Why Bother? Part Two

Yesterday I blogged about why I "bother" to go to the General Synod, and likened it to why I bother to the read the news, or enter into dialogue about issues that have no apparent resolution. There is another reason I "bother" to go; and it is the same reason I "bother" with worship. Worship - long before I was a pastor - was a central and essential part of my life.

At its best, worship reminds me of my highest aspirations and connects me to God as well as to the larger community. When I am struggling, I realize there are others who are struggling also. When I am too proud or too focused on myself, worship pulls me out of my self-centeredness and focuses me on a larger picture.

At Synod, we had some inspiring worship experiences with marvelous preaching, and wonderful singing. I only knew a handful of people but I felt connected through our common bond in Christ. Today I am looking forward to being in my home congregation where I know and am known by nearly everyone. It's not a bother; it's a blessing!

Immersed in Worship Ideas

One of the things that I have been watching closely here at Synod are the many ways worship participants have been pulled into the experience through all of their senses. Yesterday I learned of the team that met last November to plan how they might bring to life the theme, "Immerse Yourself" in Grand Rapids. From the evocative stage and energetic dancers to the varied music and litanies, we have been wading deep into this theme that draws from the gift of water.


The Rev. Alexandra Childs, a pastor at Alameda (California) First Congregational Church coordinated the physical set. It took Childs and a dozen other volunteers five days to create the handpainted 25 x 42 foot canvas that serves as a backdrop, (the floor actually) for the worship participants. It has whirls and wisps of blues and greens that evokes a vivid interpretation of sky, mountain, lakes, and rivers. There is also an 8 by 8 foot immersion pool at centerstage and 200 gallons of water that recycled itself over 3 levels creating a beautiful waterfall that is not only lovely to look at but wonderful and peaceful to hear. Framing these falls were plants and fieldstone. At the back wall there are two "rain panels" made out of multi-blue hued LED lighting and soft fabric.

In addition there is a jumbo screen and then many video panels throughout the hall so everyone can see everything that is happening. The images on the screens have been so thoughtfully selected that they enhance rather than distract my worship experience. Within every worship service there is a variety of musical styles and instrumentation. There is dancing. There are different languages spoken. There are many, many ways to engage each participant.

Part of my keen interest in these worship elements this year is because I have been thinking about and praying about how we might more effectively use a variety of experiences in our worship service. The space in our sanctuary is entirely different from a convention hall but the need to be attentive to all the ways people experience and learn has inspired me to try to expand what we are doing now.

Is there anyone who wants to dream about this with me?

What is important about worship?

One of my favorite hymns is Bring Many Names by Brian Wren. I like it because the lyrics challenge and broaden the images we have for God. "Strong Mother God" and "Warm Father God" are two of the names Wren uses to describe God.

Just as there is not one name for God, there is certainly not just one way to worship. At St. John's we have three distinct forms of worship and within those three different types of services there is also some variety. And that is just one congregation! Throughout the UCC, let alone other denominations, are many, many variations of worship services. I am always interested to hear what others find most inspiring and most important in a worship service.

This question is heightened in its signifiance for me this week as I have been asked speak on "Worship in the UCC" to a group of seminary students next week. I would love it if you would share your thoughts on what is most important to you about worship. Is it the music? If so, what does good worship music mean for you? Is it the sense of community, the sacraments, the prayers, or the preaching? Again, what about these things make worship feel as though you have really been in worship? And, why should we worship in the first place?

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me!

Gloria

I woke up this morning before my alarm clock went off to a nice breeze through the window, the sound of birds outside, and the opening measures of Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi in my head. It was a beautiful way to begin the day.

Last night we had the final rehearsal, with orchestra, for Vivaldi's Gloria which will be part of our worship service this Sunday, April 5th. There were a few times during the evening when I could close my eyes and listen to the orchestra playing, or the beautiful solos being sung. As I listened, I could actually feel stress leave my neck and shoulders and a peacefulness settle in. Hearing it all come together, I realized why the Gloria is so well-loved. It is beautiful, soul-stirring music!

Following the rehearsal, May, our Minister of Music, asked us to reflect on what singing in the choir meant to us. I heard people say that the choir was like an extended family, that the music helped them get through the week and helped them feel God's presence. Several of us commented on how May made such a difference by always being positive and bringing out the best in each of us. (She is one of the most positive and uplifting people I know!) And, like me, there were others who found that the music would often replace stress with peacefulness, and stay in their heads throughout the week.

On Sunday, the Gloria will provide the sermon-in-song. I am sure it will be a message that people remember!

God Moments

Yesterday in the confirmation class we discussed how God can be experienced in many different ways. This was part of a larger conversation about the concept of the Trinity so we talked about how God can be experienced in creation, through others, and through the Spirit.

I often find that an individual seems to have a primary way he or she experiences the presence of God. From a very young age, I have experienced God regularly in worship - not through specific music or words or liturgy, but from feeling the presence of something much greater than anything tangibly present amongst us. I name my experience of the Spirit as a "God moment." It is not something I feel every single time I worship, but often enough that I can't imagine my life without it and the strong community in which it is set. I also will often have "God moments" when I am beside bodies of water. There are moments when the beauty of creation assures me of God's presence. The picture here is of one of my favorite places on Lake Michigan, a place to which I return every summer.

How and where do you experience God? Please share a "God Moment!"