Arts Blog : Church, Pam Howell

A Place for Doubt

Pam Howell — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:07:00 GMT

Okay, I know you are busy preparing for Good Friday and Easter Services. But ... after Easter, if you haven't already read John Ortberg's book Faith & Doubt , pick it up. In the mean time, here is what to keep in mind for this weekend. God...(read more)

Try on The Blue Sweater

Pam Howell — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:36:00 GMT

This is a fantastic story of one woman's journey to understand world poverty and what she could do to combat it - what we can do to overcome it. Jacqueline Novogratz, the author of The Blue Sweater, moved me with her stories, challenged me with her...(read more)

Eliminate the Blahs

Pam Howell — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:34:00 GMT

A good word for teachers and all of us who put together services, events & presentations, Seth Godin , Blah, blah, blah, blah......(read more)

It's almost Father's Day

Pam Howell — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:01:00 GMT

I can't believe June is here. My boys finished school Friday, the conference is 8 days away, I leave on vacation two days after the conference (Father's day) and it feels like June is gone! So, I've been thinking of Father's day but conference details have kept me busy. I've been meaning to post some ideas that leaders were kind enough to pass on. I'd love to hear what your church is planning. Northridge Church's Roxann Powell and Kim Graf were kind enough to share some music plus ideas they have used in the past. A musical duet with a dad and daughter of Unforgettable with pictures of dads & children, made a memorable moment. They also used the song Daughters by John Mayer. One year they used Phil Collins song You’ll be in my Heart. They choreographed a series of life moments throughout the song. It began with a dad center stage. A mom came out, handed him a baby girl and the Father danced her around to the music. The same mom came out from the other side of the stage with a 5 year old girl; she ran out to hug her dad and then stood on his feet as they danced. Next came a teenage girl talking a phone, looking annoyed, reluctantly she hung up and took her dad’s hand and they began to dance. Her mood changed and she began to enjoy the time with her father, eventually laying her head on his shoulder. The daughter had ended each scene by putting her head on her father’s shoulder. Finishing the song, a bride comes out and dances with her dad. People were very moved. Many churches are doing some extra events for Father’s day. Last year, one church I was visiting had a barbecue and a photographer available to take pictures of dads with their families on a big ol’ Harley. My church has a car show. It brings many people out to church that wouldn’t normally come. So, what have you got planned? Or what did you do last year? Share the ideas, I am sure there are many like me that can’t believe that June is here and Father’s day is just around the corner.

The Church and the Arts

Pam Howell — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:36:00 GMT

The church is realizing that there is an awareness of God sleeping in the basement of the postmodern imagination and they have to awaken it.The arts can do this. All beauty is subversive; it flies under the radar of people’s critical filters and points them to God…When the front door of the intellect is shut, the back door of the imagination is open. Our neglect of the power of beauty and the arts helps explain why so many people have lost interest in church. Our coming back to the arts will help renew that interest. Ian Morgan Cron, Chasing Francis

The Last Lecture

Pam Howell — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:20:00 GMT

Did anyone catch The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life? ABC and Diane Sawyer told the story of Randy Pausch. Randy is a husband, father of 3 beautiful children, and an inspiration to many people around the world. In September of 2006, Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His condition is terminal. In September, Randy delivered his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a professor in the computer-science department. The lecture made it to the intranet and to date has been viewed by over 6 million people. One of the most moving portions of the program last night was hearing how his story has changed the way people live their lives. He inspired them to change their thinking and to live differently. Artists and teachers have the same opportunity each weekend, tell the story of a life transformed by Jesus Christ. A few weeks back the creative team at my church weaved 3 people’s story about how God has used His Word to speak to them and change their lives, with music and the spoken word. It was beautiful and inspiring. It helped me remember how faithful God’s Word has been to me and my family. I was wondering how you have been telling stories at your church. What creative elements have been supporting your stories?

What are you doing for Mother’s Day?

