connect with this tradition by renewing our baptismal vows.
(Nursery available for children up to age 5.)

April 24, Easter Sunday
8:30 & 11:00am
Easter is a great day of celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Our Basic English Service friends will join us in the sanctuary at the 11am service.
(Nursery available for morning services.)
• Morning processional: It is our custom at Church of the Servant to bring potted plants and flowers from our homes, processing in and “dressing” the communion table with them at the beginning of our Easter morning worship. At the end of worship, we gather our flowers and “dress” the tables for our Easter brunch in the fellowship space. Later we gather our flowers to enjoy at home. We invite you to participate in this tradition.
• Easter brunch: Everyone is invited to our Easter brunch between the morning services in the fellowship space. Those who are able are invited to bring food to share.

April 24, Easter Sunday Evening
6:00pm
We will continue our Easter evening tradition by hearing testimonies of three individuals on what the resurrection means to them.
(No nursery available.)

For more information, please download the program brochure.