Innovate, Educate

I worshiped, as a first time visitor, at a neighboring church this past Sunday. The worship space was large (probably seating 1000 people) with the focus being a stage that was central, wide, and very simply appointed. I suspect the simplicity was intentional by the architect because it allowed for this space to be multifunctional while at the same time it guided congregants focus. The drama of the visual immediately caught my attention as I prepared myself to worship. Upstage was a very well orchestrated visual that contained a ribbon floating and cascading through midair with three interwoven objects. I suspected that the objects were part of a sermon series or the "message of the summer" but I really couldn't conjur up what the message was. Thankfulfully I did not leave this service perplexed because the pastor was generous enough to eloquently explain the visual in his message.

Should I have had to sit through three quarters of a worship experience before getting the connection to the visual? Maybe this was good, because it got me thinking. And, thankfully I didn't leave the space still in a quandry. I ponder this today because I believe a large part of including the visual in worship is educating those that experience it. Including a description in the worship bulletin, make a verbal connection during the message, and reinforcing themes with the music chosen for the day are easy ways to educate about the visual images in worship. Adding or subtracting visual components to your worship space will keep the message fresh. Including scriptural references and thought provoking questions about what people are seeing will only enhance the church coming together as one body and strengthen our knowledge in what we believe.

How to Celebrate Ordinary Time

As a Presbyterian, my church celebrates Ordinary Time, for us it is the longest portion of the church year. It is a time of spiritual growth and we celebrate with the color green. Ordinary in this situation does not mean regular or average but it comes from the word "ordinal" which simply means counted time. We our currently in the midst of counting our days until we begin Advent.

Professionally I am the designer of stoles and worship banners. I love using the many greens that nature gives us during the months of Ordinary Time. The fresh, lively spring greens to the rich and deep greens of summer and finally the soft and subdued tones of fall are all so visually satisfying. Personally, this time of year conjures up a few symbols such as: plant life to represent growth, creation (I love connecting to 2 Cor. 5:17-19), and the anchor cross and a heart to signify faith, hope and love.

There is much to embrace when we examine our Christian life, growth, and the mystery of God. So, how do you observe Ordinary Time devotedly and creatively for so many weeks?