ADVOCATE Upper New York
A publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church
Inviting and inspiring
worship
Q&A WITH HEATHER ELKINS | CHURCH PROFILES | RESOURCES
A DVOCATE Upper New York
Vol. 11, Issue 1
Inviting and inspiring worship TABLE of
CONTENTS
On the cover WORSHIP AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Each year, it takes a dedicated team of people, working months in advance, to plan and prepare worship services for Annual Conference. Read more about the process on page 36.
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INTERACTIVE WORSHIP
Sometimes we zone out during a sermon. Even if we are listening intently and feel deeply inspired, much of the message seems to leave our consciousness when the service has ended. Learn how something tangible can make worship more memorable.
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MAKING WORSHIP BETTER
It’s the community worshiping together that inspires those gathered together and invites people into a deeper love of Jesus. But what makes worship inspiring and inviting? Here are some tips.
All photos appearing in the Advocate, a publication of the Upper New York Conference, have been printed with permission. Follow us online: www.unyumc.org, www.facebook.com/uppernewyork, www.twitter.com/uppernewyork, www.instagram.com/uppernewyork 2 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
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WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED...
The Upper New York Communications Ministry Area asked members across the Conference what makes their church worship services special. Read their answers.
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INCLUSIVITY IS THE KEY
HISPANIC/LATINO WORSHIP
Attend a worship service at Tabernacle United Methodist Church and you will see diversity among the dozens of people in the pews. Find out how inclusivity plays a big role in what makes this service so inviting.
For Hispanic communities, worship is more emotional than rational. Why do they worship this way? Read more about this worship style in an article written in both English and Spanish.
Office: 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. Telephone: (855) 424-7878. The Upper New York United Methodist Advocate is a publication of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, whose mission is to be God’s love with all our neighbors in all places. It is published four times a year. Materials in the Advocate may not be reproduced unless the item is accompanied by a copyright notation. Periodicals postage paid at Utica, NewYork 13504; USPS 14025. Postmaster: send address changes to Upper New York United Methodist Advocate, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd., Liverpool, NY 13088. We reserve the right to edit or decline any items submitted for publication.
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“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” – Psalm 95.6
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hristian author and pastor, John Piper writes this about worship: “It is beautifully fitting that Christians gather for corporate worship every week. When we do, we give united expression to our truth-rooted knowledge of the triune God and our treasure-rooted affections for all God is for us in Jesus. We have seen with the eyes of our hearts the supreme beauty of God and God’s ways We have come to cherish the supreme worth of this treasure. And when we have completed our corporate exaltation of the glories of God, we continue that worship in a thousand daily tasks where the supreme worth of Christ governs our lives. This is what it means to be a Christian.”
“Worship must send us beyond the comfort of our sanctuaries into the world where we can become the messengers of Christ in word and action!” 4 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
We were created to worship God! Worship is the heart of those who follow Jesus Christ. When we engage in the act of worship, we acknowledge who God is, so we can better understand who we are in relation to God. Through the movements of worship, we can recognize in tangible ways the many attributes of God that through the work of the Holy Spirit become attributes of our very lives. Worship connects us to God in powerful ways and provides opportunities to connect with one another and the world we are called to serve. Christian worship must point people to Jesus as the hope of the world. It must offer ways to respond individually and collectively to the amazing grace offered by God that leads to transformed lives! Worship must send us beyond the comfort of our sanctuaries into the world where we can become the messengers of Christ in word and action!
Over the years, the Church has debated styles of worship, musical genres, and various forms of liturgy. These debates have helped us to consider what it means to worship and how we can be a part of inviting others into a life of worship. But these debates have also caused us to avoid what we truly should be focused on as we consider worship. Is it relevant, passionate, and authentic? Styles come and go, musical preferences are fickle, but relevancy, passion, and authenticity are key to the ways in which we experience worship and invite others to worship. The United Methodist Book of Worship in its introduction states this: “Our worship in both its diversity and its unity is an encounter with the living God through the risen Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. When the people of God gather, the Spirit is free to move them to worship in diverse ways, according to their needs. We rejoice that congregations of large and small membership, in different regions, in different communities, of different racial and ethnic composition, and with distinctive local traditions can each worship in a style that enables the people to feel at home.” There is no greater opportunity and no greater responsibility than to worship God and lead others into an experience of encountering the living Christ! May worship become our heart! May our worship no matter the style or context always be relevant, passionate and authentic! It’s what God deserves and we desire!
VISIT US ON THE WEB
WWW.UNYUMC.ORG unyumc.org 5
What is inviting and inspiring worship?
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I nviting
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eekly worship services continue to be a primary place of connection with those who are already connected with the church as well as those who are not yet part of the church. With that in mind, attention should be given to offering a worship experience that moves beyond simply covering the basics of tradition and practice. The conversation is not about style rather it is a conversation primarily about engagement. Are the elements and practices of worship services helping people to connect with and engage the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In congregations that are vital, worship engages the participant in a way that moves beyond attendance at an event. Regardless of style, vital worship contains the following aspects.
This is twofold; Inviting people into a deeper presence and engagement with God, through the grace of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and creating an environment where people feel invited either by a person already attending or the Holy Spirit. The worship experiences of a congregation are meant to be places where someone can invite a friend to encounter the risen Christ.
I nspiring A worship encounter has the capacity to increase the desire to live a life of transformation. Vital worship creates an atmosphere where people are encouraged and challenged to move beyond their current relationship with God, and move more deeply into transformation that comes through Jesus.
Passionate Vital worship has the capacity to engage a person on a visceral and emotive level. The soul of the worshiper longs to be stirred, impacted, or ignited in a way that generates an internal as well as external response.
Relevant While effort is to be made to connect with current culture and context, relevance is about the impact made on the daily life of the person who attends worship. Music, liturgy, sermons, and other elements of worship need to offer meaning to a person’s life throughout the remainder of the week.
Hig h-quality preaching The importance of the sermon cannot be overstated. In multiple studies the importance and impact of the sermon on those already part of a congregation, and those new to a congregation is clearly shown. Vital congregations share preaching that illuminates the Scriptures, and provides clear application to daily life.
Excellent Worship is too important to be done poorly. This does not mean everything becomes a performance resembling a Broadway production. However, vital worship is done with the highest level of excellence available. A reduced level of excellence reflects the importance placed on worship, and the willingness to offer God the very best that can be offered. unyumc.org 7
You want me to do
what? By the Rev. Deborah Earthrowl, Adirondack District Superintendent
“...We have something tangible to take with us or we have participated in such a way that we are not likely to forget.� Rev. Ear throw
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reat! It’s time for the sermon! It’s time for me to listen, connect with the Word of God… or daydream, plan my week, make my grocery list… Sometimes we zone out during the sermon. Sometimes, even if we are listening intently and feel deeply inspired, much of the message seems to leave our consciousness when the service has ended. Other times, we have something tangible to take with us or we have participated in such a way that we are not likely to forget. Interactive worship is a name sometimes given to such experiences.
Pentecost is a service that begs to be interactive! Inviting folks to wear clothing that is red, orange, or yellow to be reminded of the tongues of fire that rested on each of the disciples can be a way that all can prepare to receive the message even as they dress for worship. One Pentecost, folks were given strips of colorful crepe paper to wave anytime during worship when they sensed the presence and movement of the Spirit. Another year, worshipers were invited to come forward and light a candle as they were aware of God’s Spirit during worship.
