The Pedagogy and Product of Praise
Hi Church,
I’m looking forward to hanging out with COTC gents tonight at Blackstar. The women of COTC will be meeting up this Sunday evening at Easy Tiger. Both are at 7pm. Please also join me in praying as well for the “Healing Our Wounds” seminar this weekend. May God’s consoling and healing Spirit work through this time. There’s still time to register here!
A couple of things have been blessing and challenging me in this season. In keeping with Kimberly's enews last week I wanted to highlight a few of them for y’all.
Earlier this week I listened to this podcast and thought it captured so much of what the Spirit does as we gather as the church for worship. I haven’t yet read the book but Greenman highlights both the glorification of God and our spiritual and moral formation as particular results of our praise together. This is what we seek to see happen in or weekly worship. The podcast, from Regent College, is a good listen in general. They even have an episode featuring a COTC member.
This month I’m working my way through The Journey and Promise of African American Preaching. It’s a fascinating read from a tradition of preaching that I have a lot to learn from. The book provides a compelling description of the preaching task, connecting the spoken or preached Word of God to the lived out obedience of the church. The Gospel of Jesus Christ produces change in us, that we might have the joy of participating in God’s mission!
Lastly, the Academy Award nominations this week had me thinking about movies that have had a particular impact on me in the recent past. The documentary Minding the Gap came to mind. I think I've referred to it before. The climax of the movie is one of the most amazing dramatizations of our need of a Savior and the fullness of God’s kingdom. It is a hard but redemptive watch. Writing of documentaries, did you know that COTC member Mark Lopez made a short film based on the book of The Color of Law a few years ago? It’s a creative and powerful depiction related to the justice and shalom that the God whom we praise is bringing about and calling His church to seek.
On a more lighthearted note, this meme, spoke for me this week. Perhaps it does for you as well. If so, may God’s strength be made perfect in your weariness and weakness,
Joyfully in Christ,
Peter+
Ps. Giving statements for 2021 went out this week. Thank you for all your generosity in support of what God is doing in our corporate life. If you have any questions regarding your statement please feel free to reach out to Sarah.