Weaving Our Worship – Friday Evening
ActivityMaterialsFacilitators (we have proposed names for a few of the sections -
please fill in all blank spaces
during teleconference or adjust
as appropriate)
General Introduction; Introductions by facilitatorsNicoline, Vivianne, Carole, Dianne
Brief participant introductions
Ground rules, schedule, etc.
Opening Reading - Song – “Gathered Here”Chalice, visual display
Chalice Lighting
What brings you here?**Paper, tape, markers
Presentation: “What is Worship?”Vivianne; Carole?
What is worship to you?**Paper, tape, markers
Closing ritual exercise engaging the sensesBox of fruit (oranges or apples?)Vivianne
Checkout; Extinguishing the Chalice
**participant responses to be noted on large pieces of paper on
walls surrounding the room – people can add images to these
throughout the workshop, as desired
Weaving Our Worship – Saturday
Opening Reading – Chalice Lighting
Cairn-building Ritual (“Come, Come, Whoeverstones, to be gathered on-siteNicoline
You Are”)if possible
Language DiscussionFlipchart, markers
Worship Elements (including discussion on “Flow”)Flipchart, markers
All Ages WorshipDianne
Lunch (on site)
Music in WorshipVivianne, Dianne
Public Speaking Practice; Reflections on “WhatMicrophone (access toNicoline et al.
self do I bring to worship?”sanctuary, if possible), hymnals
Troubleshooting
Preparations for Sunday ServiceCarole
Closing Ritual (alternative “Joys & Concerns” model)Musical instruments (piano,Vivianne
guitar, or percussion instruments)
Throughout day: 1) People added to the list of “sermon topics” on large sheets posted on the wall
2)People added to the list of subjects for later discussion within their local congregation (using same format)
3)People are free to add drawings or contribute to collage about worship
Weaving Our Worship – Sunday
Informal gathering with those participating in service
Sunday ServiceCarole et al.
Participants gather half an hour after service
Opening Reading and Chalice Lighting
Over lunch, we cover the following: debriefing of service in the light
of issues covered during the weekend workshop; obtain feedback re.
workshop structure and content; some discussion about the role of a
personal spiritual practice in one’s ability to exercise leadership in the
worship setting/importance of mutual support (worship committee as
covenant group.) Evaluations are completed and handed in.
Closing Ritual (Cairn disassembling; “What am I taking away?”)Nicoline
Checkout
Closing Reading; Extinguishing the Chalice
Outstanding items for possible inclusion: different models for involving laypeople in worship in minister-led/lay-led congregations (keeping in mind that authority to choose rests with each congregation), use of visuals in worship, impact of congregational size on practices, centering/breathing, writing or other exercises to stimulate creativity, and other - ???
Also: materials for handouts need to be created – any suggestions? (Linda and I have something on WA models from our Meadville course – have not yet obtained permission for reproduction; Contemporary Worship keynote summary; suggested readings and/or websites (please contribute if you have favorites); and other - ????