Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, June 22, 2025) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This past Friday, June 20, 2025, was the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. It was the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. For some Christians the summer solstice has no significance. It is just a natural event. For others it is a reminder of God’s grace to all.

The Feast of John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24. In the folk traditions of a number of countries his feast day is associated with the summer solstice.

This Sunday’s message explains why Jesus sent away a man he had freed from demons.

Readings: 1 Kings 19: 1-15a; Galatians 3:23-29; and Luke 8:26-39

Message: Why Did Jesus Send Away the Man He Had Freed from Demons?

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-june-22.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'Fresh Expressions, yes! But...' And More

Fresh Expressions, yes! But...
“Fresh Expressions, yes! But…” When we conclude our trainings with a time of Q&A, this is a frequent prompt. We get the need for this, we see it in scripture and tradition, but get stuck on the potential challenges and pitfalls. Below I’ve listed sixteen common questions and a brief response to each, procured from over a decade of leading fresh expressions trainings.

James N. Sells: The Best Books on Church Care
Here are eight books that have influenced thought about church care; the first three are theological, and the final five focus on the “how” of Christian care.

The Young and the Sexless
This isn’t a revival of biblical ethics. Gen Z’s sexual inactivity isn’t driven by conviction or covenant, but by a culture that has numbed desire and dismantled formation.

Look Beneath the Bravado When Guiding Young Men
Every time I read Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, I walk away with fresh insight into the human heart and new applications for contemporary challenges. This year, reading through Michael Katz’s new translation, I was struck by Kolya Krasotkin—a 13-year-old on the precipice of manhood whose past history and present insecurities result in outward bravado.

Evangelicals are mean to kids, beginning at home
Are those we now label "evangelicals" or who label themselves "evangelicals" really genuine evangelicals? Or are they something else?

UK Chooses Death from Beginning to End
Two literal life-changing votes were held in the UK Parliament this week, one concerning the beginning of life and one centering on the end of life. On Tuesday, MPs voted 379 to 137 to “decriminalise abortion.” And on Friday, MPs backed an assisted suicide law by 314 to 291.

The quiet judgement on the UK
The judgement of God has finally come upon the United Kingdom. Quietly. Silently. Like a thief in the night. It came in the form of an irrational, emotive and Godless parliament who this week voted to permit the killing of babies in the womb up until birth, and has now introduced the National Suicide Service, with its vote to permit assisted suicide. God has given us what we voted for.

More barbaric than the Incas
In post-Inca Peru, child sacrifice is banned by law. In the post-Christian West, it is practiced with bloody enthusiasm.

Honoring Those We've Fallen Out With
The very human temptation after falling out with other Christians is to attempt to memory hole them. We try to speak and live as if they were not a significant part of our story. This is true even of church leaders and missionaries, who are, sadly, not at all immune to serious conflicts that lead to parting ways with formerly close friends and colleagues.

You Don’t Owe the Mob a Meeting
We’ve all seen it. A godly leader is doing what’s right — leading with integrity, making an impact for God’s glory. And then, someone attacks their character.

Friday's Catch: 'Why the Next Great Move of God Will Make Church People Uncomfortable' And More

Why the Next Great Move of God Will Make Church People Uncomfortable
"Something is happening," writes Karl Vaters. He goes on to explain.

What Are Reasonable Worship Leader Expectations?
I thought the congregation expected a full band, lights and the whole shebang every week or they would not come back. Turns out, I was wrong. What are reasonable worship leader expectations?

27 Benefits Of Putting An Expiration Date On New Ministries
Here's a great way to open your church up to innovative new ideas by minimizing the risk – or at least the sting – of failure.

Protecting the Generosity That Fuels the Church
To keep online giving secure, houses of worship must safeguard digital donations and create a culture focused on cybersecurity awareness. Here are a couple suggestions that can help your church, no matter the size, get started.

The National Guard is a tool of tyranny where we need justice
Too often in America, we deploy troops not in response to harm, but in response to hope.

Jerusalem Archbishop: ‘Intercede on Our Behalf’
The Anglican/Episcopal Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, has asked for fellow Anglicans around the world to “intercede on our behalf” as the war between Israel and Iran intensifies.

Please also pray that the United States is not drawn into what is likely to become a protracted conflict between Israel and Iran. US involvement would likely widen the conflict, cost America lives as well as more Israeli and Iranian lives, and have serious, unintended negative consequences.

The New Normal: 9 Realities And Trends In Bivo/covocational Ministry
Bivo- and covocational ministry is more than a pit-stop on the way to "real" pastoring. It's as real as it gets. And it's becoming very common.

What is the origin of the Sunday evening worship services?
For churches in many traditions, particularly among Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, Sunday evening services were a staple for decades. Jess and Thom examine the origins of these services. 

What is the origin of the Wednesday-night meal in many churches?
Some traditions, particularly among Methodists and Baptists, provided Wednesday night meals with as much fervor as Sunday services. Thom and Jess looked at the origin of the Wednesday night meal in many churches.

On Praying the Creed
The Nicene Creed is a statement of faith, and it is meant to lead to prayer. The Anglican theologian Austin Farrer speaks of “turning the creed into prayer,” and this is the idea I want to pursue here, by way of encouraging prayerful meditation on the central mysteries of faith.

Planning a Youth Group Lock-In: Blueprint for a Memorable Event
Are you planning a youth group lock-in soon? Then check out these comprehensive tips for safety and success!

Before You Pack Up and Leave...
What should you do when you begin feeling discontent at your church? What should you do when you feel that yearning to pick up and move on? What should you do when you find yourself eager to slip out of one church and into another? I’d like to offer just a few suggestions that I hope you’ll consider and put into practice.