Pam Howell — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:37:00 GMT

Mother’s Day can trace its roots back to seventeenth century England. Mothering Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent, was a day when children, who were often sent away from home to work as servants or learn a trade were given the day off and the opportunity to be at home. Much like today mothers were treated to special foods and bouquets of flowers. Today, included in this special day of honor, May 11, many moms spend an hour with their family in your church. So, I wondered what you were doing to honor, celebrate and encourage the mom’s in your congregation. I have planned and participated in many Mother’s day services. I remember looking for just the right song, drama or experience. I thought you might be doing the same thing … looking for just the right words, the right music or expression to tell the mom’s in your community that they are valued and important to our families. I asked a few friends for some of their ideas. Here is just a smattering of what they told me … Each mom receives a flower as they leave the service. Each mom receives a cake, saying ‘Happy Mother’s Day.’ Just in case, dad or the kids forgot dessert. A video with pictures of moms and kids set to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, One Heartbeat at a Time. (Here is a short sampling of the song, with Steven explaining why he wrote the song.) One of my favorite ideas is from Shane Duffey, Creative Arts Pastor at NewSpring Church. Their pastor weaves into the message a story of one mom. One mom who sacrifices and gives so much to her children. This year they have identified a single mom and will do the ‘extreme home makeover’ thing and give her a home. Shane told me, “We love it because it blesses a family that needs it, warms people’s hearts, casts vision about ‘loving people’ and making an impact in our community all the while providing a tangible example and platform to share who Jesus is.” This is the second year NewSpring has given this wonderful gift to a mom and their church. So, what are you doing for Mother’s day? Share your ideas and let’s do a little virtual brainstorming.

Where My Mind Wanders

Pam Howell — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:46:00 GMT

Two week ago Sunday, March 2, we received an unexpected early morning phone call. My husband’s mother had passed away. Mom was 88 years old. Her health had been declining for the past few years. Her body needed to rest. Though we will miss greatly, we are glad she has found that rest. As you might imagine, that week was very full. There were plans to be made and details to be attended to. There were not many moments where mind had an opportunity to wander but at one point it did. I thought about how grateful I am to the local church. I have family and friends all over the country and I am so glad for God’s gift of the church. I am grateful that there are churches where my friends and family can explore who God is and the plan He has for their life. I am thankful that each week there is a place that offers hope and speaks words of truth and grace. I am grateful that once they have decided to follow God, there is a place where they can learn, grow and find community. I am so glad that when they go through valleys that they will find others who will bring comfort, hope and direction. I am so grateful that there are places for them to learn that God desires to spend eternity with them and that He has made a way. Praise God for the local church!

CHURCH SUPER BOWL PARTIES – The NFL has changed its call!

Pam Howell — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:58:00 GMT

I thought I would just follow up my post from a few weeks back – The NFL has changed its mind and will not object “live showings of the Super Bowl by religious organizations,” Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner. To learn more about how the change came about, check out the story in the Washington Post.

The Church. The Super Bowl. And Copyright.