A service that emphasizes the love of God for each and for all might include each person choosing a stone from the many available. As they compare stones, they notice that each is unique. Which is most beautiful? They each are beautiful and special in their own way. Stones collected from the ocean’s edge are generally smooth, having been washed by the ocean and rubbed against each other and against the ocean floor. Wet the stones, and they take on a different character. All unique, all beautiful, all having been through more than any other knows, just like every human being – every child of God. Still, each is valued.
As folks came to worship at our Adirondack District Superintendent Installation service, they were given a small envelope containing three 3X5 cards and a pencil. At various points during the sermon, they were invited to write on each. One was stamped with “May God who understands each need, who listens to every prayer, bless you and keep you in God’s tender loving care.” On this, folks were invited to write the name of two people who need to hear about the love of God, and then to pray for each for 30 days, so they might be open to how God may communicate that message through them. On another, folks were to write the name of someone they would like to apprentice with. The disciples apprenticed with Jesus, and then apprenticed others. This card was stamped with “Some people come into our lives and quietly stay. Others stay for a while, leaving footprints in our hearts and we are never the same.” The last card was for the name of someone we might apprentice, and said, “With God, all things are possible. – Matthew 19:26”
We all appreciate special gifts. A small fabric gift bag contains a shell. Inside the shell is written, “You are mine – loved and forgiven! ~ God.” It’s a reminder of the gift of God that is always ours. Some of the children in one church keep the shell on their night stand to remind them each morning of the gift that is theirs, and to remind them each evening of the same gift, no matter what has happened through the day. They use the focus as part of their regular prayer time.
The possibilities are endless. Scripture draws us in. How will we respond?
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Q&A
How to energize worship With Dr. Heather Murray Elkins
devotes her work to the integration of spirituality and the poetics and politics of ordinary life. Drawing on the resources of traditional liturgies, the arts, and narrative, she utilizes poetry, prayer, material culture, and ritual studies into her work of preaching and worship. Dr. Elkins’ earliest years were spent in West Virginia and her family relocated to the Tucson, Arizona area when she was still a child. After moving to Tucson, Dr. Elkins and her family attended a small mission church because they lived “way out in the desert.” When the pastor of that church retired, Dr. Elkins’ family started a church out of their living room. That church is now St. Marks United Methodist Church and has 1,500 members. Before teaching at Drew, Dr. Elkins has served as a University Chaplain, a truck stop Chaplain (where she wrote blessings to truckers on napkins), and has been a pastor in small and large churches. Dr. Elkins
By Shannon Hodson, UNY Conference Writer/Editor
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r. Heather Murray Elkins, Frederick Hannan Professor of Worship, Preaching and the Arts of Drew Theological School at Drew University, is a widely-known United Methodist preacher and teacher. An elder in the West Virginia United Methodist Church, Rev. Elkins 10 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Dr. Elkins has published several books and for those interested in social media, Dr. Elkins has recently begun a weekly series of YouTube presentations entitled “Holy Stuff of Life.” A brief interview with Dr. Elkins was enough to learn that she is enthusiastic, creative, and intelligent—her seminary students are the hope for energizing worship in the United Methodist Church. In this interview, you too will learn from anecdotes and suggestions, ways that your congregation can engage in creative worship.
Q:
What sparked your interest to pursue a career in teaching your students how to vitalize worship? Dr. Heather Elkins: I had a background in archeology and anthropology in college and then I shifted for a Masters in playwrighting and theater. After that, my first teaching job was on the Navajo Reservation in one of the first schools that broke away from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the 70s. Trying to enable a community to tell its own sacred stories—how they could preserve them as a community triggered that interest in telling my own tradition story. So I went from the reservation to a direct shot to Duke (where Dr. Elkins received her Master of Divinity).
Q:
What are ways you think that churches could appeal to newer members?
DHE: Christians are supposed to be good at two things: talking and eating and we need to do that with visitors. It’s the eating that keeps us from just being “head” people. Who gets fed? Who’s eating alone? Who might love to pass on a recipe? One of my favorite assignments that leads to a form of worship is to have a potluck open to the community on a Sunday and have each person bring a food that they love to eat when they need to be loved or comforted. Then you sit at tables and share why this is the food you love to eat when you want to feel loved. [Laughing…] You get some wild stuff, but you also get some wonderful stories. And you get a community that thinks it may know itself connecting in completely new ways. Then, if you have a pastoral care team that helps the pastor, they will know what someone would want if they are sick or somebody in their family dies.
Q:
Delving specifically into worship, do you have recommendations for involving youth and young people? DHE: I think that it is very important that we learn something from our Jewish colleagues that youth and children need to have a sense of coming of age in the congregation by being able to take on leadership within the worshiping community.
For example, if I had kids from the ages of 8 to 14, they would be trained, led, and encouraged to read scripture, able to select a hymn, write for the bulletins, or interpret some of the sermon. I also feel that children should be allowed to remain in the sanctuary instead of having to “go downstairs” or to another room long enough to hear and learn the Lord’s prayer and some of the important scriptures and always return for the sacraments. Otherwise, they have no habit. They have nothing to draw on. You could have your confirmands make the bread, to have them being involved in helping people remember that they are baptized, to have them be able to say to an adult, “Remember you are baptized and be thankful for that.”
Q:
What are some ways that worship can appeal to those who like a contemporary style and those who like a traditional style? DHE: Contemporary worship services tend to be centered around songs and music, not scripture and sermon. I think the best that can be hoped for are songs that both communities can sing together that cross the divide. The service also needs to be image-rich. For those in traditional services it may not be digital or technically-developed though a very stimulating environment is important. What’s on the altar? What’s at the entry? What colors are used? These would need to match the image that the screen generates. To have a service that is both traditional and contemporary, you need music and the sacraments. Here is one thing a pastor could do who had two different types of communities (traditional and contemporary). It’s sort of a test that I give to our students. I give them five minutes. They must take out a paper and pencil and I tell them that they need to write down every word they can think of from hymns. At the end of five minutes, you understand what song anchors each member theologically.
Editor’s note: Try one of Dr. Elkins’ suggestions and let us know how it goes by writing us at news@unyumc.org. unyumc.org 11
Simple ideas to make worship better By the Rev. Steve Taylor, Panama UMC
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salm 122:1 proclaims: “I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'� Worship is first and foremost an offering to God which rises from hearts filled with gratitude and praise for God's provision, Jesus' loving sacrifice for our sin, and the Holy Spirit's presence and power in our lives. Worship can be an individual endeavor in the privacy of a living room, or it can be the expression of a community of people following Jesus together. While the worship of one is a profound experience, as we sit with Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, the worship of many together leads the church to greater levels of devotion, obedience, and mission. It's the community worshiping together that inspires those gathered together and invites people into a deeper love of and relationship with Jesus. But what makes worship inspiring and inviting? I've been a pastor now for 16 years and have been a worship leader for even longer. During that time, I've found six elements that I believe make worship inspiring and inviting. There are more, and I'm always eager to hear the thoughts of others who are students and practitioners of worship leadership, but these six intentional focus points can help the church engage in inspiring and inviting worship for God's glory. 12 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Radical Hospitality This is where it all begins. If we try to begin with music or preaching, then we limit the number of people that we're inviting into the worship space. Here's an attitude that can help shape this first element: Think of getting people safely and hospitably from the street to their seat and back again. With this attitude, we start in the community around us and help people find their place in the congregation. This includes parking lots and parking attendants; door greeters; hospitality teams; coffee and refreshments; ushers; and clear, easy-to-read signage, traffic patterns, and flow. Intentional Community Hospitality is great, but without intentional community, where people are loved and welcomed, hospitality is just coffee and snacks. Being intentional means that we don't leave anything to chance. Recruit worship space
greeters with the task of meeting new people, have first-time guests relay their contact information, and do the follow-up in whatever ways your church excels at. Know people's names, along with their children's names, and use their names. Smile and enjoy the time you spend at church on worship days! Relevant Music and Technology Our worship must meet us where we are and challenge us to allow God to change us. Meeting people where they are means using the communication mediums and tools of today. This also means that we must use more than one style or presentation of music, and it must be of the highest quality we can create. Find people who are passionate about music and let them inspire and invite others to join them. Energy and an intentional invitation to the Holy Spirit are inspiring. Biblical Preaching There is nothing that has inspired more people throughout history than a fresh retelling of an old story. Inviting people into the narrative of how God has worked for thousands of years helps us see our lives in an exciting new way. When preachers read and reflect on scripture, using all the tools at her/his disposal and spend the time to be engaging and passionate, worship not only inspires, but also people are invited to take the next step into a deeper faith and life with Jesus.