Thursday' Catch: 'Five possible paths for 21st-century churches' And More

Five possible paths for 21st-century churches
It’s no secret that organized religion is in trouble. Over the past few decades, the American church has seen a freefall in membership, attendance and reputation. Current data suggest the steep decline has stabilized for now. But the long-term trajectory doesn’t look particularly promising. Given these sobering realities, almost everyone involved in the life of the American church is asking, “Where do we go from here?”

Juneteenth 160 years later
This year, Juneteenth turns 160. While it only became a federal holiday in 2021 — joining the calendar as America’s 11th official holiday — it commemorates one of the country’s oldest and most painful journeys: the ongoing fight for true, tangible and equitable freedom.

United Methodist Ministries Named in House Probe
The United Methodist Council of Bishops and other church ministries are among 215 charities that received letters from a U.S. congressional committee. The letters aim to see whether the groups used U.S. taxpayer dollars to “facilitate illegal immigration.” However, neither the bishops nor the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, another letter recipient, receive any federal funding.

Majority of Americans oppose ‘big beautiful bill’
President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” passed by the U.S. House of Representatives is opposed by far more Americans than approve of it, according to new research from Navigator.

Also See: ‘Big beautiful bill’ is ugly, BJC webinar shows

'Amber waves of grain' recede in America's heartland as wheat farmers struggle
-On a foggy morning in May, Dennis Schoenhals drove a carload of crop scouts around the wheat fields of northern Oklahoma, part of an annual tour to evaluate the health of the crop. But on some fields, Schoenhals and other farmers had already abandoned plans to harvest the grain for sale because prices had sunk to five-year lows. Farmers cut their losses early this year across the U.S. wheat belt, stretching from Texas to Montana. They were choosing to bale the wheat into hay, plow their fields under or turn them over to animals to graze. In Nebraska, wheat acreage is less than half of what it was in 2005.

What affect rural farming communities will affect the churches in those communities. Reduction in farmland devoted raising grain crops will affect food prices and may cause food shortages.

VOICES: Can Faithful Christians Agree to Disagree on Sexuality?
"Now, my intent is not to address all the nuances of gender and sexuality in this article, nor to question the sincerity of those with whom we disagree. And my views on these questions are not secret—I have been written about biblical orthodoxy on these issues in places like USA Today. Yet, I also believe we can—and we must—love those with whom we disagree. In cases like this, clarity and compassion are not enemies."

‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,' the unofficial Black national anthem, celebrates 125 years
‘It is featured in over 40 different Christian hymnals and sung in churches all across America, not just during Black History Month or Juneteenth,’ said musician Theodore Thorpe III.

The Best Bible Translation for Preaching
Many people are passionate about Bible translations and have strong opinions about which one is the best. Pastors are no exception. Josh and Sam discuss what translations they believe are best suited for preaching.

Identity, Belonging, and the Gospel: A Call to Faithful Presence in Student Ministry
Let’s be the kind of ministries where every student—no matter their background, questions, or identity—can encounter the love of Jesus.

Ready to Talk: Are Christians Speaking Truth to Our Culture?
As our culture shifts, the contrast between Christian beliefs and the beliefs assumed in our society becomes more pronounced. It is time we consider how our local church is (or is not) adjusting to this reality.

Multiplying Disciples Starts with the Church
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus places the Church under orders, with the central command being “make disciples.” While the passage includes multiple verbs—go, make disciples, baptize, and teach—the Greek makes it clear that the only imperative is “make disciples.”

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, June 19, 2025) Is Now Online

 

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

With this past Sunday, Trinity Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we began what in some churches is called Trinitytide and in others the Season after Pentecost. This season of the Church Year, with Epiphanytide, or the Season after Epiphany, is also known as the “green season” or “ordinary time.” They are called the “green season” since green is the liturgical color widely used in churches during these seasons. It must be noted that English cathedrals had their own liturgical color schemes and in one of these color schemes red was used in Trinitytide. Whatever liturgical color is used in a church, Trinitytide or the Season after Pentecost is the longest season of the Church Year.

The topic of this evening’s message is perseverance in prayer.

Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Message: Perseverance in Prayer

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_19.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Nine events to check out for a faith-centered Juneteenth' And More

Nine events to check out for a faith-centered Juneteenth
Across the country, faith groups are gearing up for Juneteenth celebrations that weave spirituality and history.

Nearly half of churchgoers attend more than 1 congregation: survey
I posted links to two articles about the findings of Hartford Institute for Religion Research survey on Monday. I posting a link to this article in case it contains any additional information which may prove useful in understanding contemporary church attendance patterns.

Christian Bible College Disavows Any Link to the Violence of Alleged Minnesota Shooter, an Alum
Following the killing of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband on Saturday (June 14), Christ for the Nations Institute (CFNI) said it “unequivocally rejects, denounces, and condemns any and all forms of violence and extremism”—including that of alleged suspect Vance Boelter, one of its graduates.

Also See: Christ for the Nations, where suspect in Minnesota shooting attended, denounces ‘hateful actions’

Colo. town agrees to allow church to operate homeless shelter, pay church's $225K in legal fees
A Colorado town has agreed to a settlement with a local church that allows the congregation to operate a homeless shelter on its property while also paying $225,000 in legal fees. The Town of Castle Rock and Rock Church released a joint statement last Friday announcing an end to the litigation between the two parties, which began last year.

Is There Idolatry in the Church Today?
What do you worship today? Ever ask yourself as a church leader, do I worship something or someone other than God? Is there idolatry in the church?

3 Necessary Self-Cares to Survive the Pastorate
I’ve never heard of pastors who intentionally wear themselves down to nothing; it just happens. Here are three ways you can actively participate in your own survival.

A New Horizon: What Cultural Shifts Mean for Apologetics Today
It’s no secret that over the past 60 years U.S. Christian apologists have witnessed a dramatic cultural sea change. In the past, we could assume two things: the general belief in reasonable objective truths, and a baseline cultural familiarity with what’s in the Bible. All that shifted with the appearance of Gen Z, which Barna Group has dubbed “the first truly ‘post-Christian’ generation.”

