Worship Weblog

Glenside Book Group – Second Meeting

Posted by cicw

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Book Groups

We invited 34 book groups across the U.S. and Canada to meet and discuss The Church of All Ages and its implications for their worship, and to share their notes here.
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We met for the second time on Oct. 8, at Trinity Presbyterian. Rick and Betsy led us in opening and closing prayers in the Presbyterian tradition.

We reviewed the six stages of faith development and concentrated on this question: “What insights does this theory provide for you in developing the ministry of your congregation?”

Tom: We have a lot of people whose development is arrested at stage two–three. Some leave for a while as stage four begins, return when they marry and have children, drop out again as empty nesters, and then return late in life. But all along they are really at stage three, but not asking very pressing questions about faith. Aspects of the liturgy that sustain them are the non-verbal ones; the ritual, the music, the atmosphere, the rest of the congregation. Jeanne pointed out that these folks never question the teachings of the church and are devoted to the routines of public faith.

After we had discussed the way that these stages of faith development appear in every age group, that there are at least two dynamics going on at once, Bob pointed out that this is so complex that we can’t provide the support needed for everyone in a given liturgy. On a given Sunday, some people are always going to miss what they need. This stimulated a discussion of the various parts of the liturgy and how each might minister to persons at each stage, and at each age.

Betsy quoted this from page 77: “. . .the shift towards understanding worship as a teaching service for adults. . .[contributes] to the decline of holding all ages together in public worship.” and talked about ½ hour sermons and a sermon-centered service as typical of her congregation.

This led Tom to reflect on how he preaches (as a deacon) at the four services in his congregation. “Each service has a corporate personality, and so the homilies have to be different, even though they all ‘break open’ the same readings.” One service is filled with children, at another the children are sent with a Gospel book to have their own service of the Word and then return for the Eucharist, another service is mostly adults, etc.

Rick asked us to think of other occasions where there is corporate activity engaging all ages, but the ones we thought of, like a sports event or a theme park, actually are more visual (and visceral) without a lengthy teaching component (no homily!).

Larry mentioned that the overall shape of the liturgical year, with the special seasons of Christmas and Easter (more complex, with unique liturgies, more symbolism and music, stronger verbal and non-verbal elements), engages everyone at all levels/stages. Laurel then shared her experience with Jerome Berryman’s Godly Play, mentioned on page 76. In this program, children work with biblical stories, parables, and the liturgy; hearing the gospel and worshiping at their own levels of faith development. Betsy commented that her sister is familiar with Godly Play, making a connection with Laurel that may outlive our series of meetings.

We will continue to search for a model that engages everyone. And one that is child-friendly, but not child-centered or childish. Indeed, friendly and engaging for all!

Tags: bgglenside, Book Groups 2009, intergenerational