Worship Teams
As you may remember from 2023’s Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, the Diaconate Board did not have new members join it. Since the Diaconate’s primary mission was ministering to the worship life of the church alongside the pastors, our church needed a group of folks who’d continue to support making worship happen when a Diaconate Board wasn’t available. Happily, there were already several individuals who coordinated ushers, greeters, liturgists, Communion servers, and more, so I pulled them together as a Worship Logistics Team. That team met these past months, as needed, to discuss logistics on behalf of the congregation (e.g.: using miniature Communion cups alongside intinction following the pandemic). Thank you to Carol Garguile, Robin Williams, Tim, Shepherd, Stacy Malone Miller, Lyz Staman, Heather Anderson, and Janet Ott (MAC) for coming together in this way.
I also needed swift support for the liturgy side of worship to help prepare for upcoming seasons and services (Gathering In Sunday, Stewardship, Advent, etc.). The first available folk to make that happen were our Ministry Area Coordinator (MAC) for Worship, Janet Ott, our Vice Moderator, Scott Ward, and former member of my Pastoral Relations Committee, Margie Kimberley. Thanks be to God, these three were able to jump in quickly so Lucy and I didn’t have to work alone (Davi was on sabbatical). We called this group the Worship Liturgy Team, and it’s main work is to make worship more meaningful as well as to pivot with this current moment in time. You’ve probably noticed we tried some intentional changes with this purpose in mind. For example, last Fall we dabbled with Announcements before the service (again, with intention)—and we heard from a significant number of folk that this experiment didn’t fit the meaning and hopes for our Congregation. The team is listening, so if you enjoy something we try in worship or if you’re challenged by something we try, let someone on the team know! (During Lent we’re going to experiment with the Announcements connected with the Offering, showing how what we give is directly connected to what we do and how we live).
These two teams were also an experiment that began with an immediate need in August 2023, and in November Church Council voted to continue and expand this trial. The Worship Logistics Team is working smoothly with long-time folk in those coordinator positions. Now we’re seeking 1 or 2 more people for whom worship is a passion to join the Worship Liturgy Team (if you’re curious about this, please contact me or Scott Ward to chat).
I feel so much love and appreciation for our congregation as we live through this new time we’re facing. Members and friends give grace when things don’t work as expected and stay side-by-side as we discover what is no longer possible. We grieve together and we have hope in what is newly possible in this constantly changing world. I believe the Spirit guides and recharges us and even laughs along with us as we discover God’s love anew. It’s a blessing to be in this ministry with you.
Sharon