How to Choose Training Topics for Small Group Leaders
Why do churches struggle to provide small group leader training? They may simply lack a scope and sequence of training topics for leaders.

Tuesday's Catch: 'Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization' And More

Four Kinds of Church Leaders Who Will Not Lead in Revitalization
In this episode, Thom and Sam explore four types of church leaders who are unlikely to lead effectively in revitalization....

Death By A Thousand Cuts: Gen Z and That Quiet Revival
Depending on how your social media algorithm is configured – mine is a bewildering mix of conservative theology, Forrest Frank songs, and cats singing K-Pop (thanks to my eldest daughter for that one) – you’re unlikely to have scrolled for long before coming across evidence of what is being termed ‘The Quiet Revival.’

Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission repeats evangelical grievances
The first meeting of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission was an exercise in airing conservative evangelical grievances, much like the first meeting of his Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, according to observers.

New Pew report shows Catholicism's deep roots and dire challenges in US life
While reporting relatively low levels of attendance at Mass, almost half of US adults (47%) say they have a personal or family relationship to Catholicism, a new Pew Research Center survey finds.

Radical Christian theology appears to have shaped Minnesota shooter
The Minnesota man accused of shooting two state legislators and their spouses may have been driven by anti-abortion views shaped by some of the nation’s most radical and potentially violent Christian movements, educated observers say.

Minnesota bishop calls for nonviolence in response to Saturday’s shootings of state Democratic lawmakers, spouses
Following a deadly incident early Saturday where a now-captured suspected gunman impersonating a law enforcement officer shot and killed one state Democratic legislator and her husband and injured another lawmaker and his wife, Minnesota Bishop Craig Loya asked Episcopalians not to respond to violence with violence.

Gallup finds record gap between men, women on whether abortion is morally acceptable
The gap between men and women on whether abortion is morally acceptable has reached record levels, as the overall percentage of Americans who believe it is has slightly decreased, a new survey finds.

Who Is Jesus? Lessons from Nicaea
With the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea this year, it’s worthwhile to consider why we should care about a creed from that long ago. Are there lessons to be learned?

The Sufficiency of Scripture
Scripture is sufficient in that it is the only inspired, inerrant, and therefore final authority for Christians for faith and godliness, with all other authorities being subservient to Scripture.

6 Habits of a Healthy Cell Group Leader
Several characteristics do distinguish a successful healthy group leader. These differentiating factors relate to what a person does as a part of his or her typical weekly lifestyle. It has nothing to do with personality, background or how long one has been a Christian. Instead, a healthy cell group leader incorporates certain habits into their lives. You can join them.

How Can Church Communities Show Hospitality to Children?
In this video, Jared Kennedy discusses how church communities can show hospitality to Children.

Bible Games for Kids: Fantastic Sunday School Activities
Bible games for kids work in your Sunday school classes, midweek program, children’s church, and even at home. We scoured the internet (and Pinterest) for the very best Bible games. And by best, we mean active, fun, and meaningful. Students will love all these Bible games for kids!

Monday's Catch: 'Churchiness Is Back' And More

Churchiness Is Back
What is attracting young people to low-church charismatic services and high-church liturgical experiences?

What church do you attend? Maybe more than one, survey finds
Overall, besides worship services, participation in other religious activities and programs has increased or remained the same in the last five years.

Post-COVID, church-shifting has created more ideological agreement
The COVID pandemic facilitated a greater sorting of churchgoers into more ideological groups than before, according to new nationwide data from Hartford Institute for Religion Research. This is one of several key findings from the National Survey of Church Attenders in Post-Pandemic United States, which was released this morning.

Church Membership Is Inescapable
When it comes to church membership, the question is not whether a church will have a membership or not. It’s really whether that membership is a defined system, or whether it is “unwritten” and ambiguous. In the real world, it’s either one or the other.

Stop Worrying About Who’s Leaving The Church
Imagine what your life and daily work would be like if you had no reason to worry over who might leave.

Choosing the Church Despite Being Hurt By the Church
Choose to be patient, kind, and faithful when building bridges with those who’ve been hurt by the Church.

10 Ways the Church Is Responding to Mental Health Needs
The topic of mental health is no longer a conversation confined to clinics or therapy offices. Increasingly, it’s also being addressed within the church. As awareness of emotional and psychological well-being grows across society, so too does the recognition that faith communities must play an active role in caring for people’s mental and emotional lives. The relationship between the church and mental health is evolving, with many congregations working to meet the needs of those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other challenges.

A Curious Prayer & The Inversion of Scripture
There is a collect in use in the Anglican Church of Canada that draws on Scripture in a troubling way.

3 Key Questions a Pastor Search Team Must Ask
Without a picture of who the church is, what it values, and where it is in its lifecycle, a pastor search team doesn’t know who to look for.

Running on Empty? How Pastors Overcome Fatigue and Reclaim Energy
For many pastors and church leaders, feeling tired has moved from an occasional issue to an ongoing one. Fatigue is no longer a seasonal challenge but a chronic issue. Unfortunately, too many pastors and ministry staff across the country are running on empty, struggling to find the energy they once had. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are proven strategies that can help you break the burnout cycle and reclaim the joy of ministry.

The Centrality of Character to Preaching
Preaching demands patient, prayerful preparation in God’s word.

The Beach Boys, The Beatles, And The Battle of Quality v Cool
It can be tempting to pursue cool over quality. But doing good work is what lasts.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, June 15, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday, the first Sunday after Pentecost is, in the tradition of the Western Church, called Trinity Sunday. Unlike the other festivals of the Christian Year, it does not celebrate an event in the history of salvation. Instead, Trinity Sunday celebrates a core belief of the Christian faith. For a helpful explanation of this belief, I recommend Matt Perman’s article, “Understanding the Trinity: A Christian Core Belief,” on the CRU website.

