Images from Worship 2021

Images from Worship 2021

The Worship learning circle ended last week. Five students (and three program staff) gathered online twice a week for six weeks to explore the theology and practice of worship.

Worship 2021 students and staff:
David, Janet, Joyce, Alicia, Rob, Allison, Scott, and Kristie

Each session began with either a short worship and check-in led by students or with a sermon followed by feedback. “It allowed us to see different preaching styles and try new ideas,” says student Rob Murdock.

Michelle Owens and Marcie Gibson joined the circle for a couple of sessions to talk about sacraments – baptism and communion.

John the Baptist introduced the students to the sacrament of baptism

“When you get three diaconal ministers in a room and ask about baptismal theology, you get at least five opinions,” said Michelle.

Sharing communion across great distances

Because the learning circle was online, we were able to draw on guests from all over.

Nancy Sanders and Kenji Marui joined us to talk about preaching
Top row: Musician and storyteller Linnea Good, podcast theologian Bri-anne Swan, and painter Lisle Gwynn Garrity joined the circle to discuss the role of art in worship

Worship artist Lisle Gwynn Garrity challenged the students to awaken their own creativity and the creativity of their congregations in worship. “Unused creativity is not benign,” she reminded them.

Kim McNaughton, Alydia Smith, Bill Millar, and Kim Uyede-Kai offered insights into intercultural, ecumenical, and interfaith worship

“As always, the CCS staff work so well together,” says student Kristie Pilling. “I really enjoyed each and every guest and feel I have learned and grown so much in the last six weeks. Learning about interculturalism was of specific interest to me.”

“Hope” was a word that came up often in conversations. As these students integrate worship-leadership into their ministry they are becoming agents of hope.

Comments: 1

  1. Rob Murdock says:

    This time of Pandemic has created challenges, of that there is no doubt. However, the resilience, foresight, empathy, caring, techno-skills, and a sense of flexibility, have combined with an overarching feeling that we are all common travelers on a journey of faith and service. Learning brings its own challenges and rewards. ALL of the staff at CCS have shown their professionalism, couched in the love of Christ, whether in person or virtually. Anyone considering a life of service in faith would do well to seriously consider this as a home base for that journey.

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