Apparent Authenticity The deepest part of worship is allowing others to see us how God sees us. For the preacher, it means sharing enough of her/his heart so that the congregation can see God at work in tangible ways. For worship leaders, musicians, and the congregation, it means being vulnerable with the people sitting next to you, being genuinely expressive, and allowing the Holy Spirit to engage every part of our hearts and minds. There is nothing more inviting and inspiring than a follower of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and loving others. Missional Sending Every worship time must include a missional element that sends us out into the communities from which we came to love and serve others. Preachers must give the congregation application for the message that's being preached. Worship leaders and musicians must help us move from the seat back to the street – to our homes, workplaces, and schools. Worshipers must seek to encourage and challenge each other to do the missional work of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Inviting and inspiring worship invites and inspires people to “Go and do!� Inviting and inspiring worship launches the church into every other aspect of discipleship and missional outreach. It starts by sharing love for the community and in the congregation, and expecting that when we come together, the Holy Spirit will lead us deeper into the heart of God as one. It is good, and inspiring and inviting, to go to the house of the Lord! unyumc.org 13
What’s so good about
By Heather Lear, Director, Evangelism Ministries at UMC Discipleship Ministries
“...As I reflect on the countless sermons I preached... I wonder how often those words of affirmation I heard inspired action and helped people to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.” 14 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Lear
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f I were to walk into your sanctuary or worship space next Sunday morning, and ask the people gathered, “What is so good about Jesus that made you get up this morning and come to worship?” How would they respond? Of all the things they could be doing, why did they choose to come and worship God? As we know, our culture no longer places pressure on us to attend church or even identify with Jesus. In fact, we might feel pulled and pressured to spend our time doing other things. Some of the latest research from the Barna Group reveals that communities in the Upper New York Conference are some of the largest unchurched and de-churched in the United States. Would most of the people attending Sunday worship be able to answer my questions comfortably and easily, or would it be a challenge to put their faith and motivation into words? If you think people might have some difficulty articulating their “why,” know they are not alone. I’m sure if they had enough time to process, they would be able to put some words to their motivation of prioritizing time with their church family and attending worship. Maybe it’s their primary place of community and belonging. Maybe they come to be inspired and refueled for the coming week. Maybe it’s a habit and what they’ve always done. All are legitimate answers, but do they answer my original question, “What’s so good about Jesus…?” As a pastor, at the end of Sunday morning, I often heard the words, “nice sermon,” “great worship,” or “inspiring message.” But as I reflect on the countless sermons I preached and worship services I ordered over the years, I wonder how often those words of affirmation I heard inspired action and helped people to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. How did being in worship that week affect people’s relationships, work places, and the wider community? Did I adequately invite people to concretely respond to the text and message from that week, and did I actively expect signs of transformation to result from our time of corporate worship? When we hear the term, “evangelistic preaching,” images of tent revivals and altar calls may immediately come to mind. The goal is conversion and salvation, primarily for individuals to make a first-time commitment to Jesus and receive assur-
ance that their sins are forgiven and they will experience eternal life. Or, maybe for some, evangelistic preaching is a prophetic word, a call to go into our communities and and larger society, and join God’s mission of peace and justice. So, which one is correct? In my work in evangelism, I often see this false dichotomy of faith versus works. Evangelism is either about right beliefs or right actions. Yet, this dichotomy is not the example that either Jesus or John Wesley set for the Church. Conversion is a sign of authentic faith, not the end goal. And saying “yes” to Jesus the first time isn’t the end of the story. It’s just the beginning. Evangelism and discipleship must go together. The goal of discipleship for John Wesley was holiness of heart and life, which was defined by love of God and neighbor. God’s love desires for us to be healed and restored, so that we can follow Christ’s example of love and pursuit of justice and join in proclaiming God’s redemption of the world. Wesley believed that faith alone was essential for this work of salvation, but he also recognized that faith is not sustained without practice. Our pattern of worship naturally creates space for people to respond. Are there regular invitations offered to those who have never made a profession of faith? How does the sermon relate to people’s everyday lives, and challenge them to be changed because they were in worship? Do you create space for people to name and share their experiences of God and stories of ministry, so that the “Why Jesus?” question becomes easier to answer? One of the comments made at a meeting I attended for the Foundation for Evangelism last year has stuck with me. A pastor sitting around the table made the comment that he’s tired of hearing sermons and attending worship services where there is a message of so-so news. Not the best news, or even great news…so-so news. That’s what happens to the gospel message when this false dichotomy is continued. Faith or works, orthodoxy or inclusion, an individualistic, personal relationship with Jesus or justice for all people. No, the gospel message is bigger than that. It’s all-encompassing, bringing hope and wholeness to all of creation. That’s good news! unyumc.org 15
What is worship? Lessons learned along the way
By the Rev. Carrie Sturtevant Wolfe, Olean: Christ UMC
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ow do we know what love is? 1 John 4:10 says “This is love: not that we loved God, but that God loved us and sent us Jesus as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Worship begins with accepting that God went first. God loved us first and our Rev. Wolfe worship is a response to that love. Liturgy is often referred to as the work of the people and we believe that to be true, but we also believe that it is essential to recognize that our work is not to get God to love us or respond to us. God went first. God made the first overture. We are loved and Jesus’ last words on the cross say that work is done…finished…complete and we cannot seek out another ounce with any song, sermon, or prayer. In worship, we respond to what God has already done; we cooperate with what God has already done; that is our work. The invitation to worship is an invitation to receive God’s love, be transformed by God’s love, and in the end, be challenged to respond to God’s love. J. D. Walt proposes that worship is a progression that begins in the Trinity (THE relationship reflected in our relationships with God, with self, with others, with nature), moves through The Story (the biblical story of God’s), 16 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
and ends with a sending back to the world to share God’s love. The bookends of God’s love are often thought of as Christmas (God with us) and Easter (God for us). The key is to invite people to experience God’s love in the in between, in ordinary time, in the day-to-day, in the restlessness, irritability, and discontentedness that is so often the human experience and to do that without resorting to tactics that give congregants the idea that discipleship or following Jesus on purpose is easy or sustainable on a diet of spiritual baby food. Worship is an invitation to learn how to feed on the spiritual food necessary to nourish a soul that, as Jesus promised his disciples, would be required to sacrifice and lay down its life for others. In worship, that sacrifice may express itself in singing a song one does not particularly care for but is deeply powerful in expressing God’s love to someone in the pew next to you. Maybe the laying down of life will take the form of listening to a sermon that may not scratch one’s itch, but the Holy Spirit uses to humble, challenge, heal, or inspire a visitor that morning. Worship is not about us or what we like or don’t like in terms of style. Worship is about humility, about acknowledging that God is God, and that we need God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Worship isn’t about trying to prove who God is; it is about inviting people to taste for themselves and see that God is good while entering into the communion of saints and declaring over and over again the mystery of our faith. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
A few lessons we’ve learned… • We can’t give what we don’t have. Pastors need to have regular experiences with God’s going first love so they are able to share that love in worship. • Jesus said he was with us always and Jesus said that when we purposefully come together, he will be among us. Jesus is always with us and when we intentionally gather around Christ as a community, we will experience him in a way not possible as individuals. • Welcome the Holy Spirit to fill all who plan worship and all who gather to worship. • Seek full worship that offers as many access points as possible for as many different people and styles as possible. • Think theologically. Who is God and what does God want from us?
