Friday's Catch: 'From Blue Light to Black Out' And More

From Blue Light to Black Out
...what led to Kmart eventually filing for bankruptcy in 2002 and again in 2018, and now closing its last remaining store? Yes, there were some failed acquisitions, but mostly it was due to three things that can lead any enterprise – including a church – to go from blue-light special to black-out demise.

Ten wayfinding points for post-election disciples
Perhaps it’s been long enough now — long enough for many of us to begin moving forward after the surprising presidential election results. What’s your spiritual process been so far?

The Fog of Missions
The Church’s engagement in missions is 2000 years old. However, serious theological reflection on the matter has yet to reach the century mark. Zeal for the matters of the Lord and His Kingdom is important. But zeal without knowledge not not a good thing and the one who makes haste with his or her feet misses the way (Prov 19:2). We have gone into the world, made disciples, planted churches, and developed leaders, but frequently have done so on shallow theological foundations. A robust exegetical theology is not widespread throughout the world in general, and the West in particular. The result is a fog of confusion that surrounds the work of the Church in the last days. We are in the fog of missions.

The true reason for the first Thanksgiving is just as relevant today
In a 2019 article published by The New Yorker, “The Invention of Thanksgiving,” historian Philip Deloria explains, “The first Thanksgiving was not a ‘thanksgiving,’ in Pilgrim terms, but a ‘rejoicing.’ An actual giving of thanks required fasting and quiet contemplation; a rejoicing featured feasting, drinking, militia drills, target practice and contests of strength and speed. It was a party, not a prayer, and was full of people shooting at things.”

Watts & Co. Turns 150, and Flexes Its Muscle
For those who are not familiar with Watts & Co., it is a London-based vestmnt maker, which has been in buiess since 1874.

See also: Vestments, Unveiled! with Robert Hoare of Watts & Co

The Kenyan Rite: A Eucharistic Service from the Anglican Church of Kenya
This rite is used in the Anglican Church of Kenya and in some ACNA churches with a Kenyan congregation.It is a good example of an indigenous African liturgy.Its eucharistic prayer is particularly interesting in that it makes provisio for greater congregational participation in the prayer and its epiclesis invokes the descent of the Holy Spirit on the congregation and not on the bread and wine.

See also: A Kenyan Service of Holy Communion, 1989

Enough With Cutesy Kids Choirs. Let the Little Ones Lead Worship.
New children’s music resources go beyond holiday performances to cultivate a deeper theology and love of singing.

If you do not have a Christianity Today account, you can bypass the subscription bar by copying the entire page and then pasting it on a blank Word page. I highly recommend reading the article.

Church Daycare 101: Reach Out To Local Children and Families
Church daycare is a proven way to meet the needs of children and families in your community. Read on to learn about launching a child-care program through your congregation.

Youth Ministry Ideas for Spiritual Growth: Ways To Nurture Teens’ Faith
Discipleship rooted in biblical truth is life-changing. So keep kids growing with these youth ministry ideas for spiritual growth.

Got an empty church lawn? Why not turn it into a dog park?
For some churches, starting a dog park turns underused church property into a place for community.

One Billion Lost Sheep
Every once in a while, you read something that stops you in your tracks.