The Rev. Danny Gulden, senior pastor at Sandy Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), breaks bread during the worship service on September 16, 2012. That was the last day of the weekend seminar led at his church by Diana Butler Bass, who preached that morning. At that window beyond him, you can see music stands for the band that
played that day. To the right is a cross behind the lectern and the
pulpit (almost out of sight at the right).
This large cross outside the sanctuary has a variety of mosaics. Donna, who went with me that weekend, especially liked the symbolism of the clasped hands on the crossbar at the left. I like the dove representing the Spirit. To see the images better, click to enlarge photos.
1. Share frankly your opinion about worship in your current congregation.
2. Share with the group an experience where you felt the "quarter-second of awe and wonder" as described by Pastor Eric Elnes.
3. Of the worship experiences described in this chapter, which one most intrigues you? Why?
14 comments:
1. In a Disciples worship service, usually the Lord's Supper comes after the sermon because we, as disciples, are to be enlightened and commissioned to go out into the world and belove God by beloving all God's creation. At ATCC the order of service has changed, making the sermon the last thing before the benediction and the sending out into the world. Our worship is very mainline in that the scripture lesson is read by the pastor, I prefer to have a lay person, other than elders, read the scripture. I also prefer real bread and wine/juice for communion. At ATCC we have awful wafers.
2. Just recently I experienced just such a feeling. It was during a visit to Sandy Springs Christian Church during the Sunday worship service where Diana Butler Bass spoke. It was during the singing of "Holy Manna." It was the same lightning bolt feeling I get whenever I sing, ". . . And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known," the refrain to IN THE GARDEN.
3. For me, the most intriguing worship experience described was the prayer service among Episcopalians in Virginia. I loved the symbolism of the seating arrangement in the shape of a Celtic cross. I liked the variety and plethora of activities: drumming; scripture and poetry reading; different discussion pairings/groupings; singing; dancing; and all done with apparent joy.
I'd like to point out that the service Donna (AuntyDon) referred to in answer #2 was the one shown in the photo at the top of this post, the one showing the pastor -- the Rev. Danny Gulden -- breaking bread.
1. Share frankly your opinion about worship in your current congregation.
Although the Lutheran church’s words in its liturgy support their faith and have the advantage of the comfort of tradition, I think that they too often are words without heart (I realize that the problem may be me). Our church has closed communion which follows the sermon generally two Sundays each month. Rather than the breaking of bread, it uses the convenient cardboard like wafers. I do like the idea of actually breaking bread.
2. Share with the group an experience where you felt the "quarter-second of awe and wonder" as described by Pastor Eric Elnes.
The “quarter-second of awe and wonder” experiences that I have had have been related to nature—births, storms (my daughter finds storms especially with wind a fearful experience, but I find them awesome even though I try to avoid being out in them), oceans, and mountains.
3. Of the worship experiences described in this chapter, which one most intrigues you? Why?
The reaching out by Scottsdale to appeal to its young people through the World’s Most Dangerous Bible Study (just the title is intriguing) interested me. Although the contemporary Studio service is of interest, I think I would be more comfortable in the traditional service that has incorporated some of the Studio’s liveliness.
1. Share frankly your opinion about worship in your current congregation. My most recent experience of worship was with my daughter's congregation at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, TN. The service was very uplifting and beautiful for me and expressed the best of formal and informal worship in one service. The framework of the whole was based on the liturgy of the day, the Feast of All Saints. The processional was formal, followed by two songs from the precious children's choir. The standard Episcopal hymns were sung (but not all 8 verses!) and the readings were proclaimed by lectors from the congregation. The Bishop had a very low-keyed but beautiful sermon about the communion of saints, then the reaffirmation of baptismal vows was witnessed by the Bishop and congregation. I was very impressed with his exhortation to the congregation to assist and support the new members of the church.
2. Share with the group an experience where you felt the "quarter-second of awe and wonder" as described by Pastor Eric Elnes. I felt this experience Sunday as I thought about my response to the call to minister to others.
3. Of the worship experiences described in this chapter, which one most intrigues you? Why? I agree with Aunty Don, I liked "the prayer service among Episcopalians in Virginia. I loved the symbolism of the seating arrangement in the shape of a Celtic cross."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_mrzZJx00
Here is the worship program used for Olivia's age at St. Martin of Tours, Chattanooga, TN.
I hope that our congregations will realize how important worship and hospitality are for our youngest. So many parents return to church or look for a church based on the children's/youth programs that are active in the community. Bringing Jesus to the youngest, strengthens the family in their search for meaning in today's world.
Thanks, Zorro. That five-minute video is very clear about how children learn. Your granddaughter's church seems to be one that would appeal to children. I wondered, like one of the three commenters, if children wouldn't mix the various stories together as they play. But the concept seems to be a good one. Here's the URL as an actual link for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_mrzZJx00
The Godly Play concept and materials look like a wonderful approach to teaching children about God. I went to their website as I wondered if there were any churches near my grandson (too young at 2 months, but something I'd love for him to be able to participate in), but could only find info on training. The cost of the materials appears to be too high for having this as a home activity. Quite an impressive approach to Christian education.
Shirley, one of the comments I read said something about being able to make the materials used, making it less costly for that part, at least. For example, a clear plastic box from Walmart or the Dollar Store for holding the sand that represents the "desert" where the Israelites lived. I guess the concept could be adapted, either at home or in a church setting.
They were still around $10 per printable story. It would seem that if the price were less that one could have the story pieces so that one could have the presentation materials for home. However, the lovely wooden pieces add a tactile feature that would not be as nice as the paper.
I was reading this chapter before going to church today (although I'm not yet finished with it). But I thought about what I'd been reading when, during our women's meeting, we were invited to share our testimonies through the words to a hymn, particularly - in keeping with the season - one about Jesus' birth. One of my favorite Christmas hymns is "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and I especially like the refrain: "O come, let us adore Him." I mentioned this to the group along with the idea (from my reading of our book) that this refrain is an invitation to worship Jesus by going beyond talking about Him to actually experiencing Him.
Alison, were the others in the class receptive to what you shared with them? Did it make sense to them?
Bonnie: The format of the testimony sharing today didn't really lend itself to discussion, but I got a sense that my comments were at least accepted by the group. We sang a verse of each hymn mentioned in the testimonies, so that gave them a chance to think about it for a minute.
I'll listen anew to "O Come, All Ye Faithful" after reading your discussion. In church yesterday, I was again disappointed in the hymn selection as they were the typical Lutheran dirges that only a few (me not included; I enjoy good vocalists, but have a terrible voice) can sing well.
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