This Sunday’s message unpacks Romans 5:1-5, the epistle reading appointed for Trinity Sunday.

Readings: Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; and John 16:12-15

Message: The Reason for Our Hope

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-june-15.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Saturday Lagniappe: 'What Is The Minimum For A Church To Be Viable?' And More

What Is The Minimum For A Church To Be Viable? with Sam Peters (Ep 104)
“If the neighborhood does not realize that the church is alive, the church must begin to reengage and develop connections by going outside its walls."

Looking forward to surprising transformation
As a 26-year-old often referred to as “the lady pastor” by the community I serve, you might expect that my story would be about a young pastor sent to a rural church that is declining, and that continued to decline. Surprisingly, this is not one of those stories. The Sunday before I arrived at my placement there were 25 people in the pews, and this last Sunday we had 98. We have had around 70 consistently participating in worship, and somehow this rural United Methodist church a mile away from four other Methodist churches continues to thrive.

Leatherwood Church: The Pull
Situated in northwestern New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Leatherwood Church is surrounded on three sides by farms. The rural location inspired Pastor Doug Henry to come up with a new outreach centered on something almost everyone in the area has: a tractor.

The Latest: 'No Kings' protests spread across US as Trump gets military parade
A massive military parade in Washington DC had not been originally planned as a part of the US Army's 250th birthday celebration.

Also See: Most Americans Don’t Want Their Tax Dollars Spent On Trump’s Military Parade

California pastor says apparent immigration agents waved a weapon at her in church parking lot
The Rev. Tanya Lopez says a masked man pointed a weapon at her while she was filming a group of unidentified men detaining a man in her church's parking lot.

Pope Leo's first US bishop takes action against Trump migrant crackdown
The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them. Rev. Michael Pham, who was named bishop of San Diego, California, by Pope Leo in May, wrote a letter about the action on Wednesday, along with Rev. Felipe Pulido and Rev. Ramón Bejarano, both appointed by the previous pontiff, Pope Francis.

Donald Trump is building a strange, new religious movement
"But President Donald Trump is trying to create a new religious right, one that is not just illiberal but fundamentally different and opposed to traditional religion as we’ve known it. The faith of the MAGA movement is not one in which the state conforms to the church, but one in which the church is bent to the will of the strange beast that is American nationalism — the belief that the American project is an exercise in freedom and prosperity like the world has never known, but also the sole possession of those who are white, heterosexual, and unquestioningly loyal to the nation."

Zoning board rejects Episcopal church’s request to operate a homeless shelter
Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, New Jersey, is considering its options after the town Zoning Board of Adjustment refused June 12 the parish’s request for a variance, which would allow for a 17-bed overnight shelter on its campus. The parish and the diocese are considering whether to appeal the 5-2 decision to the Ocean County Superior Court. The church’s attorney, Harvey York, predicted during his closing argument to the board that a no vote would prompt an appeal.

Dioceses, parishes across The Episcopal Church to mark Juneteenth with events and celebrations
Activities marking Juneteenth – June 19 – are set to take place in churches and dioceses across The Episcopal Church in the coming days, ranging from helping to restore a historically Black cemetery to concerts, worship services and speakers.

Understanding the Trinity: A Christian Core Belief
The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. It is crucial for properly understanding what God is like, how He relates to us, and how we should relate to Him. But it also raises many difficult questions. How can God be both one and three? Is the Trinity a contradiction? If Jesus is God, why do the Gospels record instances where He prayed to God? While we cannot fully understand everything about the Trinity (or anything else), it is possible to answer questions like these and come to a solid grasp of what it means for God to be three in one.

Pastors faring worse than others in relationships and well-being but most don’t get help
Despite faring worse than practising Christians and US adults in general in their relationships, physical, emotional and mental health, most pastors don't get professional support. A majority of them also appear to be unaware that these are the areas of their lives where they have the greatest need, according to a new Barna "State of the Church" report.

Deal-Breakers: 8 Ways God May Tell You to Leave Your Pastorate
Long-term pastorates are almost always good for the church and the pastor. But some situations let you know it's time to go.

How Technology Can Help Candidate Screening
Our search firm has completed over 3,500 searches for churches and religious organizations over the years, and it still amazes me how much verification needs to happen to make sure a person applying for a job really is who they say they are. If tech is the reason so much disinformation exists, it can also be the remedy for it. So, what tech solutions can a search committee use to help with background checks? Here are two tangible steps to take when hiring for church staff. You’ll find, l’m sure, that a little bit of legwork upfront can save you a lot of heartache later.

A Censorious Spirit
In what is arguably one of the most important books ever written, Charity and Its Fruits, Jonathan Edwards sounded the theological alarm about a censorious spirit being contrary to Christian love. In the course of his sermon on this subject, Edwards set out three ways "wherein a censorious spirit or a disposition uncharitably to judge others consists"....

Friday's Catch: 'Who’s in Charge?: Outreach Rarely Happens If No One Owns It' And More

Who’s in Charge?: Outreach Rarely Happens If No One Owns It

Here’s the problem: If you ask many pastors, “Who leads your outreach ministry?” they will say something like, “We don’t have a leader, and we don’t really have an outreach ministry right now.” Or they might say, “In our church, everyone is expected to do outreach and share their faith,” which usually means they have no leader and do very little outreach.

Keep Young Adults Engaged
“You can’t manufacture connection,” says Quint Firestone, worship director at SUMMIT Church in Estes Park, Colorado. “Be flexible as you create space for Gen Z to connect with one another.” Here are a few ways to do that.