• Worship is the center of any transformative discipleship plan. • Embrace our tradition. We are United Methodist. Clergy and members have taken a vow; take this seriously. • We have an open table! Our world needs as many outward signs of inward grace as possible and this grace is available to ALL…invite people to the Eucharist and to Baptism often! • Spend less time creating a welcome program and more time creating a culture of kindness and character so that visitors feel sincere care. • Regularly invite parishioners to, only when the Holy Spirit leads, invite others to church. • Invite as many different people as possible, including children and youth, to help lead worship. unyumc.org 17
What makes worship at your church special? The Upper New York Communications Ministry Area asked members across the Conference what makes their church worship services special. Here are some of the answers we received:
“My worship is special because every Sunday when I leave the church, I take scripture and a thought-provoking message with me. Our pastor does an awesome job of adding a greater understanding of the scripture that week. It's a great thing to have and use during the week, and most of all to be able to share that message with others in a way that anyone can understand.” Karin Ayes
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“Worship at my church increases my personal relationship with God, as well as it builds my support network of recovery from active chemical dependency, drug addiction, and substance abuse.” James Medbury, Bleeker UMC
“One item that makes worshiping at our church special is our overall music program. While we have historically had a strong music program, we are currently blessed with two talented students from Roberts Wesleyan College to serve as our pianist and Choir Director. They bring fresh music to our service to help us praise God for all he has done and gradually moving us away from the music of our fathers. Worship should be fun and exciting, and they help take us there.” Lyle Tague UMC North Chili
“Worshiping at my church is special because we don’t see each other as communicants or regular parishioners, we see each other as family. We connect in fellowship as we share in the readings of the scripture each week, learning, understanding, and growing in singing, praising the Lord, and sharing the Blessed meal at Communion. We lead hope in this changing world, as we greet, serve, and converse with the folks who come to the New Hope food pantry that is held in the basement of our church, and it is a great joy to witness the smiles on their faces, knowing you gave them much more than food.” Connie Deno Moira Park UMC
“Our worship is special because we are all a family. When I enter the sanctuary greeted by the mosaic over the alter, I am filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I look around and see the faces of those who have suffered or are suffering from the challenges of their lives. They come faithfully each week to hear the message, share the fellowship and bask in the aura of the Lord. I know that they leave our worship service with their burdens lighter and they will be able to reach out to others around them with Christian love. My eyes scan the pews and those members that have since taken their place in heaven come to mind. The life lessons they shared echo in my ears. In this world, that we all live, so many things have changed but our worship service reminds us of the constants provided by the Lord, the rules to live by. It is a shelter in the storm. It provides our chance to make Christianity prevail.”
“The reason people worship at my church is because everyone cares about each other and are community minded. For example, each fall we celebrate Harvest Sunday where people bring food from their gardens to share. It’s all about the people and their love and concern for each other. If someone is not at church, everyone prays for them and follows up with them after the service. We are always looking for ways to help others in the community. It’s a joy to attend each week.” Joyce Royal Bleecker UMC
What’s special about yours? Share what’s unique about your church’s worship service with news@unyumc.org
June Parker, North Main Street UMC unyumc.org 19
PROFILES
Newark: Emmanuel Matching creative activities with scripture
Newark: Emmanuel UMC
By Pastor Della Ludwig, Newark: Emmanuel UMC
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t Newark's Emmanuel United Methodist Church, we are exploring new ways to engage in the act of worship. Experience Worship encourages all to immerse themselves in the idea that everything they do can be an act of worship. This Saturday evening worship is held in the church Fellowship Hall both because it welcomes those in the community who may be timid of the formality of the sanctuary and because many of our worship experiences are physical activities.
then created sunset artwork using cardstock and tissue paper and thoughtfully connected to the joy and love they feel in the process of creating. Once we connect with the emotions of our experience, we can better imagine the love God has for every created sunrise and sunset. And then, we can deepen our connection by projecting how much love he poured into each of us.
Each week, those who gather for worship anticipate a time of music, message, and activity. All of this is rooted thematically. One week, we explored God's love for his creation. The worship begins with a time of singing accompanied by music videos which are accessed on a large-screen television using YouTube. The week featured "Indescribable," "I Am a New Creation," "This Is My Father's World," "Creation Calls," and others. There is a sharing of Scripture; this time from the opening verses of Genesis followed by a discussion about the love that a creator feels for what (s)he creates. To experience this, those who have gathered 20 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Creating sunsets out of card stock and tissue paper. Photos courtesy of Newark: Emmanuel UMC.
Another week, we explored the meaning of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." This week, music included "Breathe," "The Serenity Prayer," "Be Still," and "Be Still and Know” among others. Those gathered then discussed all the ways we are yanked and tugged in this life and how Scripture pulls us to quiet ourselves and listen to God. At each table place, there was a plate of sand. Individuals took pebbles representing their trials and placed them on the sand. Then, drawing circles from the outer edge to the center, individuals paused at each pebble and prayed. Once at the center, they were to spend a quiet moment being still and resting in the presence of God. On the journey from the center back to the outer edge, individuals removed the pebbles and prayed thanksgiving for God's presence in the trial.
Mandala rock painting at Newark: Emmanuel UMC.
Recently, our congregation spoke about the need for an outpouring of kindness in our community. Again, worship began with a time for music and singing including “Do Something,” “By Our Love,” “Heal the World,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” and “Go Light the World.”
Praying by color.
The message centered on Colossians 3:12-17 as we discussed the impact that kindness has had on our own experiences. We then painted mandala rocks, which reminds us that God is at the center and that his love ripples outward through every act of kindness we perform. Simple messages of God’s love and encouragement were painted on the back. These rocks will be planted around the community to provide blessings to those who pass by. Other weeks, worship has found the attendees praying by color, participating in a discussion of a movie, and creating popsicle stick art to be formed into a cross for our fellowship hall. There is always an element of anticipation and adventure around Experience Worship, and there have been some remarkable outcomes. It is a great joy to recognize how we are growing as a community as we bring worship into unexpected places. We delight as we deepen our relationship with God in all we do with our hearts, our minds, our spirits, and our hands.
