New Worship Patterns – Getting Involved
We have been discussing our current worship patterns for a number of months. As a DCC corporately, in the action group who oversee our services, and in particular in a number of one-to-one conversations, we have sought to evaluate the worship life of the church, and to ask one key question.
In what ways do our current service patterns both facilitate and perhaps hinder the ministry and mission of St Jo’s?
Two main documents helped us in our thinking and discussions:
November 2008 Discussion Paper
January 2009 Open Letter to Congregation
- the second basically says “we’re going to do something and see if it works” and describes new worship patterns which will begin in May 2009, for a trial period of six months. The basic plan we are proposing is a weekly 9am more traditional service, and a weekly 10:30am more contemporary service. Evening worship will continue, but in a more flexible and creative form, allowing space for a monthly youth congregation and Presence, alongside an evening to pray together and a Communion service.
We’re now moving on and really hope and pray that the excitement we feel for these plans will spread, and we really need everybody to think about two questions:
- Which is the “main” service for you?
- Would you consider getting “stuck in” to serve in the new worship patterns?
Much more, and a response form that we’d love you to complete and return, is in the Getting Involved document.
Even if you can’t get a response back, please continue to pray! The DCC have sought to make these proposals as carefully and prayerfully as we can. We invite you to pray with us and for us. Pray for all those who are part of the church. And all those who – when these services grow and bear fruit – will be part of the worshipping life of the church in the future.
First of all I’m really pleased that there is so much great depth in the process and thinking here and in the level of engagement that has happened. For me and my family it strikes me that the morning changes are going to work – on a number of different levels.
I personally think that the move to a 9am service will allow either Emma or I to join that service on occasion and have a very quiet experience. And then the others and (or) the other one of us can join the hoardes at the later service. And of course the space at the 10.30 service will make it easier for us to sneak in when we’re late. And if there’s stuff happening in the wider world that we want to do it still allows one of us to go along to the 9am service and get those things done in that wider world.
On the downside if there is a stronger demand for people to do more things at 9am because of enlargement then this is going to be interesting to resource. Some of us might decide to go on reading or other rotas for both I suppose but it’s less likely and will need careful management to avoid being on duty for both services.
The main comment of course is around 6.30pm. I had really hoped this would move from this slot because it’s just slap-bang in children’s bath- and bed-time. I don’t think I’ve ever been, even when it’s looked like it’s going to be a wonderful service.
By quiet experience I mean a time to commune and connect, not just get away from the kids!