Trump's Big Bill Would Let Him Expand His L.A. Immigration Crackdown ‘Everywhere' 

Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" wouldn't just force millions of poor people off their health insurance and food assistance to help pay for more tax cuts for the rich. The Trump tax bill would steer tens of billions of dollars to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detention capacity, employee bonuses, and to hire new agents. It would supercharge ICE's ability to conduct raids, and allow the administration to expand the campaign of terror it's waging on immigrants in Los Angeles to blue cities around the country.

Also See: Tensions rising in GOP over Trump border plan as Rand Paul squares off with Stephen Miller

Trump administration says it will deport abused and neglected children 

The federal government can now deport abandoned, abused and neglected children even if they have been granted Special Immigrant Juvenile status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the change June 6, the same day it went into effect. The action is designed to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order launching his ongoing mass deportation policy.

Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ to make wealthy even richer and punish poor
Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” will hand thousands of dollars to the rich and leave poorer Americans worse off, a US spending watchdog has warned. The top 10pc of households will get a windfall of $12,000 (£8,800) per year from the Bill’s tax cuts, while the bottom 10pc will see a net loss of $1,600 per year because of benefits cuts, according to analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Kenyan Women Pay High Price amid USAID’s Exit
Kenyan women and girls in remote villages are some of the people to bear the brunt of the exit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Some have begun to trek, as they used to do in the past, for up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) to gather water for drinking and other domestic uses.

Florida sheriff warns protesters ahead of nationwide rallies: ‘We will kill you dead’
A Florida sheriff issued a stark message to protesters planning to demonstrate this weekend against increasing ICE arrests nationwide. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey warned in a press conference Thursday that if any protesters “throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun,” they will be killed.

It is in the best interest of 'No King' protestors to police themselves and keep their demonstrations and rallies peaceful so as not to play into the hands of individuals who are only too willing to resort to violence themselves to suppress dissent and to adopt and implement repressive measures against the freedom of speech in the United States. They should particularly be on the lookout for provocateurs seeking to infiltrate their ranks and to encourage violence for purposes that run counter to theirs, for example, turning public opinion against the 'No King' protests.

Antisemitism is from both sides, now
With apologies to Joni Mitchell. Let’s see the hatred from wherever it emanates.

SBC Constitutional Amendment Banning Female Pastors Again Fails To Achieve a Two-Thirds Majority
The so-called “Law Amendment,” which Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) messengers failed to add to their constitution at their annual meeting in Indianapolis last year, failed in its new iteration to gain the two-thirds majority needed to move forward with being added to the SBC Constitution. The amendment, now known as the “Sanchez Amendment” after the pastor who has taken it up, would have added to the constitution a stipulation that only men can be pastors or elders.

What Should I Do After Getting Fired from a Church?
One of the most challenging parts of ministry is the rejection of getting fired by a church. Josh and Sam discuss the immediate next steps pastors can take to begin the healing process.

Should Pastors Use AI in Sermon Preparation?
AI is here to stay. It has become a fixture of modern life, and ministry is no exception. With just a few prompts, AI can generate sermon outlines, summarize commentaries, draw parallels across Scripture, and even suggest applications and illustrations. For pastors and seminary students, this is both a gift and a challenge. The question is not merely can we use AI in sermon preparation, but should we?

The Attitude of Worship Vital for Any Worship Team
Healthy culture isn’t something that you can fabricate, it’s something that you “are.” Worship team culture isn’t just something to talk about, it’s who we are. It’s the attitude of worship.

Are You Too Old to Lead Worship?
There’s not a worship team on earth that hasn’t had to address this question. The tension is alive. What is the lifecycle of a worship leader or a musician? How old is too old to lead worship? How young is too young? Does a multi-generational worship team work? What are the best practices?

Technology in Church Ministry – How Much Tech Is Too Much?
When it comes to technology in church ministry, here are five important principles I’ve learned....

First Father’s Day in Heaven: Minister to Children Coping With Loss
The first Father’s Day in heaven can be difficult for children of all ages. For most families, Father’s Day is a time of celebration, with barbecues, silly cards, and hugs. But for some kids, Father’s Day brings sharp pain, not joy. These are kids whose fathers have died, especially those experiencing their first Father’s Day without Dad. For them, the day can be complicated, emotional, and confusing.

Father's Day can be a painful time for children who have no positive father-figure in their home, whose home is a frequent scene of domestic violence, and/or who are themselves physically or emotionally neglected or abused or sexually abused by the father figure in the home.

Thursday's Catch: 'Christian share of global population shrinks despite remaining largest religious group: study' And More

Christian share of global population shrinks despite remaining largest religious group: study
A new Pew Research Center report shows that although Christianity continues to be the world’s largest religious group, its share of the rising global population has fallen over the last decade, mainly due to people walking away from the faith.

In LA, faith leaders protest to stand up for the detained and keep the peace
At one demonstration, faith leaders spread out in front of the line of officers, held hands and occasionally burst into song.

Also See: LA vigil rallies faith community in peaceful protest of ICE raids, federal policy

Trump’s actions in LA are popular only with Republicans
Nearly half of Americans are opposed to the deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.

Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great’
California national guards troops and marines deployed to Los Angeles to help restore order after days of protest against the Trump administration have told friends and family members they are deeply unhappy about the assignment and worry their only meaningful role will be as pawns in a political battle they do not want to join.

Presiding bishop’s letter responds to Trump’s travel ban, immigration crackdown
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe released a letter to The Episcopal Church on June 11 responding to a series of Trump administration policies on migration and immigration, including the use of the military for crowd control at protests.

Also See: Nebraska bishop issues letter following ICE raid on Omaha meatpacking plant; ICE Raids Statement from Bishop Julius Trimble, Church and Society 

Church Leaders Respond as Travel Ban Hits Largest Diocese
Haiti, the most populous country in the Caribbean, is a majority Christian nation, with up to 94 percent of Haitians identifying as Christian. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is the largest in the Episcopal Church, with nearly 100,000 baptized members. The diocese also has a significant footprint in Haitian life, running more than 250 schools, along with hospitals and institutions of higher education.

