Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (December 4, 2025) Is Now Online

Welcome to Thursday Evenings at All Hallows.

In this evening’s service we continue the message series on the teachings of Jesus. The topic of this evening’s message is Jesus’ commandment to love one another.

Reading: John 13: 31-35

Message: The New Commandment

Link: https://allhallowsmurray.blogspot.com/2025/12/thursday-evenings-at-all-hallows.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.

Thursday's Catch: 'Advent Is a Reminder That Jesus Has Come To Heal the Nations' And More

Advent Is a Reminder That Jesus Has Come To Heal the Nations
The longings of Advent echo loudly a line from Andrew Peterson’s song “Is He Worthy”: “Do you wish that you could see it all made new?”

We do. The Church does.

5 Mistakes Churches Make at Christmas
Christmas is one of the biggest outreach opportunities of the year—and yet, many churches miss it.

In this video, I share five critical mistakes that can cause you to lose momentum with guests and miss the chance to connect with unchurched people this Christmas.

The loneliest Americans, according to a survey of 3,000 adults
Americans are growing lonelier, according to new research released Wednesday, even when they’re not actually alone.

An increasing number of middle-aged and older adults — especially those in their 40s and 50s — are lonely, according to a report released by AARP, a nonprofit advocacy group for older Americans. Among the loneliest are adults 45 to 49 years old (49 percent identified as lonely), as well as respondents who never married (62 percent); are not working (57 percent); or whose household income fell below $25,000 a year (63 percent).

Make Room at Church for Special-Needs Families
Special-needs families are an unreached people group in our midst.

Lessons From a ‘Misfit Church’: 5 Principles for Rural Church Growth
Here are five church growth principles churches of any size can learn from the successes of one rural church in South Carolina.

Church in Wales 'road map' for same-sex blessings is 'distressing'
Orthodox Anglicans have accused bishops in the Church in Wales of "misleading" statements as it moves towards making same-sex blessings permanent.

Bishops in the Church in Wales have published a 'road map' for the future of same-sex blessings following a four-year trial and a six-month consultation with clergy and parishioners.

Who was St Birinus and why is he called the Apostle to the West Saxons?
3 December is the day to remember St Birinus, known as the Apostle to the West Saxons. This is his story....

Love Your Enemies – Into Friends
For a short time early in the life of our church, we put a yellow stress ball in each of the visitors’ welcome bags. Designed for squeezing as a way to relieve tension, they had the simple phrase Love Your Enemies written on them.

We envisioned the irony of people who were frustrated (likely with the behavior of someone else) squeezing bright yellow stress balls with the reminder on them of Jesus’ command (in Matt. 5:44) to love one’s enemies.

Who’s Up Next?
Gregory’s story shows what can happen when church leaders take the time to invest in identifying and raising up the next generation. Unfortunately, his experience is increasingly becoming one of the exceptions. As a result, the church at large is on the cusp of a growing leadership pipeline problem.

At Sewanee, Lessons and Carols services ground choral students in faith
The student body at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, is religiously diverse, with Episcopalians making up about 20%, but the Episcopal institution holds on to its Anglican identity through its campus traditions, including its popular annual Lessons and Carols services during Advent.

Top 10 Worship Leading Tips
I spent some time considering what the main worship leading tips are that I not only recommend to people in classes I teach and the articles I write but that I also use in my own weekly ministry. I have a hard time calling these my Top 10 worship leading tips since at various times other tips not mentioned here could be extremely important, but these were the ones that I tend to rely on frequently.

Teaching Tips To Illuminate Every Student
Use these three teaching tips to bring light to all students!

Too Much Leaves Too Little—Busyness Keeps Us from Faith
Perhaps most tragic of all is how the modern American church has bought into this worldly notion that busyness connotes productivity. In an article about church busyness, consultant Tony Morgan says the message often given by these churches is that they value participation over relationships, both with fellow churchgoers and with the God they say they want to worship. Staying busy is often a way one can avoid clearly looking at oneself—who I am, what I value, what I fear, and to whom I ascribe worth. Morgan adds that pastors and other ministry leaders often stay busy because it gives them cover for exposure of their shortcomings.

The Church Failed Millennials, Just Not in the Way You Think It Did
One thing I think the pop Evangelical church has truly dropped the ball on is talking to us about the church.

Also See: Gen Z and Millennials Are Seeking Authentic Church Community, Not Leaving It; Church for Millennials – 5 Things They Need

Wednesday's Catch: 'Most people in Britain believe that Christmas has become too commercial' And More

Most people in Britain believe that Christmas has become too commercial
Most people in Britain believe that Christmas has become too commercial and would like a return to tradition, a new survey has found.

The survey was commissioned by The Children’s Society and based on responses from 2,000 adults living in Britain.

