This is part of the worship series,
"God of All Ages”
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4
WEEK FOUR
TWENTIETH/TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Introduction
For the last three weeks, we have been exposed to liturgical elements of worship services from the last two thousand years. We have learned how many of the major changes in worship were intended to make worship more meaningful and accessible. We have also noticed that over time these reforms made worship less accessible by remaining static in a changing society. Luther wanted worship back in the hands of the people. He translated the Bible into German and wrote music in the popular style of the day. In short, he sought to make the church accessible.
In the present day, many clergy are still wearing the black academic robes common in the sixteenth century, and we are still singing hymns from Luther's time. While there is no need to discard everything "old," we do need to ask ourselves whether our worship is accessible. As we worship in a contemporary style this morning, consider how these elements communicate in today's culture. Is our worship approachable? Is it meaningful and participatory?
For this service, which took place in 2003, we rented a multimedia projector and screen and presented the components of the service with PowerPoint programming. Our congregation had just completed a mission trip to Nicaragua; the team's report included projected photos and a computer-generated slide show set to music.
Introit
"Come, Now Is the Time to Worship" Doerksen
We were called to worship by some of our teens, who, along with our youth director, had formed a small praise team with drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, and piano.
Call to Worship
Psalm 57:7–11
Anthem
"Heart of Worship" Redman
New Songs of Praise
"All Heaven Declares" Noel and Tricia Richards
"Better Is One Day" Redman
"All in All," Jernigan
"I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" Smith
Scripture
2 Corinthians 9:6–15; Psalm 113
Sermon: Worship and Service—In the Hands of All God's People
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Notes: It is not by accident that our Nicaragua presentation dovetails with the end of our series on the history of Christian worship. In the first century, the whole church took responsibility for worship and service. Through the centuries, worship and service moved from being the work of the people to being the work of clergy. Priests and clergy led worship and taught, choirs sang, people watched.
Then in the sixteenth century, worship was put back into the hands of the people. Again today, there is increasing realization that worship is our first act of service to God. Our worship is an offering to God, not something that is done on our behalf.
Christian service is also being put back into the hands of the people. No longer can worshipers define church as sitting in a pew on Sunday morning. As we say yes when God calls us to serve, God will be able to work in ways beyond our imagining. My greatest pleasure and privilege as a pastor going to Nicaragua was seeing the church work as it should, each person using his or her gifts with energy, diligence, and faithfulness, so that God is honored and Christ's love proclaimed.
Hymn of Response
"O Christ, the Great Foundation" Price, Lew
A Chinese hymn based on "The Church's One Foundation," now translated back into English, and sung to the familiar tune, showing the foundation of our faith for "every age and land."
Offering
Offertory
Praise team "Who Paints the Skies" Stuart Townend, Kingway's Thankyou Music
Nicaragua Presentation
The team who had recently returned pom Nicaragua shared their work with the congregation. This was an opportunity to show how the whole church serves in a variety of ministries, the service of the church in the hands of the people.
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People
Praise Choruses
We entered God's presence singing his praise. We left the service recommitting ourselves to worshiping and serving God in our day-to-day living.
"Cry of My Heart" Butler
"Shout to the North" Smith
Benediction
Revised Common Lectionary
Year C: Season after Pentecost—Proper 20 (25)