Keep Calm and Resist: Be a Peacekeeping Protester 

The time is now, and the need is great. The need, however, isn’t merely for more bodies in the streets protesting the current federal administration’s inhumane policies and practices. The greatest need is for Jesus’s followers to practice the proclamation and peacemaking that are most effective means to subvert the drive to turn the United States of America into an authoritarian empire.

Also See: How I’m preparing for No Kings Day

What will happen to food assistance under Trump's tax cut plan? A look at the numbers
President Donald Trump's plan to cut taxes by trillions of dollars could also trim billions in spending from social safety net programs, including food assistance for lower-income people. The proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would make states pick up more of the costs, require several million more recipients to work or lose their benefits, and potentially reduce the amount of food aid people receive in the future.

Also See: Nutrition program for Americans on food stamps at risk in GOP bill

Episcopalians join other faith leaders, lawmakers, in DC rally against budget bill
Religious leaders are ramping up pressure on lawmakers to reject the Republican-led budget bill currently before the U.S. Senate, arguing proposed cuts to health care benefits and food assistance programs as well as provisions involving public education will disproportionately hurt low-income Americans.

United Methodists Witness to Compassion, Humanity in Demonstrations
As demonstrations against the Trump Administration's proposed budget and immigrant raids increased across the country, United Methodists also increased their involvement in protests. In addition to Los Angeles, secular media outlets reported protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Seattle and Spokane, Wash.; Chicago, Las Vegas and New York City.

Vote to bar churches with women pastors fails again at SBC meeting 

The issue of women staffers who have the title of pastor in SBC churches has been up for debate repeatedly in recent years.

Also See: Here’s what didn’t happen at this year’s SBC meeting; SBC motion to ban female pastors fails with over 60% support

A field guide to ‘accelerationism’: White supremacist groups using violence to spur race war and create social chaos
A scholar of right-wing extremism provides an overview of some of the key white supremacist groups that pose significant threats to public safety.

100 years ago, the Social Gospel movement pushed to improve workers’ lives – but also to promote its vision of Christian America
How has white Christian nationalism changed since the Gilded Age? A religion scholar compares the Social Gospel with the Christian right today.

5 Ways To Develop a Preaching Calendar
A preaching calendar safeguards pastors from picking their favorite soapbox sermons or dodging difficult passages.

Image Credit: Religion News Service

Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (Thursday, June 12, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

This week, the week that follows the Feast of Pentecost, is known as Whitsuntide, or Whitsun Week. It is a good time to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus.

In this evening’s message, we take a look at a conversation Jesus had with three different individuals and what he said means for us.

Reading: Luke 9:51-62

Message: “Foxes Have Dens….”

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows_12.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing a lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows the lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Thursday Evenings at All Hallows be a blessing to you.

Wednesday's Catch: 'Reclaiming evangelism: Sharing good news with hospitality and hope' And More

Reclaiming evangelism: Sharing good news with hospitality and hope
In those final moments of Jesus’s time with his disciples, Jesus gave them a promise. He told them power would come, not for dominance or control, but for witness. He invited them to be bearers of the good news, starting where they were and moving outward to places they never imagined.

Conservative churches also need to reclaim evangelism. Indeed, both conservative and progressive churches need to reclaim authentic Christianity, a faith grounded firmly in the teaching and life of Jesus Christ.

Creatively Engaging Your Community While Remaining True to Who You Are
Vital churches find new and creative ways to engage their neighbors. But that doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the best of what your church has always been. Paul Nixon explains how churches can adapt their strengths to engage their neighbors in authentic ways.

Is Your Church as Volunteer-Friendly as You Think?
...why is it still so common for churches to struggle with a lack of volunteers? Maybe it’s because our churches aren’t as volunteer-friendly as we believe they are. Let’s examine three ways we can foster a more welcoming and effective volunteer culture.

Lack of Focus on Clean and Well-Supplied Restrooms: The Unforced Error Series
An “unforced error” is a term borrowed from sports, especially tennis, meaning a mistake made due to one’s own lapse rather than being forced by an opponent. In everyday language, it refers to an avoidable mistake or misstep, typically resulting from a lack of attention or care rather than external pressure. Thom and Jess examine one of the most common unforced errors in this podcast: lack of focus on clean and well-supplied restrooms.

Also See: Lack of Guest-Friendly Signage and Markers: The Unforced Error Series

Faith leaders, lawmakers argue GOP bill benefits the ultra-wealthy by hurting the poor
‘May your will be done, and may this bill be killed,’ said the Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, general minister and president of the Disciples of Christ.

Also See: Trump’s 'big, beautiful bill' is a huge, ugly disaster; Iowa bishop responds to senator’s comments, asks her to serve all people as she would serve Jesus

Bishops in California’s six Episcopal dioceses issue statement on immigration protests
The diocesan bishops of the six Episcopal dioceses in California issued a statement on June 10 responding to the federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and subsequent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, as well as the Trump administration’s decision to send soldiers to the area against the wishes of California leaders.

Politics of Hate shows how groups use faith, Scripture to justify attacks on the ‘other’
Jesus told his disciples to love their neighbors and even their enemies and “those who persecute you.” But today, some of Jesus’ politically active followers have defied that command and “darkened America’s political soul by constructing a biblical justification for hate,” argues a new book.

Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage Stalls
Most Americans approve of same-sex marriage, according to Gallup, but support has stopped growing, mirroring a similar plateau among pastors.

What Churches Need to Know About Smart Glasses
Unfortunately, the key features of these glasses that are enhancing lives in one demographic can be exploited by others with harmful intent.

