I have generally responded negatively to much contemporary worship music for its individualistic tone. Much of it is “me” centered, and I have bemoaned the lack of worship resources that worship God in a communal context.
In researching a sermon on Psalm 23 today, I was struck by how often the Psalms use individualistic language in their worship. I haven’t done a comparison yet, but certainly the early Hebrew songwriters believed that personal expressions of praise to God were appropriate. Maybe I have been missing something along the way in my critique.
1 month ago
YBOR CITY, Fla. - A southwest Florida church issued a challenge for its married members this past Sunday: Hanky panky every day. Relevant Church head pastor Paul Wirth says the 50 percent divorce rate was the catalyst for The 30-Day Sex Challenge. ADVERTISEMENT “And that’s no different for people who attend church,” Wirth said. “Sometimes life gets in the way. Our jobs get in the way.”
2 months ago

I have been in contact with some of the persons responsible for the disaster response here in Lafayette. Today the community is in the process of discerning what is needed, and in what order. It is not possible to rush this process, even though there are so many persons who want to help. Please be patient and work through established channels or offers of help can become distractions for those who are trying to coordinate relief efforts.
To cite just one example of the need to be responsible: Lafayette Mayor Bill Wells, a member of Lafayette UMC, told me this morning that private parties using heavy equipment, and in a rush to help, are in danger of destroying infrastructure, such as gas and electrical connnections, that will have to be replaced at the eity’s expense. This, at a time when the city is facing a fiscal challenge with things as they are.
We are grateful for any and all help. We just need persons to make sure that they are helping in the most effective and constructive ways possible, and at the best time.
Blessings,
Michael Welch
3 months ago
Saturday
Workshop leader for Warmth in Winter at the Nashville Convention Center
Sunday
Preaching at the Antioch United Methodist Church
Workshop leader at the Murfreesboro District Training Event in Tulluhoma
3 months ago