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PROFILES
Hendricks Chapel Worship on campus
Syracuse University: Hendricks Chapel
By Pastor Rhonda Chester, MDIV, United Methodist Ecumenical Chaplain, Hendricks Chapel
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s a clergy person who lives the experience of being a parish pastor and a university campus chaplain, I get the opportunity to engage various creative ways people desire to worship God. On the Syracuse University campus, the experience of worship among the students, faculty, and staff varies, because in this context, we gather together not because we all identify as Methodists or Protestants, but because we all identify as people on a journey with God. Syracuse University is a large campus space and in this space, there are people from every race, religion, identity, and background. Because Hendricks Chapel is a place for all people, at any of our gatherings, we encounter each other no matter how we identify individually. 22 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
In doing this, we get to feel the core of our being as the God in me recognizes the God in you. And as chaplain, I am committed to being God’s love to all people here on campus. This past fall semester was a good one for Syracuse University’s United Methodist Ecumenical Campus Ministry (UMECM). We started our small group prayer sessions. This happened at noon and in the evenings on Wednesdays and Fridays in different spaces around campus. I facilitated three different groups of about 18 faculty and staff, 23 graduate students and 40 undergraduate students during this semester., We met for 45 minutes and the format was simple: We welcomed each other and passed the peace, we shared in the glow moments (this is where we light a votive candle in praise to God for God’s presence in our lives and specifically how we experienced the presence of God since we last met.) After shared silence, self-reflection and contemplative prayers, we made petitions
for things that concerned us and prayed communally for God’s continued favor and blessings. Communion was also served once a month for those who honor the sacrament. These prayer group sessions seem to boost the morale of those who participate in the gatherings. I have heard testimonials that as a result of engaging in the weekly ritual, some feel less tension in their lives while others tend to be more focused and serene. One student said that back home in China, she never really practiced religion. She is a third-year student at Syracuse University and heard her roommate sharing with his father how much he looked forward to the prayer sessions. She asked him what it was all about and she has been present at five of our 10 sessions. “I like the silence and the self-reflection that the meetings encourage,” she responded when asked why she kept coming. “It makes me feel more confident when I leave here.” Another highlight of worship comes when we gather for table fellowship at our monthly connect dinners. Connect Dinner is a space that UMECM has created to help students connect with one another and share their journey of faith and spirituality while enjoying a free catered
Students wrap up the Fall 2018 Connect Dinner series.
meal. There are about 120 students who attend this monthly gathering and we are hoping to soon start doing a live social media moment during the dinners where students will be telling their own stories of how it is they experience God and how it is that this ministry is helping them grow in their faith while pursuing their academic journey. What I like about these two particular aspects of our worship on the SU campus is that they keep people connected to God, to one another, and encourages self-reflection. A university campus is a place where people are immersed in many forms of academia that does not always encourage relationship building with God, self, and others, so what these two aspects of worship create for the campus community is a sense of balance and belonging. Singer/Songwriter Matt Redman made a good point when he said: “...worship can never be a performance, something you’re pretending or putting on. It has got to be an overflow of your heart. Worship is about getting personal with and drawing close to God.”
Annual Thanksgiving Connect Dinner by UMECM. Photos courtesy of Rhonda Chester.
By representing the UMC on the SU campus, my constant hope is that persons will have authentic encounters with God in Christ through the ministries of UMECM. To God be the glory! unyumc.org 23
PROFILES
Tabernacle UMC
Inclusivity—a key ingredient to vibrant worship
Tabernacle UMC
By Shannon Hodson, UNY Conference Writer/Editor
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isit Tabernacle United Methodist Church’s website (tabernacleway.com) and the tagline you immediately see is, “A truly inclusive, welcoming congregation.” Attend a worship service at Tabernacle and you will see diversity among the dozens of people in the pews.
Vanessa Whitmore is a Hispanic woman. She has been attending Tabernacle for three years, soon after she moved to Binghamton from New Haven, CT. She said, “I started volunteering at Tabernacle’s community meals on Wednesdays. I tried other churches to go to around here and I didn’t feel welcomed. Since I was already volunteering here at the community meal, I decided to try a service and I’ve been coming here ever since. The sense of connection is amazing. I love it!”
When congregation members were asked MaryLou Muratori has been attending Taberwhat about their favorite aspect of worshiping at nacle for two years. She said, “I’ve gone to many, Tabernacle; the first thing mentioned by everyone was how welcoming the congregation was of many churches and I’ve found this to be the friendliest church that I’ve ever gone to.” every single member. At Tabernacle’s worship service, the extenJoan Walker is in her 70s; she has attended sive time devoted to greeting your neighbor Tabernacle off and on since she was 12 based is not expressed with simple handshakes and on moving in and out of the area. She now lives over 20 miles away, but happily travels to attend head-nodding acknowledgements. “Hellos” are loving embraces throughout every pew. People Tabernacle. She said, “This is my family. It’s everything I represent. Everyone is welcome here.” in the front of the sanctuary travel to embrace 24 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
was spoken word; there was poetry; there was dance. There were black people. There were white people. There were old people; there were very young people.” A member named Amy attends the service with dogs in baby carriages for emotional support. Pastor Beth said, “If that’s what she needs to be able to attend our service, that’s great. Everyone is very supportive of that.” Meet and greet time. Photos by Mary Dalglish.
members in the back of the sanctuary and vice versa. Even the choir members come down to converse with and hug members throughout the entire sanctuary. The Rev. Beth Benham is the pastor at Tabernacle. She said, “What I find personally rewarding being here at Tabernacle is the openness to the diversity of ways of worship…of ways of experiencing a spiritual connection. That might be African drumming, singing, rap concerts we’ve had, and the rappers present at service. We’ve had liturgical dancers. The choir program intentionally does a variety of musical genres to appeal to the diverse congregation. And people seem to really embrace that.” Theresa Lee-Whiting is the music director. Originally from Ohio and having lived in New York City for several years, Theresa has a Masters in Choral Conducting from Binghamton University. She loves directing Tabernacle’s 20-member choir.
Tabernacle has many children who attend. The children are all smiles during the five-minute children’s time segment. Five-year old Henry Barnes said, “I like children’s time. I learn about God and community. I like Pastor Beth. She’s funny.” Richard Chopp, a member of the congregation, suffered from a traumatic brain surgery and struggles with speech. Pastor Beth said, “Richard writes a poem every week and shares it in worship and they are simple short poems, but they are very profound. Initially I worried about how people were going to respond, but they have been so accepting.” Open minds and loving hearts embrace inclusivity, the key ingredient to vibrant worship at Tabernacle UMC. Although the members of the congregation are very diverse, they are one body, and they all bring something to their worship together.
Theresa mentioned the huge crowd that attended Tabernacle’s special concert on Oct. 26, 2018. She said, “The last concert we had here was called One Accord… that was a collaboration of our choir and a gospel rap group called BOA (Brothers Overall) and some of their friends. It was a wonderful experience. There
Children’s time.
Want more? Members of the congregation share what they love most about the worship service at Tabernacle UMC in this short video. Visit vimeo.com/uppernewyork/tabernacle. unyumc.org 25
PROFILES
Bemus Point UMC A modern-day inviting model
Bemus Point UMC
By Brandon Hatch, Director, Contemporary Worship & Technical Arts, Bemus Point UMC
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any church leaders have pointed out that “inviting worship” begins in the parking lot. I’d add that now in the internet age, being inviting should begin on your Facebook page or website, where your visitor will most likely go to find service times and get a feel for what to expect on Sunday. One of the ways we strive to be inviting is by placing an “I’m new” button right on our home page. If you haven’t been to church in a while or ever before, you’ve got some questions: “What should I wear?” “Is there programming for kids?” or “How long is the service?” We strive to answer as many of these questions as we can so that people can feel welcomed and comfortable before even driving into our parking lot. While we will often add special elements and adjust our model as needed, we have a typical service order that I’ll walk through below. For reference, our typical service is 70-75 minutes long (30 minutes of music, a 30-35 minute sermon, 1015 minutes other items). Also, this is specifically our contemporary service model, but our traditional service follows some of the same principles. 26 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Opening/Gathering Song I don’t know about your church, but I suspect that when your service time hits, some people may be still wandering in. Knowing that people are still gathering, we open with a high-energy song so that the people in the worship center ready for worship can sing, but also so that the people running behind have a chance to find a seat without it being an awkward situation. Welcome I say good morning and we turn and greet one another. Worship Set of 2-3 Songs We shift our focus here to a more vertical Christ-centered worship. We’ll have prayer during this set. Announcements We always begin our announcements by talking to the visitors. We let them know three things: 1. We have connect cards in the pews. 2. We have a gift bag for them at the café. 3. We have fire exits in case of an emergency (not necessarily “inspiring” but still important). Offering Often before the offering, we will intentionally place a “missions moment” or a testimony. This helps people to see the direct correlation between the collection of the offering each week and lives changed around the world. During the offering we’ll do another song that is often more of a “special music” type of song.