Discipling Our Children in the Gospel
Children's ministry plays a vital role in discipling our children. See how we can entrust the treasure of the gospel to the next generation.

Senior Summer Suggestions for Youth Ministry Leaders
Senior summer is what comes after graduations galore. Once the pomp and circumstance fades away, students are still in a waiting space for the future to arrive. Sure, graduates have stuff to do, like jobs, missions trips, vacations, and maybe camp. But they’re in a waiting game to leave home and start “adulting.”

Long-tempered?
It’s a peculiarity of the English language that, although we identify people as short-tempered, we have no equivalent “long-tempered.” Yet this, read literally, is the very thing that 1 Corinthians 13 identifies as the first quality of love. Most modern translations capture this as “love is patient,” but older versions, with their translation “love suffereth long” (e.g., ASV), provide a more literal translation of the original. Love, Paul tells us, is “long-tempered”—it bears with; it endures.

Questions You Should Ask Before Going on a Mission Trip
Short-term mission trips are often framed as noble acts of charity, yet behind the feel-good narratives lies a deeper question: Are we truly helping, or mostly serving our own sense of purpose at the cost of those we intend to aid?

Tuesday's Catch: 'What does a welcoming church really look like?" And More

What does a welcoming church really look like?

There has long been a theological conversation about how people come to faith in Jesus Christ. For some, it happens through a powerful spiritual encounter. For others, it’s through hearing a sermon, reading Scripture, or witnessing a friend’s transformed life. But a recent report by the Evangelical Alliance highlights something beautifully simple and often overlooked — people come to Christ through the experience of a welcoming church.

Four Common Reasons Most Churches Aren’t Breakout Churches
What stops a church from having a breakout? Thom and Sam discuss four primary reasons they often see in their consultations and research.

A word of caution about the 'Quiet Revival' in the UK
Watching from afar it is not easy to ascertain what is going on, but then distance - and experience - also gives a wider perspective which I hope will be helpful.

Why religious communities are rallying behind the protest message of 'No Kings'
The world's great faith traditions reject temporal leaders who present themselves as objects of veneration and fear.

Stifle!
Gregory P. Magarian discusses 3 ways the government can silence opinions it disagrees with, without using censorship.

In evangelical churches, a rift over Trump’s immigration policies
Historically one of President Donald Trump’s most loyal demographics, evangelicals are divided over just how far to go with immigration crackdowns.

United Methodists Respond to ICE Raids, Unrest in Los Angeles
A United Methodist clergywoman who participated in a demonstration against deportation raids in Los Angeles June 8 said the protests were peaceful until law enforcement and National Guard instigated attacks on the demonstrators. The area's United Methodist bishop condemned the raids and called on United Methodists to defend immigrant families.

From votes to violence: Trump’s betrayal of Latino loyalty
What began as a peaceful protest in downtown Los Angeles quickly spiraled into a full-scale federal crackdown — rubber bullets, flash grenades, tear gas and a federally activated National Guard descending not on an enemy nation, but on American citizens. The spark? Resistance to the latest ICE operation that swept up 118 individuals, many at courthouses and clinics, violating the trust of sanctuary spaces. But the most jarring irony isn’t just the brutality — it’s that this violence erupted in neighborhoods where Latino voters helped Donald Trump reclaim the presidency in 2024.

Los Angeles diocese says 14 church members detained in immigration raids that sparked large protests
Fourteen members of the Diocese of Los Angeles were detained, the diocese said, in immigration enforcement raids late last week that sparked a weekend of intense protests and an escalating government crackdown after the Trump administration ordered the California National Guard to respond. The immigration raids “wreaked havoc and terror throughout Los Angeles communities, targeting working-class, immigrant families at work, school and home,” the diocese said June 8 in an email newsletter supporting the 14 Episcopalians who were detained. “These actions, and the level of militarization involved, are unconscionable and we condemn them entirely.”

Anti-ICE mayhem explodes in Texas as cops confront protesters
Protesters in two of Texas' largest cities clashed with police on Monday night to show solidarity with demonstrations in Los Angeles against President Donald Trump's sweeping deportation raids. As Trump mobilized 700 Marines to deal with the mayhem in LA, tensions quickly escalated in Dallas and Austin at anti-Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) rallies.

Why Trump’s move toward using the military on US soil is so fraught
The country hangs on a hugely significant precipice, as President Donald Trump moves toward making good on his long-running suggestions of an extraordinary step: deploying the military on US soil.

Trump’s war on international students could hurt private schools too
The Trump administration’s war on blocking international students from U.S. higher education could affect not only the Ivy League but even small Christian schools and Southern Baptist Convention seminaries. While Harvard University has drawn the most attention and headlines in the president’s attempt to curtail international student enrollment, a little-known fact is this: International students have been growing as a percentage of enrollment at all American colleges and universities. The national average of international students at all U.S. universities is 6%.

It will also hurt campus ministries to international students

GOP Cuts to Food Assistance Would Hit Rural America Especially Hard
Billions in cuts to federal food assistance are looming as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a major tax and spending package that would slash federal spending on domestic programs to extend tax cuts passed during President Donald Trump’s first term. U.S. House Republicans passed the package in a 215-214 vote, and it’s now before the Senate. Cuts to SNAP would affect residents of every state in all types of communities, but advocates fear the fallout could especially hit rural people, who are more dependent on food stamps, the largest anti-hunger program in the nation.

As Trump's tariffs slow the economy, causing more layoffs and higher prices and curtailing food imports, community food banks and church food pantries will not be able to keep pace with the demand for emergency food assistance. We can anticipate growing food insecurity and hunger in those segments of the US population most affected by these tariffs and the resulting economic slowdown.

