Preparing Sunday DinnerA Collaborative Approach to Worship and Preaching by June Alliman Yoder, Marlene Kropf and Rebecca Slough |
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"Preparing Sunday Dinner, a long overdue book in the Free Church tradition, comprehensively brings together the meaning and practice of worship in all aspects...This practical book is a must for all those involved in preaching, planning and leading in worship, and for every church library." --Irma Fast Dueck, Institute for Theology and the Church, Canadian Mennonite University
Surveys show that greater numbers of people say they are spiritually hungry. Yet in the past fifty years many churches have witnessed a precipitous decline in attendance at Sunday worship. Why are these seekers , and other Christians, not being fed on Sunday morning?
Using the metaphor of a meal, the authors look at how preachers, worship leaders and musicians can collaborate on a "Sunday dinner" of praise that feeds individual Christians and their communities. They address the steps of planning, preparing and hosting worship and examine some challenges and pitfalls faced by those who collaborate in ministry.
"The authors of Preparing Sunday Dinner have mixed together the basic foundational elements of our faith and worship tradition with a fresh integration of our world and church in our current context. This is a great resource for all who worship, but especially for those who plan and lead worship." --Chip Andrus, Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church USA
Authors Marlene Kropf , Rebecca Slough, and June Alliman Yoder introduced a collaborative approach to worship and preaching in a day-long leadership clinic on January 23, 2006 at Associate Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart , Indiana . The session included a dedication of their new book Preparing Sunday Dinner (cover inserted). The professors recognized two faculty mentors of worship and preaching who “inspired and taught” them: Mary Oyer (center) and Erland Waltner. Herald Press photo.
About the Authors
Between 2001 and 2003, Marlene Kropf served as director of the Office of Congregational Life and minister of worship for Mennonite Church USA. She continues part-time in that role while also serving as Associate Professor in Spiritual Formation and Worship at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), Elkhart, Indiana.
Rebecca Slough's gifts in worship, music, ministry and the arts come together in her teaching at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She has done liturgical studies at the University of Notre Dame and Graduate Theological Union, Berkley, California, and served as managing editor for Hymnal: A Worship Book from 1989 to 1992.
June Alliman Yoder is a Professor of Communication and Preaching at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary . Prior to joining the seminary faculty in 1981, June has had varied experiences: voluntary service; director of dramatic productions for Bridgework Theatre; and teaching, administrative and campus ministry positions at several colleges.