Mood:
lyricalOne of the effects of combining worship among our churches has been to change the way we experience Sunday services. When there were four separate services, we were accustomed to the particular ways in which each of our congregations did the service.
With alternating combined worship, and with some folks finding it convenient to worship in the other parish, there are differences in how things are done to be adjusted to from Sunday to Sunday. This is also the case for our organist/pianist.
There have been requests for a greater degree of harmonization among our services, so that members and visitors can look forward to the same liturgy and pattern of worship on Sunday, whichever church they attend. We will also continue to celebrate both settings of the liturgy. Time will be taken to practice the "new" features of worship for each parish.
Subject to Council's approval, the following changes are proposed:
- Following the prelude, the service will begin with the opening hymn, followed by the announcements, then by Confession and forgiveness.
- Throughout the seasons of the church year, worship will alternate between the first and second settings of the liturgy in the LBW. Beginnning with the first Sunday in Advent, all churches will sing the second setting. Throughout Christmas and Epiphany, we will use the first setting.
- The prayer introduced by Pstor Jean prior to the scripture readings will no longer be used.
- On communion Sundays, St. John Oklahoma and Trinity will learn (with practice) to sing the "Lamb of God" in the version that is part of the service (during Advent 2007, p. 92 in the green book.)
Pastor Chris