Church of England launches its biggest ever Christmas campaign
The Church of England's 'Joy of Christmas' campaign gets underway today, inviting people across the nation to "rediscover the hope and joy at the heart of the season".

The Church hopes to reach millions of people with the real reason behind the Christmas celebrations, with daily reflections, online services, and over 500 specially created free resources for families, schools and children.

Also See: Church of England launches ‘Joy of Christmas’ campaign to share hope, celebration

Shine Jesus Shine tops poll of favourite assembly hymns
The popular church song Shine Jesus Shine is also a hit at school assemblies, according to the findings of a Songs of Praise poll.

The BBC show asked people to vote for their favourite school assembly hymn and thousands of people responded.

Episcopalians nurture Advent tradition of displaying nativities from around the world
Advent has arrived at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Brevard, North Carolina, and the seasonal altar furnishings aren’t the only telltale signs. For three days this week, Dec. 4-6, the congregation will place tables across the pews to create makeshift displays for an exhibit of nearly 200 nativities from around the world.

The annual event, open to the community, is called “No Room at the Inn,” and it has become a beloved, festive ritual for this Western North Carolina church. The parishioners provide a diverse assortment of nativities accompanied by cards detailing their origins and distinctive features.

The history of the Advent calendar
1 December is when many people open the first door on their Advent calendar. These are so common that few people realise it is a relatively modern tradition. This is the story....

Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Passes the Baton to TLC
The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, part of the Episcopal Church’s life for almost 70 years, will close its doors on December 31 and donate its assets to the Living Church Foundation.

“Though the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer will formally conclude its ministry at the end of 2025, its mission will endure,” an AFP announcement said. “Through the Living Church Foundation, AFP’s resources and vision will continue to inspire prayer within the Anglican tradition for generations to come.”

Parish Serves Beaumont, One Chili Bowl at a Time
On the second week of November, local media in southeast Texas trained their lenses on the region’s “most anticipated fall feast,” one that “has been serving up flavor and fun for 84 years,” as Fox Southeast Texas described it.

The annual St. Mark’s Chili Supper and Bazaar took place on November 13 at the parish’s gym in downtown Beaumont, Texas. The full-day extravaganza involved at least 100 volunteers from the church and drew parishioners, civic leaders, and county courthouse employees to savor the Texas staple. Diners also had a chance to support local vendors selling books, baked goods, and soaps and lotions at the bazaar.

As America Secularizes, Its Soldiers Are Moving the Other Way
A lot of times when I poke around based on just a hunch, nothing good comes from it. That’s not at all the case here. There are actually some really interesting insights into the religiosity of the men and women who are serving the United States right now.

Opinion: Defunding of catechists leaves Catholic soldiers in a lurch
In a nation founded on religious liberty, the Army’s October decision to cancel Catholic chapel contracts strikes a blow against the very freedoms our troops defend.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a pastoral letter that same month decrying this move. In it, he critiqued the Army for overburdening Catholic chaplains and stifling the spiritual life of service members and their families.

Broglio’s stand was not just a defense of Catholic practice — it was a call to safeguard the religious exercise of those who serve on the front lines.

6 Questions for Christian Nationalists
I am not a Christian Nationalist, but I almost could be.

In my 2021 article, “What to Do With Christian Nationalism,” I argued that there were two problems with Christian Nationalism.

Anglican Church of Canada denounces Christian nationalism
On Dec. 1, the Anglican Church of Canada issued a statement denouncing Christian nationalism and calling it “a distortion of the gospel of Jesus and a threat to Canadian democracy.”

Home Run Sermon Introductions
A home run sermon introduction earns the interest of those listening.

Church Tech Audit Checklist: Training Your Team for Reliable, Ministry-Focused Technology
Church technology should make ministry smoother, not more stressful. Yet many churches find themselves stuck with glitchy systems, overwhelmed volunteers, and Sunday mornings filled with preventable distractions. A good tech-audit and volunteer-training process can change all of that. When your church tech team is equipped, supported, and trained well, the congregation feels it—and the mission moves forward with fewer interruptions.

Practice Paul’s 6 Marks of Discipleship
...what does biblical discipleship look like in practice? In Acts 20, Paul’s words and actions highlight six essential qualities every church must practice if we’re to remain faithful to Christ.

11 Traits of a Mature Church Member
Every pastor knows the feeling of looking out at the congregation and seeing the faithful few. These are the people who don’t just occupy a seat; they carry the weight of the ministry alongside you. They are the bedrock of a healthy community, shifting the culture from consumerism to contribution. But what exactly separates a casual attendee from a genuinely mature church member?

It isn’t necessarily about how much Bible trivia they know or how long they have been on the membership roll. Maturity is a posture of the heart. It is the shift from asking “What can this church do for me?” to “How can I serve God in this body?” Identifying and cultivating these traits is essential for any leader who wants to build a resilient, mission-focused church.

