Worship Weblog

Chicago Church of Christ

Posted by cicw

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Posted by Betty Grit

As members of Chicago Church of Christ gathered to worship, we were warmly greeted by people of all ages and many cultures. As we looked across the worship space at Timothy Christian High School, we realized that this warm welcome spread as people greeted one another with hugs and smiles. I commented to someone that the warm hospitality was unique. She responded, “We love one another. We’re family.”

I learned that small house churches scattered throughout Illinois and northern Indiana link people during the week and expressions of these relationships are evident when they gather on Sunday. This week the focus was on multi-cultural worship. The church is home to people from more than 40 different countries and numerous cultures.

The Church of Christ has a long tradition of a cappella singing. As the church has grown and embraced a diversity of people, they are seeking ways to include music and traditions from the cultures represented in the congregation and community. The 10:00 worship service included music from many of these cultures, Scripture presentation by three gifted young people, a message by Dave Eastman on why it is important to embrace worship traditions of many cultures, and a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

A 4:00 panel brought together the 32 Worship Leaders from the various ministry sites of the church to engage with a panel of representatives of various cultures. Big City (Ron Goodman) a Christian rap artist from Philadelphia was the special guest for the day. He was passionate in helping us understand how rap connects with today’s youth and the importance that the church offer leadership opportunities to youth. Other panelists helped us appreciate Latino, contemporary and the tradition of a capella singing. All urged balance so that people of many cultures will find that there is a home for them at Chicago Church of Christ and a strong connection to Biblical teaching.

Following the panel a concert highlighting the worship music of each culture was offered. This time of worship included dance, drama, mime, vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages. With tears, one woman commented after worship, “We must worship together like this more often.”

The 2009 Worship Renewal Grant project in this large congregation will next explore the importance of intergenerational worship. The impact that is already seen from the grant is a credit to Project Director Dave Eastman, his skills of music, organization, communication and leadership as well as the enthusiastic participation of members of the leadership team.

We give thanks for the privilege of worshiping with them and experiencing their warm hospitality.

Tags: grantstournov09