We Gather Together

WE GATHER TOGETHER: A WORSHIP INQUIRY –

Some put on a dress, others a nice shirt and slacks, and many don their least wrinkled cotton tee shirt/shorts combo in making their way to Live Oak each Sunday. Few of us congregate to praise a supreme being, so why the effort?

For six weeks, from October 13 - November 17, 2003 we will make this inquiry. The first and last meetings will be introductory and debriefing sessions. Every week a catered lunch will be available for $8 or so, 1 pm. in the sanctuary. Please RSVP to Jenny Carloye for the culinary sustenance at jcarloye@austin.rr.com.

By 2 pm, our quest will ensue. In the four middle assemblies our explorers will experience a 30 minute worship period by these faith groups - Jewish, Baha'i, Creation - Centered, and African Methodist Episcopal. Afterwards we will engage in dialogue around the questions stated below.

This Adult Religious Education class will be spiritually nourishing, and will also give the worship committee worthwhile input as we transition into our new sacred space next year. Contact your local sheriff- chuck@soultalkradio.com if you want to become a "worship deputy." You will be sworn in immediately!

Let us hold these questions in our awareness for preparation and dialogue:

What is your theology or philosophy of worship? How is this expressed in the worship planning and experience?

How are the physical space, ritual, and symbols used to enhance the worship time? Do you employ ritual use of physical elements, i.e. Water, fire, etc? What attention do you give to lighting, staging and the like?

If you hold multiple services, what are their formats? Are they identical, or do they differ in style by design? What forethought is given to the times they meet?

Who is the worship time intended for? Adults; Children and Adults; Families?

Do you have small groups that gather as worshipping communities outside of the "regular" worship times? What needs are being met in these groups that are not being addressed in the congregational worship services? Is there any intentional coordination or relationship of these small groups with the larger worshipping community? Do you have separate rooms or chapels for small group worship?