10 Characteristics of Jesus for Us To Emulate
What 10 characteristics of Jesus can his followers try to…follow? Christians and non-Christians alike usually agree that Jesus is the best role model. With his faith, perseverance, generosity, and even his intelligence, Jesus displayed the best qualities that humans can practice.

The Bible teaches everyone to become more like Jesus every day. Although we are sinful and he was not, we can keep growing in our Christian walk. So it’s helpful to learn about some traits of Jesus.

Why Cross-Cultural Ministry Matters More Than Ever
Cross-cultural ministry is not a specialized task reserved for a few. It is essential for every church that wants to be faithful to Christ’s Great Commission in a globalized world. Our world has become so globalized that the nations are no longer far away; they are living next door.

Image Credit: The Children's Society

Tuesday's Catch: 'The Coming Massive Wave of Retiring Pastors and Church Staff' And More

The Coming Massive Wave of Retiring Pastors and Church Staff
A demographic and ministry shift is underway. Thousands of pastors are approaching retirement age, and few younger leaders are ready to take their place. The wave is coming, and every church will soon feel its impact.

Is It Time to Start a Ministry Residency at Your Church?
A ministry residency isn’t a program you purchase. It’s a way of forming, equipping, and sending called people.

Are Young Men Being Drawn to Christ or Christian Culture?
There has rarely been a more confusing time to be a man.

Also See: How Orthodoxy almost drew me in

MAGA’s war on empathy was started by a woman
"...while they have tried to frame this anti-empathy discourse in faux-scientific and masculinized rhetoric, the right’s modern war on empathy really began with a woman."

For first time ever, US refused to acknowledge World AIDS Day 

For the first time since World AIDS Day began, the U.S. State Department declined to officially recognize it — a silence that speaks volumes. A silence that, for many, still equals death.

This Year, Rediscover The “Why?” Behind Your Church’s Christmas Traditions
Asking “why?” can help a church infuse Christmas celebrations with greater hope, joy, mission, and purpose.

10 Sermon Habits That Quietly Lose the Congregation
We have all experienced that sinking feeling in the pulpit. You have spent hours in faithful exegesis, wrestled with the text, and prayed over the message. Yet, as you look out at the people you notice the glazed eyes, the shifting in seats, or the covert checking of watches. It is rarely a lack of biblical truth that causes a room to disconnect; more often, it is subtle delivery quirks or structural issues that create a barrier between the pulpit and the pew. These unintentional sermon habits can act like static on a radio, distorting the clear signal of the Gospel. The good news is that most of these habits are learned behaviors that can be unlearned. By identifying them, we can remove the distractions and clear the path for the Holy Spirit to move.

7 Worship Set Mistakes That Kill Momentum
We have all been there. The service starts strong, the band is tight, and the congregation is engaged. Then, suddenly, the energy in the room evaporates. It might be an awkward silence while a guitarist tunes, a new song that nobody knows, or a transition that feels like a car hitting a speed bump. Instead of lifting their eyes to heaven, people are looking at their watches. The difference between a distracted crowd and an engaged congregation often comes down to flow. As worship leaders, we are not just musicians; we are spiritual architects building a path for people to meet with God. When we allow common worship set mistakes to creep into our planning, we inadvertently place obstacles on that path.

11 Outreach Ideas Gen Z Actually Responds To
The fundamental shift required for effective ministry to Gen Z is moving from an “attractional” model to an “incarnational” one. We cannot simply open the doors and expect them to come. We must go where they are. When brainstorming outreach ideas, we must filter them through the lens of trust. Gen Z values transparency, tangible help, and community over production value. If we want to reach them, we have to offer them a seat at the table before we ask them to sit in a pew.

Future Church Series – Episode 3: Trends in Evangelism in the Local Church
Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode focused on one of the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in today’s congregations: evangelism.

The way people come to faith is changing, and so are the methods churches use to share the gospel. Attendance patterns are different. Communities are more skeptical of institutions. And more often than not, the first place someone encounters the church is online, not in person. In this conversation, the Rainers look at how evangelism is evolving, why it still matters deeply, and four major trends shaping how local churches reach people today.

Future Church Series – Episode 4: Making Evangelism Visible
The Rainers continue the 6-part series called “The Future Church.” Over the next episodes, we’ll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. 

Thom and Jess discuss how churches are making evangelism more than a slogan or a sermon topic—how to make it visible, tangible, and celebrated in the life of the congregation. Most believers genuinely want to share their faith, but they often need reminders, encouragement, and creative ways to stay focused on the mission. In this episode, Thom and Jess offer four practical ideas any church can implement to highlight the importance of evangelism every week.