Church Family, I am grateful to share that Castleton United Methodist Church has been awarded a $25,000 Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. This year-long initiative aligns with our congregational theme of Justice and Joy and centers on congregational singing as a sacramental Presence. God is always present but oftentimes our own human “veil” is not removed (2 Corinthians 3:16), meaning that sometimes the very mechanisms of worship distance us from worship. Through this grant we will discover how singing is embodied worship. By removing barriers that might make music feel exclusive or intimidating, we invite you to experience worship as a formative and natural connection to God.
Our year-long artist-in-residence, Pam Blevins Hinkle, will engage the congregation as a teacher, musician, and co-creator. (You might remember her from a few years ago as our Advent Guest Artist!) With Pam’s leadership, we will create new theological songs shaped by scripture, the seasons of the church year, and our faith stories. Pam and guest song leaders will foster two-way formation between our traditional and contemporary worshiping services and connect with diverse communities across Indiana.
Throughout the year, we will also train songwriters and song leaders of all ages to accessibly create paperless songs that live beyond Sunday morning. Building on the foundation we currently have, we hope this project deepens and opens worship to every voice and forms us more deeply as the body of Christ. If you or anyone outside of the church (all are welcome) are already excited about this prospect, please let us know here..
– Dr. John Perkins, Director of Music
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.