Worship at Bemus Point UMC. Photos courtesy of Brandon Hatch.
Sermon Intro Video After the offering song, the lights go down and the sermon intro video plays. This video serves a few purposes. Sometimes it raises a question that will be addressed in the sermon (i.e. street interviewer asking “Who do you think Jesus is?”), other times it is simply a creative way to introduce the title/series of the sermon in a minute or less. Sermon It may be overly explanatory at this point, but we strive to preach to visitors as well. Unchurched people tune out when they think that you are not talking to them, so when we say terms that are especially “church” terms or call people to act on their faith, we try to add an explanation that includes and inspires the unchurched. Closing Song and Benediction After the sermon, we have a closing song and benediction, again acknowledging and embracing visitors.
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PROFILES
Panama UMC Contemporary worship
Panama UMC
By the Rev. Steve Taylor, Panama UMC
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eople ask me on occasion what the worship is like at Panama UMC. I usually respond with some combination of what music styles we include, elements of the worship order, congregation size, what groups participate in worship, and how the preaching fits in the flow. The best answer, though, is that worship at Panama UMC is reflective of a community in rural southwestern NY, of a faithful group of people who are here today because of the faithful who have been here before, and that truly aims to honor and praise a holy God who loves us and sacrificed everything for us. The worship at Panama UMC is innovative, intentionally multi-generational, and mostly contemporary, with an eye on tradition and joy. Here are a few things that I would describe as the critical elements of the worship life of the Panama UMC. These elements define who we are as a community, distinguish us from some other churches in the area (not a bad thing, at all), and help the worship life at Panama UMC be inviting and inspiring (i.e., not boring). Not all of these will be present in all other churches, but this will open a window into the worship life at Panama UMC. Once someone comes into the sanctuary, after having been greeted and welcomed, our attention turns to God. 28 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Music The music in the worship life of Panama UMC is diverse, rich, innovative, and intentional. Panama UMC began in 1826 (just after Panama was settled) and has been in continuous service to the community of 450 people ever since. The music life at PUMC has changed over the years but has always been a source of inspiration and involvement for many people. We currently have a Praise Team with drums/percussion, guitars, keyboards/piano, and vocalists. The Praise Team leads the congregation in songs from the 1990s to today using all the latest worship songs available. We have a Celebration Choir that sings weekly as well, made up of people of all ages, led by our Music Director. The Celebration Choirs leads songs from the ancient to the contemporary. We also have a men's ensemble and women's ensemble who inspire us during worship and other times. During the summer, we have a variety of special music from talented people in and from outside the congregation. Music is a critical part of the worship life at Panama UMC. Preaching The preaching at Panama UMC is biblicallygrounded, series-based, graphically- and technologically-enhanced, and includes application for the congregation beyond the walls of the church. The sermon length is generally 30 minutes and comes during the second half of the worship ser-
vice, followed by a closing song, the sacraments, or a response to the message (altar call, prayer for commissioning, etc.). The goal of preaching at Panama UMC is to inspire the hearers to be better-equipped to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Sacraments Holy Communion and Baptisms are regularly celebrated at Panama UMC. We celebrate Holy Communion once per month and during special times of year. We use different methods for distribution of the communion elements (intinction, serving trays with cups, individual pieces, serving in the seats and at front/back of sanctuary, etc.). We include a gluten-free option for those who want or need that. Baptism is celebrated regularly and most of the time by full immersion. We use a stock tank filled with warm water to baptize adults, youth, and infants. Generations Children are welcomed and encouraged to be a vital part of the worship experience. We found that recruiting volunteers for 'Children's Church' was becoming more difficult, so we made the missional decision to include children in all aspects of worship – children's moments, communion, baptism, music, and more. And we have many! Worship time can sometimes be a little chaotic, but the sounds of children are a blessing.
The congregation welcomes all ages. Photos courtesy of Panama UMC.
Rev. Taylor preaches at Panama UMC.
Technology Because we want to reach today's people with the message of hope in Jesus Christ, we use every means we can to communicate the gospel. We use a projection system (front and back), which projects the worship announcements, transitions, song lyrics, sermon cues, and other information. We use an upgraded digital sound board and amps to achieve the highest-quality sound we can. To reach even more people, we livestream our worship on Livestream.com and people can tune in from anywhere there is an internet connection. We record our worship and preaching on DVD (video/audio) and CD (audio-only) so that we can share that with family, friends, and home-bound community members. We provide Wi-Fi in the sanctuary so people can access online bibles and commentaries during worship. We have LED screens in the lobby for announcements prior to worship. Every church has a DNA for worship. At Panama UMC, our 200-seat sanctuary is home to a diverse group of people who have come together to sing, hear the Word, pray, and fellowship together – to WORSHIP! If you have questions about how we worship, let me know (steven.taylor@panamaum.org). Whatever you do, and however you worship, do it all for the glory of God! unyumc.org 29
PROFILES
Penn Yan UMC Three styles of worship
Penn Yan UMC
By the Rev. Jeff Childs, Kim Fitzgerald, and Peggy Beckwith, Penn Yan UMC
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s a community of faith we reach out and meet people where they are by offering three distinct services at different times. The weekend starts with the 5 p.m. New Spirit Saturday night service which has a small but dedicated group of people that enjoys the Christian rock genre. The service is informal and intimate. Music, prayer, and the gospel message fill the service. With the pastor’s theme for the weekend as a starting point, the band develops an opening set of three or four songs leading into a time of prayer and the pastor’s message before concluding with a couple songs to send people out. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and the pastor’s messages, Tharon Smart, the OutCross Band director has written over 20 original songs in the two years the service has existed. As he has put it, “I have been blessed in many ways—the gift of music is one of those! I have never taken any lessons to play music. It is a God-given talent.” The 9 a.m. Sunday Break service is also a little 30 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
The lay-planning team at Penn Yan UMC. Photos courtesy of Penn Yan UMC.
different than your typical worship service. The first thing to mention is that it is lay-driven. Two to four weeks before the service, the pastor brings a message and members of a lay-planning team enhance that message with different elements of responsibility. The goal is to be a multisensory experience that drives home a theme around the morning’s preaching through visuals, technology, music, and drama. Once the pastor’s sermon notes are sent out, the team comprised of eight members (pastor, music director, planning team coordinator, drama coordinator, lay
servant/visuals, hospitality, technology, and an atlarge member) bring their ideas to the planning meeting which happens twice per month. The sermon is presented and then discussed with the focus on questions such as “How did it make you feel?,” “What is the outcome?,” and “What do we hope people will go home with?” We focus on a theme tying the morning’s music to that as well as possibly a drama or testimony or a video that works. The technology person uses notes from our discussion to put together a presentation of the words during worship often tying in a metaphor or some graphic related to our theme. Often, the drama will bring a level of humor or even seriousness to the pastor’s message. We present a decorative visual on our stage to tie in our theme of the morning. One elaborate setup is the river Jordan complete with rocks and blue flowing fabric on the mornings we focus on baptisms. Our Praise Band brings the music forward with more modern praise songs that stay in the heart after leaving the worship space. Our hospitality team keeps the coffee flowing and the snacks ready. We have often transformed our worship center into a very different space. As an example, we have created an outdoor summer camp experience with a “fire” in the center of the room. The congregation is placed around like campers to present our Campership Sunday when representatives from Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center come to give their presentation for Summer Camp.
