iHOPE

Worshipping with ALL Your Mind

Do you worship with only half your brain?

I know sometimes I do (I'll wait so you can fill in the appropriate punchline...) In fact, it is how I worship most comfortably, most of the time.

We've known for a long time that the brain has two halves. While it is sometimes overstated, generally each side functions differently and contributes to our whole self (you can read a pretty good summary here):

Left Brain: Words are the primary form of communication in the left brain. It uses logic and reason to nurture the soul.  It seeks to find the meaning and explain reality- including God. The left side of my brain is good at this, but it can't experience God. It can't experience anything. To do that, we need the right side of our brain.

Right Brain: This is where creativity and intuition come from. It communicates not with words, but with images and symbols. The senses play a big role for the right side of our brain.This is also the part of the brain that allows us to better experience beauty, mystery and wonder. In fact, there is a fascinating story about a neuroscientist who 'discovered' spirituality only when she had a stroke and the left side of her brain shut down for awhile.

Rhythm: Are You In Tune With God's Song?

Many people have asked about the video we played as part of worship this week.  It was by Rob Bell and the piece was called "Rhythm". It us part of a series of video parables that he put together. We own the whole series and if you are interested in using as part of a LIFE Group or class, let us know. Here is a shortened version of it on YouTube.

O When the Saints...

Dixieland Jazz in worship?

I admit, that when I first heard the idea, I was skeptical. How would Dixieland Jazz fit into a Presbyterian worship service? 

Turns out, pretty well!

I remember walking into the sanctuary the first year we tried it. I was a little worried about how it might be received (I think this was less than two months since I first arrived at New Hope). Here is what I saw:  The band was playing as people were coming in. Children were literally dancing in the aisles.Their parents were tapping their feet. Some were snapping their fingers while others were clapping along with the music. People were engaged. Presbyterians were moving.

Even before the service began I knew that we had established a tradition at New Hope!

This Sunday, the Sampson Gulch Dixieland Jazz Band continues that tradition as they anchor both worship services (9:00 & 10:45). If you've been before, you know what's coming. If you haven't, you ought to give it a try. Its bound to change the way you think about God. It may even change the way you think about Presbyterians!

Easter- Wow!

I'm thinking of Easter Sunday and I'm still smiling.

Easter Sunday was such a terrific day at New Hope. More than that, it was a terrific day that capped an outstanding Lenten season. I can't remember the last time that so many people were engaged in so much wonderful ministry- and did it so well.

Throughout Lent, the LIFE Groups were sources of great fellowship, support and encouragement.  I heard feedback about how some of our newest members really felt like they had arrived 'home' in their new group.

Kudos too, to everyone in the music ministry for offering your gifts, talents and time to make this season (and especially Holy Week) so rich and meaningful. People are still buzzing!

All That Jazz

 
Jazz in worship?

  It started 14 years ago. I think folks waited until my second week after I arrived at New Hope to tell me that a Dixieland Jazz band was leading worship the next month. I remember thinking, 'Well, this will be interesting!'.

  Within 30 seconds of the first service, I knew something good was going on. Adults were tapping their feet. Children were literally dancing in the aisles. People were singing old hymns with new appreciation. Joy permeated the sanctuary. Since then, Dixieland Jazz has been an annual tradition at New Hope. Tomorrow it continues at both services (9:00 & 10:45) with the Sampson Gulch Dixieland Jazz Band providing the music.

  I can't wait.

Welcome, Nick Rossi!

 
I want to welcome Nick Rossi to the staff of New Hope Presbyterian Church! I would say 'introduce' but many people in our congregation already know or have worked with Nick in the past.   Nick is going to be our Interim Director of Music & Worship.

Interim? What does that mean?

The Wonders of the Universe

  Want a great way to start your week?  Check out this video.   It is a resource from BioLogos, a group that seeks to 'explore, celebrate, and promote the harmony of science and the Christian faith.'  It is a great resource. If you are looking for a way to bring your faith and science together in a meaningful conversation, this is a place to do it.  It was started by Francis Collins whose book The Language of God is listed in the 'Books Worth Reading' section (on the left). 

  There is much to explore on this site, but the link today takes you to a newer feature. Every Sunday, they started posting a worship-oriented blog. This is a wonderful video set to music. The accompanying 'meditation' is pretty good, too.

  Enjoy!