Each time the 3rd Service Committe meets, it seems that we grow closer to where the Spirit is leading us - toward a new design for faith formation and liturgical expression. We use words like "inclusive" and "contemplative" frequently. We explore what kind of changes our people are desiring, what will bring more families to share in our worship services, and how we can be more deeply and intimately connected in Spirit. We have an awareness that many of the young people of the parish have grown up and are moving out into the world. We notice that there are not many young families coming in to fill those places in the pews. We miss that spectrum of congregation - the interactions and blessings that come with younger families involved in church community. In considering this, I have been stirred to do a bit of searching on the internet to see what might be happening out in the world with children and liturgy. I happened upon a site that is perking with excitement and ideas. This is an excerpt from the site:
Imagine, if you will, children streaming into the church. They are bringing their friends; their friends are bringing their parents. The entire congregation is writing prayers, writing music, telling the great stories of the Bible, developing art for the sanctuary. The energy is palpable; the excitement, celebratory... the transformation unbelievable!
http://www.childrenatworship.org/whatsnew.html
and more....
Valley of the Dry Bones
Here is a reading woven with a hymn, that might be offered as the Ezekiel reading during the Easter Vigil, a reflection on the issue of change and renewal.
Prophet:The hand of the Lord came down on me. And the Spirit set me down in the middle of a valley.It was filled with bones.
The Spirit led me all around them.There were very many. They were very dry. God said to me:
God: Can these bones live?
Prophet: God knows!
God: Prophesy to the bones. Say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord
(Congregation might softly hum the tune to “Breathe on me Breath of God.” It might continues underneath the text.)
This I say to the bones: I will cause breath to enter you.And you shall live! I will lay sinews on you.I will cause flesh to come upon you.I will cover you with skin.I will put breath in you, and you shall live! You shall know that I am God!
Hymn Hymm 508, 1982 Hymnal- “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” Verse 1 Or this hymn...Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) from Songs & Prayers from Taize with cantor parts.
(Congregation continues to hum)
The website is full of creative ideas that might be helpful in creating our own vision of children and liturgy.
Norine Meyer Weekly
Next Meeting
Wednesday July 30th
7:00 St. Stephen's Parish Hall
Over the break we will be working in small groups to plan the half hour sunday evening services for the Fall. We will reconvene in July to check on the progress of this and to share our experiences with field trips to experience other alternative services.
We welcome everyone who is curious about the new service or interested in being involved in the planning of it to join us for our weekly discussions.
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1 comment:
Norine -- Caroline Fairless is a friend and colleague of mine from seminary. This is, indeed, a great site, and full of good stuff. I've done that particular reading in a number of fun and creative ways -- it's such a powerful drama. Good stuff... K
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