11 Leadership Traits of Highly Effective Pastors
The role of a pastor is more than preaching sermons or officiating services. It is a calling that demands integrity, wisdom, emotional strength, and spiritual depth. Those who demonstrate effective pastoral leadership consistently display traits that inspire, guide, and empower their congregations toward growth in Christ. As churches face modern challenges, the qualities of a strong leader become even more essential. Here are eleven key traits that define highly effective pastors and set them apart in both their calling and their leadership.

Intentional Simplicity
The worship of God in song is a glorious thing. Biblically speaking, it can be accomplished through heavenly choirs (Rev 5) or the mouths of children (Matt 21:16). It can be through choirs on the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 21:31) or women on the shores of the Red Sea (Ex 15). The music can be the simple voices of disciples leaving the first Lord’s Supper (Matt 26:30) or the full orchestra of Psalm 150. It can be through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col 3:16), old songs (Rev 15:3) and new songs (Rev 5:9). Knowing that there are many faithful ways to pursue biblical worship, we have made a decision at our church to pursue an intentional simplicity. I want to commend that to you.

Common Courtesies: 5 Small Group Guidelines to Follow
There should always be small group guidelines that everyone can agree upon. This helps people know what to expect from others and what others will be expecting of them. It also promotes give-and-take interaction and encourages a sense of equality among group members, so no one person becomes more or less important than another.

Image Credit: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Medina, Ohio

Monday's Catch: 'Smartphones Have Devastated the Mental Health of Our Young People' And More

Smartphones Have Devastated the Mental Health of Our Young People
When you hear that depression among teenage girls has increased by 145% and that suicide attempts have risen by 188%, it does more than catch your attention—it grips your soul. These aren’t dry statistics. These are lives. Sons and daughters. Grandchildren. Students. Members of our churches. What happened? The answer, in part, is as close as your pocket. The smartphone.

The Mass Trauma of Porn
These days we talk a lot about trauma. We worry about the impact of words, we agonize about our parenting, we inspect every inch of our childhoods. But one trauma being tragically ignored, potentially lasting trauma, changing the minds and souls of children, is porn.

‘Toxic empathy’ isn’t our problem; hardness of heart is This ‘order of love’ is the death not only of global charitable work but of Christian missions.

Jennifer Lyell, SBC abuse survivor and former Lifeway executive, has died
Lyell was once one of the highest-ranking women in the Southern Baptist Convention, but her life fell apart after she reported alleged abuse by a former SBC seminary professor.

What is Pentecost Sunday and why do churches mark it?
Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church but why is that? This is the story....

Also See: What is Pentecost Sunday? And why do some churches celebrate and others don't?

What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
Pentecost is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the Holy Spirit, perhaps the most mysterious Person of the Triune God. Many Christians, even seasoned theologians, admit some difficulty in fully explaining who He is. Rather than attempt a definitive answer, this article turns to the one place that speaks clearly and consistently about Him: the Bible.

Also See: The three symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible and what they mean

What was Whit Monday and why was it important?
The day after Pentecost Sunday is called Whit Monday and it played an important part in culture. This is the story....

Pentecostal not Provincial
To be provincial is to be narrow minded. It is to think just of your little province, your little corner of the world. To be Pentecostal is the opposite. It is to have an expansive view of the church and to be on mission to the whole world. At Pentecost Jesus sends the church out the door not just to Judea, but to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

VOICES: Dear Brandon Lake, Bubba ain’t as dumb as you think
Imagine inviting someone over who's never seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy but only showing them the trailer because “they aren’t ready for the whole movie.” After all, the movie has strange languages and names and lots of backstories to learn to make sense of what you’re seeing. That’s what we’re doing to Bubba.

Preaching
Christian preaching does not merely reference Christ; it offers him. It presses all that Christ is, all that he has done, and all that he will do into the minds, hearts, wills, and consciences of our hearers.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Quitting Children's Ministry
If you have served in children's ministry for very long, there are days that you have considered quitting. But before you quit, whether it's from a staff role or a volunteer role, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. Let's look at 10 questions you should ask yourself before quitting children's ministry.

Win the Church Lobby: Tips for a Next-Gen Resource Wall
The next-gen resource wall is the physical connection between your church staff and its families, equipping families for discipleship.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Worship Each Sunday
Worship is more than a Sunday morning routine—it’s a sacred appointment with the living God. When we gather together with other believers, we’re not just singing songs or listening to a message. We are responding to the invitation of the Lord to enter His presence with thanksgiving, reverence, and joy. But meaningful worship doesn’t happen by accident. Like fertile soil before the seed is planted, our hearts must be readied to truly encounter God. Understanding how to prepare for worship is a key step in deepening our spiritual lives.

Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, June 8, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

This Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost, a very important day in the life of the Christian Church. It recalls the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the others gathered in the upper room as Jesus had promised and the Christian Church was born. Like Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, it is one of the most momentous occasions in the history of salvation. Jesus created the Christian Church to carry on his mission of reconciling God and humanity.

In this Sunday’s message we look at what the gift of the Holy Spirit means for us.

Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17, 25-27

Message: A Promise Kept: The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/06/sundays-at-all-hallows-sunday-june-8.html

Please feel free to share this link with anyone who may be interested.

If you are new to Sundays at All Hallows, you may find these directions helpful:

-It is recommended that after reading or hearing each lesson to take time to reflect on what you read or heard during the period of silence which follows each lesson. It is also recommended that you do the same thing after reading or hearing the message.

-When you open the link to a video in a new tab, check auto-play to make sure it is in the off position. Otherwise, a second video with a different song will follow the first.

-If an ad plays when you open a link to a video in a new tab, click the refresh icon of your browser until the song appears.

-If a song begins partway through the video, click pause, move the slider to the beginning, and then click play.

-An ad may follow a song so as soon as the song is finished, close the tab.

May Sundays at All Hallows be a blessing to you.