The OutCross Band.
express their love for God by praising the Lord through music. Each Sunday, the choir offers anthems that support the theme and message of the scripture reading and sermon. The bell ringers and instrumentalist join the service once each month with a particular love for hymns and Christian songs. Phil Mann, the Choir Director, calls them "musicianaries!" Each summer, we participate with other area churches for a time of outdoor worship. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, we join the Baptists and Presbyterians for a service in the County Court House Park and one Sunday in August we join with the other area United Methodist Churches for a service to support the work of Habitat for Humanity at Indian Pines Park on Keuka Lake with a picnic to follow.
We hope to offer a non-threatening, nontraditional atmosphere where any seeker can come in to feel welcome, to grab a cup of coffee and to be surrounded by a loving and welcoming congregation who is genuinely happy to see them and happy to be there. We recognize that the days of the work week can be challenging. It is our hope that we provide an uplifting and meaningful service to “fill the gas tank” for the week ahead with thought provoking message and a boost in spirit. The 11 a.m. Traditional Service is blessed by music provided by the pipe organ, sanctuary choir, handbells, and instrumentalists who
Handbells at the Traditional Service. unyumc.org 31
Syracuse: Casa de Dios. Photo by Mary Dalglish. 32 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
English version Worship in UNY Hispanic/Latino congregations By the Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer, Niagara Frontier District Superintendent
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he worship experience in Spanishspeaking communities is synonymous with a vibrant celebration accompanied by a deep awareness of reverence and spirituality. For us, worship is the individual and collective response to God’s invitation. It is an invitation to dwell Rev. Rosa-Laguer and remain in the presence of the Living God. We have learned to respond to the divine invitation with reverent fear and celebration, thanksgiving and generosity. It is a unique opportunity to express our whole being without reservation. For Hispanic communities, worship is more emotional than rational. The expression of our emotions, feelings, and responses of the heart become visible and audible, manifested in body-language and emotional expressions, and ultimately, rational-reservedprivate. Why do we worship like we do? Because we take the identity of each of our communities and cultures very seriously. In North America and Europe, Latin American nations are considered Third World countries and cultures. Because of this, we were taught to become domesticated, educated, and how to live properly, especially when it comes to the subject of religion that is rational-predictable-private-reserved-spiritual. In response to such a modality established for centuries, today we approach the subject with our own revelation and theological understanding of what it is to worship the true God. Today, we understand that God’s grace and invitation is
revealed in Christ Jesus for all nations, ethnicities, and communities. Because God has extended to us the invitation, we are to worship in accordance with our conviction of worshiping in spirit and truth (not as others want to see or structure us). There were many years of silence and subjugation that kept our identity and idiosyncrasy repressed. Forced to worship in reverse of who we are: religiously rational-predictable-privatereserved-spiritual. Such a modality was a yoke that kept us subjugating our identity and idiosyncrasy, repressing who we are. Who are we? We are people of vivid colors, happy hearts, hyper emotional and sentimental, simple and humble, deep expressions of love, people who devote themselves in adoration. Our people and our cultures are rich in rhythms and melodies, corporal and sentimental expressions. To confirm such a statement, simply look at our music and hymns, poetry and literature, art and culture. When speaking of adoration and worship in the Spanish-speaking communities, we talk about different rhythms (hot) and corporal expressions (where we are allowed to move our hips); we talk about tears and emotions expressed without censorship. Worship in Hispanic communities speaks of experiences of two-hour meetings, tambourines, community prayer out loud and laying on of hands. Worship in Hispanic communities speaks of hunger and thirst for the very presence of God. It is an invitation to express ourselves before God who loves us as we are without reservations, which we consider a privilege and take it very seriously.
¿Hablas Español? See Spanish version on page 34. unyumc.org 33
Rochester: Aldersgate Hispanic UMC. Photo Courtesy of Hector Rivera.
34 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Read in Spanish now! Adoración en congregaciones Hispano/Latino UNY By the Rev. Carlos Rosa-Laguer, Niagara Frontier District Superintendent
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uando se habla de adoración en las comunidades de habla hispana, es sinónimo de una vibrante celebración acompañada de una profunda consciencia de reverencia y espiritualidad. Para nosotros la adoración es la respuesta individual y colectiva a la invitación de habitar y permanecer en la presencia del Dios vivo y verdadero. Hemos aprendido a responder a la invitación divina con celebración y temor, agradecimiento y generosidad, y a expresar todo nuestro ser sin reservas. Para las comunidades hispanas, la adoración es más emotiva que racional. La expresión de nuestras emociones, sentimientos y respuestas del corazón se hacen primordialmente visibles, audibles y motoras, y secundariamente racionales, reservadas, y privadas. Por qué adoramos como lo hacemos? Porque tomamos muy en serio la identidad de cada uno de nuestros pueblos y de nuestras culturas. Históricamente, por Norteamérica y Europa, a las naciones latinoamericanas siempre se les ha considerado como países y culturas tercermundistas. Por lo tanto, a los latinoamericanos se nos han visto con la necesidad de ser domesticados, culturizados y enseñados a vivir con corrección. Especialmente en temas relacionados a lo espiritual. Sobre todo, cuando se trata de la religión Norteamérica y Europa: racional, reservada y privada. En rebelión a esta modalidad establecida por los siglos, hoy respondemos con nuestra propia revelación y entendimiento teológico de lo que es adorar al Dios vivo y verdadero. Hoy entendemos que Dios en Cristo revelado nos ha extendido la invitación como
pueblos a adorarlo en espíritu y verdad en vez de como nos quieran ver o estructurar desde afuera. Fueron muchos los años de silencio y subyugación que mantuvieron reprimida nuestra identidad e idiosincrasia y forzados a adorar a la inversa de lo que somos. ¿Cómo se nos forzó a adorar? Como religiosos racionales-predeciblesprivados-reservados. Tal modalidad subyugaba nuestra identidad e idiosincrasia, reprimiendo quienes somos. ¿Quién en realidad somos? Somos pueblos de vividos colores, corazones alegres, emotivos y sentimentales, sencillos y humildes, con profundos expresiones de amor y de gente que se entrega en la devoción. Todos nuestros pueblos y todas nuestras culturas son ricas en ritmos y melodías, expresiones corporales y sentimentales. Para confirmar tal declaración solo tenemos que dar un vistazo a nuestra música y nuestros cánticos, nuestra poesía y literatura, nuestro arte y nuestra cultura. Al hablar de adoración en las comunidades de habla hispana se habla de ritmos diversos (i.e., calientes) y expresiones corporales (donde es permitido mover las caderas) y de lágrimas y emociones expresadas sin censura. La adoración en las comunidades hispanas habla de reuniones de dos horas de duración, panderos, la oración comunitaria en voz alta y la imposición de manos. La adoración en las comunidades hispanas habla de hambre y sed por la presencia misma de Dios; es una invitación a expresarnos delante del Dios que nos ama como somos y sin reservas; es una celebración al Dios vivo y verdadero, inspirada en nuestra experiencia contextual, teológica y rítmica. Y lo cual consideramos un privilegio que tomamos muy en serio. unyumc.org 35
Planning worship for UNY’s Annual Conference By the Rev. Rachel Morse, Norwich: Broad Street UMC
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orship is one of the highlights of our time together at the Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference each year. It takes a dedicated team of people, working months in advance, to plan and prepare these services. In the fall, our team begins with a few video-conference meetings to plan and prepare for our overnight planning retreat. We work with the scriptures and themes that UNY Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb has outlined for the quadrennium (Together in Prayer), and create consistent visual, musical, and liturgical themes for Opening Worship, Memorial Service, and the Service of Blessing and Anointing. The members of our team have expertise in a variety of fields: music, art, spiritual formation, theatre, and liturgy. Even though our planning team consists of only five volunteers, each has valuable skills in multiple fields. Each member commits to many hours of work throughout the year meeting as a team and breaking off and leading or working in sub-teams. 36 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
AC Worship planning team. Photo by Shelby Winchell.
