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Lent Course Findings

WORSHIP CHANGES LIVES

FIVE ALIVE PARISH LENT COURSE 2012

FEEDBACK FROM THE COURSE

WEEK 1	BASICS Hard wired for Worship
Looking AT	Watch children during church services. How do they like to worship? Can you describe an act of worship you have attended that was totally ‘awesome’?
Response	Try to give children tasks Facilitate good relations with schools . . . for children’s comfort in church Special services Awesome Service – Ken Boyce with deaf children

Looking IN	How much difference does the place or time or atmosphere of worship make to you? Are there times when you do not feel like worship? Are there particular things that contribute to making you feel this way about worship?
Response	The atmosphere of worship Difference between cathedral and church At times of personal crisis

Looking OUT	What might you do to help or support people [including church leaders] at times when they don’t feel like worship? What do you think a complete newcomer to your church would notice first? What would you like them to notice and think about? If a church service were a completely blank canvas, what picture would you paint of the best worship ever?
Response	Offer encouragement Time – a rhythm Church cared for Visitors Book Do we make it easy once they are there? Bend worship to every new person ‘Welcomers’ – should we shouldn’t we Are we right to assume newcomers want to worship? How do we help then understand the basics?

WEEK 1	BASICS Words
Looking AT	Are there prayers you know from memory? When did you learn them? Some traditional hymns have had words changed. Find some examples, and say if you think each change helpful or unhelpful.
Response	The Lord’s Prayer Eucharistic Prayer Some prayers from Matins/Evensong Learnt in church/in early teens/weekly repetition When text had to become ‘politically correct’

Looking IN	Are there words that you find particularly helpful or unhelpful in church? If you have ever taken part in a service without any service books, how did that feel? Do you prefer words or silence? Are there times when you find silence particularly helpful or unhelpful?
Response	Thee and Thou’s – not helpful Overhead projection can be intrusive Not always easy on the neck or eyes Principle is good for singing and inclusiveness For some folk being ‘book bound’ does not help worship Should we assume everyone is literate? Need to be more aware of others unfamiliarity with service patterns Silence can be golden’ - Silence can be embarrassing to some Depends on age group

Looking OUT	Make a list of words that are often used in church, but which newcomers or non-Christians might find unfamiliar. Which of these do you think are ‘essential words’ for Christians? It is sometimes said that the language of worship is not the language of everyday life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a special ‘register’ of language for worship?
Response	Eucharist; Intercession; Grace; Ecumenical; Sacrament; Liturgy; Beseech; Sermon; Hymns; Litany; Apostolic; Holy; Creed Essential words Words for us as believers have significance Words sung or spoken in a cathedral fulfil a different need People new to worship – because they have a need ie Weddings, funerals, baptisms Want to learn through children [Cushion Church] Music in service confuses Glory Sanctus
WEEK 1	BASICS Remembrance
Looking AT	What are your most powerful memories of childhood? Memories are often multi-sensory, involving sight, sound, tough, smell. Describe some particular memories of worship that involved each of the senses
Response	Boat boy refreshing in incense Having received – playing Choir boys – fun Ecumenical – Baptist absence CofE sensory experience Sense of presence of God/holiness

Looking IN	What things help you remember Jesus? [Some of these might be particular parts of service, but some might be completely different experiences, and not necessarily part of worship]. What do you think Jesus would think of your local church or place of worship? If you had to move to a new place tomorrow, what memories of your church would you like to take away? Can you think of a memory of yours that has led you to action?
Response	A living relationship therefore do we need things? Could do better . . . trying hard

Looking OUT	What memories of your church do you think a newcomer might take away with them? At your church, what things could make a visitor feel warmly welcomed? What might possibly make them feel exclusion or isolation?
Response	Each church is different Friendly, welcoming Coffee may be left out Art to look at Terms of worship Elderly folks Wording Open hearted folks – sending God’s love to them No space to asks questions on a Sunday

