Worship.
To say that worship is important in church is like saying that breathing is important to a human being. Worship is where a church finds her breath, and her reason for existence.
Of the many things that attracted Dana and me to The Oaks, the way you worship was at the top of the list. Working with Rita Ponder, and the Worship Team, has been refreshing and inspiring. I look forward to exciting times of worship with you.
In July we are going to simplify things a bit. We will call it casual worship, but don’t think we are not taking it seriously. In fact, the reason we try new things is to be sure that we remain intentional with our practices. The last thing we want in worship is to be doing the same things, without thinking about what we are doing.
Rita and I will not be wearing robes in July. So, if you want a clever way to invite a friend to church you can say that the ministers will be dis-robed in church every Sunday in July. Now, I like wearing a robe, it reminds me of my place as a worship leader. I also like not wearing one, too, because I can better understand that I am a worship participant, just like you.
The choir will not be in the choir loft for the month. This will help us to see that we gather as one community for worship. One of the outcomes of a worship service is for all of the participants to understand that we all are on the same page, and that we are one body realizing God’s presence together.
Just the notion of casual worship creates an expectation of relaxation which, by the way, can help with worship. As one is able to relax in God’s presence, they are better able to rest there. It may even lead to a better understanding of Sabbath rest.
I hope you will be able to worship with us every Sunday in July. You might choose to leave the neck ties and other “Sunday go to meeting” attire at home, and dress comfortably so that you can find a renewed sense of gathering for worship.
We will, of course, return to a more formal practice of worship in August. In the meantime, let’s gather in simplicity, and take ease as we worship together.
Grace and peace,
Christian
Worship.
To say that worship is important in church is like saying that breathing is important to a human being. Worship is where a church finds her breath, and her reason for existence.
Of the many things that attracted Dana and me to The Oaks, the way you worship was at the top of the list. Working with Rita Ponder, and the Worship Team, has been refreshing and inspiring. I look forward to exciting times of worship with you.
In July we are going to simplify things a bit. We will call it casual worship, but don’t think we are not taking it seriously. In fact, the reason we try new things is to be sure that we remain intentional with our practices. The last thing we want in worship is to be doing the same things, without thinking about what we are doing.
Rita and I will not be wearing robes in July. So, if you want a clever way to invite a friend to church you can say that the ministers will be dis-robed in church every Sunday in July. Now, I like wearing a robe, it reminds me of my place as a worship leader. I also like not wearing one, too, because I can better understand that I am a worship participant, just like you.
The choir will not be in the choir loft for the month. This will help us to see that we gather as one community for worship. One of the outcomes of a worship service is for all of the participants to understand that we all are on the same page, and that we are one body realizing God’s presence together.
Just the notion of casual worship creates an expectation of relaxation which, by the way, can help with worship. As one is able to relax in God’s presence, they are better able to rest there. It may even lead to a better understanding of Sabbath rest.
I hope you will be able to worship with us every Sunday in July. You might choose to leave the neck ties and other “Sunday go to meeting” attire at home, and dress comfortably so that you can find a renewed sense of gathering for worship.
We will, of course, return to a more formal practice of worship in August. In the meantime, let’s gather in simplicity, and take ease as we worship together.
Grace and peace,
Christian
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