Worship for the Millenium Generation - Pt.1

Based on some of the discussion the class has been having around Joe's topic I thought I'd post a few songs that I think work well for younger people and also fit with our theology.

This first one is from David Crowder Band - 'O Praise Him'. The sound is a little rough because its a live recording, but its still a great song if you ask me.

Class Presentation - Andrew

For my class presentation, I've decided to make a video, so here it is. I'm hoping that we will also play it in class on Thursday night - but if you just can't wait then feel free to watch it now. Mostly I've put this up here from Trevor and Rodney because they won't be in the classroom.

Love

Last week in class Bruce asked us a question about the distinctive nature of Wesleyan theology and what sets us apart in our understanding of the basis of faith and therefore our worship.

I have to say that I was so dissapointed that we no one guessed/said "Love".

Its been a week now, and I'm still kicking myself about it a little bit I must admit. So, I just thought I post this quickly to remind myself and anyone else who may need reminding to stick to that central and most important truth - Love.

Like the Beatles said - love is all you need.

Croydon Park Church of the Nazarene

This Saturday we had a wedding at our church for some non-members. They attended our church Sunday School many years ago. Anyway, since my assignment is on visual media in churches I was interested to note the different look of our church when it is set u for a wedding. And here it is...

A few more flowers and a table on the platform for the registry signing are the main differences, though we also moved the altar up onto the platform, where as usually it sits just at the front of the stage. If you click on the pic of the curch it will take you to a slightly better view.

All who are thirsty

In class tonight Bruce mentioned the need to find worship that expresses our 'Wesleyan-ness' with its distinctive theology and understanding of faith.

I use this song a lot as a preparation for community prayer times. It can be sung and played in a few different ways - reflective and personal or with earnest thanks and even joy.

I might include a few more of these types of songs on the blog over the next little while - songs that I feel express our theology and a holiness perspective.

Thinking outside the box.

I've been working a bit on my assignment topic (unless Bruce is reading this - in which case I've been working on it a lot!) and as I was doing some research today I was reminded to think outside the box a bit and remember to take into account our history.

For my assignment I'm looking at the use of visual media in worship, and specifically the use of data projectors.

Today I was reminded that visual media has been used in many different forms since the very beginning of the church. Here's an example...


This is a page from a hand written bible, about 12th Century I believe. You can see Jesus in the circle of the 'P' talking to some followers, also there's a small collection of building at the top of the letter and some more images of people running down the length.

Its a good reminder for me that there really is "nothing new under the sun" and that while data projectors are the new thing for us, our church has been inspiring people through beauty and images for generations.

Communion Service

Just thought I'd share a bit about our communion service this past Sunday evening.

In preparation, I arranged the seating so that there was plenty of space along the side walls of the church.

When it came to the communion part of the service, I shared about the Christians of the early first and second century church. Following this, I asked everyone to form a circle and we stood around the church facing each other.

I then asked Shehan, one of our young teenagers, to pray for the communion. He prayed clearly and most beautifully.

After reminding everyone as to the reason for partaking in Communion, I called on two other young teenagers, one girl and one boy, who then went around with the elements as we sang "When I survey the wonderous cross". Once everyone had received the elements, I suggested that each pray quietly on their own and partake as and when they felt ready to do so. We then sang "Bind us together Lord" before returning to our seats and ending with a more joyful hymn, "I stand Amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene"

The response after the service was overwhelming.

One thing that is very positive, is that our children are participating and we are simplifying the communion service so that it can easily be understood by the younger ones, whilst still maintaining the depth and meaning of what we are doing.

Trevor