The Big Question	Can you remember the first time you went to church?
	Very welcoming with a new baby A large family – not within church’s remit Facing a small rural congregation – such a contrast to an urban church Friendly welcome and helpful guiding through unfamiliar liturgy Being asked to do irrelevant tasks

WEEK 1	BELONGING Church and Worship
Looking AT	Describe any parts of an act of worship you have been to that help remind you that you are part of a Christian family. Can you list any activities or events that have made you aware that you travel with Christians all down the ages, as well as people in the church today?
Response	Women’s World Day of Prayer Sharing Holy Communion at St Pauls Sharing ‘The Grace’ Intercessions/Peace Bell Ringing Space to be

Looking IN	Can you identify a start to your Christian journey or not? What have the high points of your journey been? Do you ever feel in church that other people know or understand a lot more than you do? Are there particular things that make you feel like this?
Response	Family - Awareness moment Taken to church ALPHA Repeated conversion, lots of starts! Chose Confirmation Class

Looking OUT	How do you help people in your church to tell each other about their Christian journey? If we are a team, how can we learn to work better with people that we don’t want in our team? What single thing would most revolutionise worship in your church?
Response	Discussion Fellowship/Meet ups Outside of worship

WEEK 2	BELONGING Scripture
Looking AT	What things are done in your church’s worship which helps people see the Bible as important? [For example, you could think about particular actions in the service, what is printed in pew leaflets etc] Do you think the Bible is read aloud well in your church? What things contribute to it being well read?
Response	Pew Sheets Some Bibles Lay Involvement Microphones! Brief synopsis before reading Readers to prepare Version of Bible as sheet ? Sensitive to Congregation!

Looking IN	What helps you to understand Scripture, both at home and in church? What else might help you to read the Bible through the week? Does the Bible help you to make connections with your life, and the things you are thinking and praying about? Do you ever feel inspired by the Bible to do something differently?
Response	Comparing different versions of Bible Bible reading notes Lectionary Verses Sermon Bible Commentaries Setting aside regular time Radio Broadcasts. Prayer and Thought for the Day To do things well Challenge

Looking OUT	Do all the people who come regularly to your church own a Bible? What are the advantages and disadvantages of worshippers having the Bible reading in front of them [either on a leaflet or in pew Bibles]? Do you ever have church Bible Studies to look at seasons, issues or books of Scripture together?
Response	Yes Read another version Don’t listen to scripture Written readings can be taken home Yes Lent and Advent groups Fellowship Groups Prayer Meetings , Studying previous Sunday sermon and Readings, Going Out, “open the Book” series

WEEK 2
Looking AT	Do you have somewhere you go to be close to God? If so, describe it. Where have you been especially aware of the presence of God?
Response	Up a mountain Standing at the top of Staffa – wide views Sometimes – no any particular place Particular catacomb Sea of Galilee shore, and on a boat We could make a long list of our special places where we have been aware of God’s presence In the shower! Surprising places

Looking IN	Where in the world would you like to go and pray? Do you find you can be quiet and allow God to touch you? When is this easiest or most difficult? Does your church building feel like a holy place?
Response	Back to the Sea of Galilee Meteora in Greece – strong powerful presence of years of prayer Walsingham Iona Lindisfarne Carcassone – South West France Quietest in the garden Wyre Church Charlton Church

Looking OUT	Do you think visitors to your church would think it seems loved and prayed in? What would make them think like this? Would you prefer people to describe your church as comfortable or as awesome? Why? Are there spaces in our worship [times when God can speak to us in the silence of our holy place]? Could these be encouraged, and how?
Response	All our churches are loved and well cared for If it was clean and tidy, with flowers Up to date notice board An open church Peaceful rather than ‘awesome’ Comfortable rather than ‘awesome’ Different places/churches/cathedrals for different atmospheres Yes – sometimes. Depends on type of service Want more silences – very necessary in prayers Not a gap – guided into a silence

WEEK 3	BELONGING Baptism
Looking AT	If you know [or someone you know] was baptised as an adult, ask them to describe what they remember of their baptism service. If you have been at a baptism service as a godparent or parent of a child being baptised, what do you remember being important I that service?
Response	In the past people welcomed to house groups Now [a] the sermon [b] the services make us think [c] welcome Encouraging new adults Informal contact Inviting to social events Personal contact OSMOSIS Being friending Example Welcome Lent course Alongside Relationships How do we introduce the discussion?

