How do we use Worship Principles? 10/07
These principles will serve as foundational thought and guide us when planning worship and making decisions for the future. They are not policies neither are they a statement of faith. Statements of faithare in the KLC Constitution and in the Confessions of the LutheranChurch.
Worship Principles– WORD AND SACRAMENT
THE WORD
The presentation of the Scriptures is an indispensable part of worship for all ages.
All the baptized share in the responsibility for the proclamation of the Word.
SACRAMENTS
Our administration of the Sacraments encourages unity but does not require uniformity.
BAPTISM
In Baptism the Triune God delivers, forgives, adopts, renews, claims, releases and sends.
Baptism makes us members of the body of Christ, the Church.
Baptism is once for all times.
Baptism is repeatedly affirmed.
Baptism is for all ages.
Baptism usually takes place in the assembly.
The font, filled with water, is located in the assembly.
HOLY COMMUNION
The practices of distributing and receiving Holy Communion reflect the unity of the Body of Christ and the respect of the faithful.
All who believe that in the bread and wine we receive the Living Christ are welcome
to receive the Lord’s Supper.
Holy Communion is a gift of God’s real presence for person of all ages. Children are
welcome to receive the elements at the table at the discretion of parents or spiritual
guardians, and in consultation with the pastor.
Holy Communion is a gift of God’s real presence available to be offered and received as
often as planned by the KLC Worship leadership.
Worship Principles– LITURGY
The liturgy ofWorship is participatory, involving all who gather.
The language of worship embraces all.
Silence is important in the worship experience.
Repeating familiar historical worship texts* and taking to heart memorable new worship
texts nurturesfaith across generations and is a sign of Christian unity. (* “Worship texts”
are Scripture texts that have been used in public worship for centuries.)
Two of the ecumenical creeds (Apostles and Nicene) are the norm to be used for the
community’s declaration of faith. However, other Trinitarian expressions of faith may be
used.
The church continually expands language and images in order to proclaim the fullness of the
triune God.
Liturgy serves the mission of God, gathering and sending so others will know the breadth of
God’s love for all creation. .
Worship Principles - MUSIC
The worship assembly uses music to proclaim and respond with gratitude to the Triune God.
Music shapes, nurtures, and assists the prayer of God’s people.
Music involves the whole person through singing, movement, dance, and gesture.
The assembly song proclaims the gospel, nurtures faith, unites the community and forms
memory.
Musicians serve the assembly.
The voice is the primary instrument in worship.
Those who plan, compose, lead, and make music are called upon to offer their very best to
God and the assembly.
Technology with music shall serve and enhance the worship experience.
Music serves the Word and the mission of God.
Worship Principles - THE ARTS
The Arts in worship and the worship space glorify God’s presence in the world.
The Arts proclaim the gospel, nurture faith, unite the community and form memory.
The use of the Arts shall include all of the liturgical centers (Assembly, Word/reading and
preaching, Baptism/font, Meal/altar table) and throughout the larger Worship Space
(defined by our Principles).
Those with artistic gifts are called upon to offer their very best to God and the assembly.
Technology with the Arts shall serve and enhance the worship experience.
Form and style constantly changeas art seeks more effective ways to facilitate a faith
community’s worship needs and express the fullness of God.
Worship Principles - ASSEMBLY PARTICIPANTS
The assembly participates together in praise, prayer and proclamation.
Participants contribute in worship leadership according to their gifts.
Leaders are worship participants and function from within the assembly.
Worship leaders are actively sought and appropriately trained.
Worship participants also serve as leaders in worship ministry that extends the assembly (i.e.
Jail Ministry, Communion Visitation)
Worship Principles - SPACE
The Worship Space causes us to reflect on our relationship with God.
The Worship Space supports the quality of music and speaking.
Flexibility in the Worship Space serves the worship experience.
The Worship Space at KentLutheranChurch begins in the street.
The assembly of KentLutheranChurch does, on occasion, worship in other locations (i.e.
retreat settings, mission trips)
Hospitality in the Worship Shape encourages the worship experience.
Media and arts unite the Worship Space with the worship experience.