Session 2: Constructing Worship Welcome ! Inspiring Worship

Gathering Worship & homework feedback

Structuring Worship: Things to consider when preparing an act of worship: – What is the crux? (e.g. theme/message) – What is the dynamic/emotional/spiritual shape? – What is the physical shape? (e.g. standing/sitting/moving about)

– Are the congregation and the leaders enabled to worship God? – Do the congregation have the opportunity to be involved/respond or are they an audience? (remember, liturgy = the work of the people) – How inclusive/exclusive is the act of worship?

How to select elements: Select appropriately for your congregation and your theme Variety is the spice of life, but don’t over spice either!! When introducing something new or unfamiliar, NEVER apologise for it! Ask yourself, does it mean something and does it fit?

Putting it together: A general guideline for the overall structure to an act of worship is: Us to God God to us Responding to God to us

This usually breaks down as follows: Us to God – Gathering in God’s presence – Praise, adoration and thanksgiving – Supplication & Confession God to us – Absolution – Hearing from God (exploring scripture in whatever way)

Responding to God to us – Response – Healing / Commitment – Intercession – Sending out

Alternatively: We are separated from God but yearn to not be God comes to us and saves us We respond to that act

Prepare a 30 minute act of worship for use during Advent. Each group is assigned a different ‘congregation’. Sketch out an order with as much detail as you can. Group Work: QUICK BREAK

Engaging the senses Leading confidently Resources Explore:

Homework! Ask a preacher if you can discuss the putting together of an act of worship, and if possible, to assist in that. or Complete planning the act of worship begun in this session Reflect on you own strengths & weakness

Questions & Closing Worship