Our basic timeline looks like this: September: We reflect on feedback from last year’s Annual Conference and note where we can improve and work more effectively. October - December: We engage in gig-picture visioning for the thematic flow of the worship services. Our goal here is for every worship service to feel connected, not only during this year’s event, but also, throughout the quadrennium. We want to build forward movement. Artists who are making sculptures or painting are contacted at this time. January: We plan each service in greater detail, including what types of music, liturgy, rituals, or other elements to include. Here we also ask for input from the Bishop’s office and others. We make requests to writers, poets, musicians, actors, etc. We select gifts to distribute at the Memorial Service and order them.
February-March: We flesh out details of our services, including finishing bulletins and scripts for first approval and review from the Bishop’s and Conference offices. We follow up with musicians and artists. We begin procurement of materials and supplies for worship. April: We finalize scripts and lyrics. We begin regular video conferences (weekly or bi-weekly) and almost daily email/phone communication regarding details with the Conference office. This is where we gather names and invite a diverse group of folks to help with worship by reading liturgy and scripture. May: Our services are completely planned at this point and we shift into planning the execution of logistics. We work with the Communications Ministry Area on any last details. We develop our timeline and strategy for getting all supplies to the location of Annual Conference, working with Conference and Camp & Retreat staff and we get the timeline to the audio-visual crew. June: We arrive on location for Annual Conference at least one full day in advance to loadin and set up. We do sound checks and some rehearsing. Before and after each service we set up and tear down and work through coordination with other branches of the event. After Annual Conference is over, we help with the Ordination Service and then do a final tear down. Members of our team unload at the Conference Center hours after the Ordination service ends. There is a lot of time, energy, and love that is put into Worship at Annual Conference. I am so grateful for my team members who put so much of themselves into making these services great: Rev. Chad Sayers, Rev. Nancy Dibelius, Elizabeth Kisselstein, and Nairobi Smith. unyumc.org 37
Resources By UNY Communications
Comprehensive Websites: UMC Discipleship https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship Discipleship Ministries provides worship leaders with quality United Methodist music, liturgy, and preaching resources for faithful and vital local church worship. They are committed to working with worship and music leaders throughout the Church. Resources, toll-free telephone lines, websites, conferences, conversations, consultations, workshops — these are ways they seek to be available as partners with you in making disciples for Jesus Christ.
Worship Design Studio http://marciamcfee.com/ This is worship consultant Dr. Marcia McFee’s website. After years of a professional career in dance and theater in New York City, Dr. McFee pursued a theological education and earned a PhD in Worship and Ethics. Combining her experience in the arts and her knowledge of theology, today, she helps churches invigorate their worship services. Visit this website to learn more about her and to access dozens of resources from free articles to webinars, and much, much more.
Midnight Oil Productions http://midnightoilproductions.com/ This is winning digital artist Jason Moore’s website. Known for his pioneering work in digital images for worship, he has devoted the last 14 years to developing professional, highly emotive graphics, animation, and video that are being emulated in churches throughout the country. He has led seminars in the Upper New York Conference over the years. Visit his website to view samples of what Midnight Oil’s media looks like in worship. There is also a useful blog and information on training opportunities. 38 UNY ADVOCATE 2019, Issue 1
Videos and other media: The Work of the People https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/ The Work of the People showcases dozens of incredibly moving short films (most are 3-10 minutes) produced by Travis Reed. By gathering the wisdom and insight of an unparalleled growing collection of theologians and practitioners, The Work of the People has become trusted curators of a unique cloud of witnesses and continue to produce these "Visual Epistles" for spiritual formation.
Sermonspice https://www.sermonspice.com/ SermonSpice exists to help you creatively communicate the gospel. From outreach events to Sunday service, they believe the church should be the most creative group in the community! Sermonspice has a plethora of resources to equip pastors, church leaders, and worship leaders with new and creative ways to express the message of the gospel. Some of their resources include videos, sermon illustrations, worship backgrounds, and more.
The Skit Guys https://skitguys.com Tommy Woodard and Eddie James are The Skit Guys. They have been best friends since high school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone laughing and managed to make a career out of it. They've been teaching God's word using comedy, drama and whatever category talking action figures fit into for over twenty years. Their website includes hundreds of videos, scripts, and backgrounds. They also have a great blog and podcast.
Books: Experiential Worship: Encountering God with Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength (Quiet Times for the Heart) By Bob Rognlien Bob Rognlien is an experienced pastor, church consultant, conference speaker, and published author. His passion is equipping leaders to multiply disciples of Jesus who are empowered to build missional communities that change the world. Experiential Worship engages numerous aspects of human experience to draw people into a more complete, life-transforming encounter with God. Create a place where worshipers come face-to-face with the Father. Provocative and practical, this book will equip those of diverse backgrounds and churches of all sizes to build life-changing services that change lives for years to come.
Building Worship Bridges By Rev. Cathy Townley, Kay Kotan, and Bishop Robert Farr This book unravels the importance of worship services being both competent and compelling. A competent worship service would take place in a church that stays up to date with the latest technology, for example. Compelling worship services spark spiritual growth by finding new ways to share God and the good news. This book also has a handbook that can help church leaders determine what is needed for their worship services to become competent and compelling.
Encounters with the Holy: A Conversational Model for Worship Planning By Rev. Barbara Day Miller Many churches have active worship committees or planning teams, and an abundance of books and resources guide pastors and laity. Encounters with the Holy offers a conversational model of worship planning that was developed to train practitioners to be more reflective in their planning of worship experiences. The model planning, ordering, worshiping, reflecting is a flexible, fluid pattern. This book has been used in congregations, seminaries, and campus ministries amid a wide range of denominational and cultural styles. An underlying theological assumption of this approach is that we are engaged in holy work when we plan and prepare for worship. Leaders study, preparation, and training are themselves an encounter with the Holy. The language and encouraging style of the book is accessible to student pastors, pastors, and lay people interested in learning to think more deeply about worship. Visit our Media Resource Center We have resources available to help with small group studies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church-wide studies, and special events. Stop in at the United Methodist Center in Liverpool or browse our online catalog: http://www.rqmweb.com/search.asp?q=unyumc
unyumc.org 39
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