Pam Howell — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:53:00 GMT

Did you see the most recent article in the Washington Post about churches hosting Super Bowl parties? Many churches plan Super Bowl parties as a community event and/or as an event to invite new people to the church. They have found these parties are widely successful in bringing people together. Well, many are surprised or didn’t even consider that the NFL expects churches to pay attention to the notice that appears at the end of each game, "This telecast is copyrighted by the NFL for the private use of our audience. Any other use of this telecast or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts of the game without the NFL's consent is prohibited." The NFL is serious and is letting churches know that this is not legal. Churches are receiving letters from the NFL telling them that they are in violation of the copyright law. Now, they have to scrap their parties or quickly come up with a new plan. My guess is that many of you, the arts leaders and artists aren’t responsible for the Super Bowl party at your church. Maybe you are like me. Most years I am not truly interested in the game. I go get food during the game. But when the commercials come on and the half-time show starts I am in my seat & paying attention. I was intrigued with the Post article because it brought up the issue of the church’s engagement, understanding and compliance with copyright. When I talk to leaders these days I hear a wide variety of views about how their church approaches copyright laws. I meet a few churches who are on top of the law and are to the best of their knowledge complying. I think most churches are challenged to be informed and be in compliance on top of all their other responsibilities. And unfortunately some have just decided for whatever reason they aren’t going to engage. I am wondering where you are all at. On a scale of 1 to 10 how informed are you about the church and copyright law. On a scale of 1 to 10 is your church engaged. Are you complying with the law? Some of the laws? Do you subscribe to the philosophy “Do it now and ask forgiveness later?” Are you making copies of music, CDs or charts, without getting permission and paying for royalties? Are you securing permission to use movie clips during the service? Are you using trademarked titles or art for series or services? For example, I know many people use the title and art from game shows or reality shows. Did you know that we can’t use their art and we can’t use their trademarked title? For those of you who are engaged how do you do it? Do you have a volunteer or staff person just devoted to this task? Does each artist, worship leader, music director, or media person take care of their own copyright issues? I would love to start a discussion and see if we can help each other and honor God with how we do this portion of our ministry.

The Art of Teaching

Pam Howell — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:49:00 GMT

One of the significant marks of a prevailing church is strong teaching. People outside the church are convinced that the Bible is out-dated, boring, and irrelevant when it comes to their personal lives. So how do we bring life-changing messages to the people in our church? How do we convince them that they should build their lives on God’s Word? John Ortberg shares insightful and practical ways to hone your gift of teaching in this weeek's free download, a talk he entitled, The Art of Teaching. He shares from the wisdom of scripture and experience that will benefit both the new and seasoned teacher. Click here for this week's free download! You might be tempted to skip this resource because you are not regularly responsible for the teaching in your church but this talk is for everyone! I would encourage you not to miss it. John brings insights into the gift of teaching that are transferable to other gifts and areas of life. If you choose, his thoughtful and challenging words will stir you to go deeper in your personal relationship with God and will bring growth to your ministry. Think about the power of teaching in your own life. Surely there was a time that a particular message reached into your heart to change your life. Or perhapw powerful teaching changed the life of someone you know. If so, we'd love to hear your story. John Ortberg will be one of the featured speakers at the Willow Creek Association’s 2007 Leadership Summit. He is a highly acclaimed writer and speaker and is the senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. He is the best-selling author of many books including, The Life You've Always Wanted, God is Closer than You Think, Everybody's Normal 'til You Get to Know Them, and the August 2007 release, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. He served as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church from 1994 to 2003. He is known for his ability to craft messages reflecting the highest levels of theological and intellectual thought, while remaining understandable and applicable to listeners at all stages of their spiritual journey.

Move that Bus!

Pam Howell — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:07:00 GMT

I love it! I love a story about someone who reaches out for help and finds more than they ever dreamed. I’m sure that is why I love ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover. I have often said that this show has redeemed television’s reputation. I just watched a Grandma fall to her knees as a bus pulled away to reveal her hope… home for her four grandchildren. It made me think about the church and that dramatic ‘move that bus’ kind of hope we bring to people’s lives. I wish we had the ability to hear what is going on in people’s minds as they sit and watch dramas, dances and videos. I wish you could know the buses that are being moved away to reveal hope as they listen to your stories, songs and messages. It has been more than 30 years ago but I remember the story that gave me hope…I was a high school student sitting in someone’s basement listening to a 20-something talk about his time in prison. It was in a foreign prison that the church reached out to him and convinced him that God had a deep love for him and would be there for him. And then he moved the bus…he told me that God loved me and would be there for me…any time, any where. I so desperately wanted to believe him. I wanted someone who would be there for me always. It was some months later that I fully embraced that truth but that evening the bus moved away revealing my heart’s home…so now many years later I fall to my knees in gratitude.