us from the inside out, enabling us to temper our quest for justice with a preference for mercy (Mi- cah 6:8; Matthew 5:38-40). To truly know the love of God is to be able to look squarely upon even the hardest criminal and to see that person not merely for what he or she has done, but for who he or she may yet become. Such a perspective is neither natural nor easy,


but it comes when we dare to love others the way our heavenly Father loves us (1 John 4:7-12). And unless we do, we’ll never fully know the abundant life – or the peculiar joy – that this piece celebrates.


JOHNATHAN KANA holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Southwestern University and is a contributing writer for Think Christian, Christianity Today Entertainment, and Prison Fel-


lowship. His recent composition “Life within These Walls” is currently under commercial review, but readers interested in using the work for non-com- mercial purposes are invited to contact him by email at jekana0410@gmail.com. Those interested in learning more about the Oakdale Commu- nity Choir are encouraged to visit the ensemble’s website: oakdalechoir.lib.uiowa.edu.


J


oin internationally renowned St. Olaf College faculty and distinguished guest leaders for this special event, which provides professional development, spiritual


nourishment, and networking opportunities for persons engaged in all facets of congregational ministry.


The conference offers ideas and practices that pastors, church musicians, artists, and lay leaders from all denominations and any size congregation can readily incorporate into their own worship experiences.


learn more at stolaf.edu/cwta


yale institute of sacred music presents As Creation Groans: Worshiping God on Holy Ground


june 13–15, 2018


The ISM Congregations Conference at Yale University Information and registration at ism.yale.edu/Congregations2018


__________________________________________________________________________________________________ January-February 2018 • WorshipArts • www.UMFellowship.org


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