Looking IN	In some churches people are sprinkled with water to remind them of their baptism – or sprinkle themselves. Why is it important to remember that you are baptized when you go do church? How would you describe your Christian journey to someone who isn’t a Christian?
Response	Before adult Baptism [a] Confirmation training [b] Being part of the Christian/church family [c] Encounter God through worship Encounter God through good works Encounter God through GRACE Adult Baptism Basic understanding of faith Entering a larger family A start on a Christian journey Child Baptism Something ‘done for you’ An insurance policy Gives a connection Baptisms would be welcome in regular worship – but need to adapt, must give families the choice Need to build up schools contact is improving Create a Sunday worship service that incorporates Baptism service – flexible service rota Something has changed in their life or something will begin to be different To want to become part of a worshipping community Easter Eve Service / in service baptism allows the congregation to renew vows Welcome / thrilled / too regular! Regular baptism Sundays

Looking OUT	Many babies baptised in the Church of England come from families that don’t regularly attend church. How might we encourage such families to worship with us? Do the people in church and those coming for baptism understand the symbols we use at baptism? How might we help their understanding? What can a church do in a service to remind everyone there that the newly baptised now belong to the Church and to Christ?
Response	NO services for young families NO Mums and Toddlers / Pram Service Yes Christingle Yes Crib Services Yes Tea Party Yes Crafty Easter ? Baptism Sundays ? Congregational flexibility Welcoming families and support before and after seems to be working well No service for them to join as a family Strength from the wider church [8+] Not necessarily on Sunday Mornings Congregation to be flexible rather than families Toddlers Club – with some spiritual input Summer play schemes Prayers for families Bulletin Baptism preparation course Church Stewards spreading he news Cushion Church
Week 4	BELONGING Feeding on Christ
Looking AT	Are there particular words or actions in the communion service that you always find very meaningful? What are they? Have you ever celebrated Holy Communion in a different place or in a different way? What did you notice? What did you feel?
Response	Do this in remembrance of me Given for you The line waiting to receive, old, new The blood of Christ, the body of Christ Receive with thanksgiving The Gloria That we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us Using different words or without words The act of giving communion to each other Pass the cup and bread Slovakia high up in ruins Celebrate with people you have been with In a requiem joining death and marriages Different denominations – Methodists/Baptists receive as a group/whole body On a barge Holy Land Beer Keller Circumstances People with you

Looking IN	How important is taking communion to you? Do you prepare for communion before the service? How? Are there relationships you could put right before you next receive communion?
Response	Very The Lord’s people on the Lord’s day in the Lord’s place Share with each other Three things for forgiveness Three things for thanksgiving Fasting Parish breakfast after Importance - relates to what you are accustomed Special - willing to wait If communion every week miss out on other services Preparation - not as much as we should, some fast. Relationships ‘with self’ Self awareness Put to one side

Looking OUT	How hospitable is your church to people who do not receive communion? At the end of the service, the dismissal sends us out to live and work to God’s praise and glory. What does your church do to help draw attention to the importance of this? What else might be done?
Response	Stewards don’t always notice! people feel excluded if they don’t take Eucharist growing service [or was] No pictures to go with the service Annual sidesman’s training Give out notices Sermon motivates Important to befriend people who are here for bereavement – Encourage for blessing aware embarrassed Living and working reminder – Weekly Bulletin, sermon notes – ‘Clive Live Podcast!’ website, notices
WEEK 5	BELIEVING Healing in Worship
Looking AT	What is the popular perception of healing and how does it differ from Christ’s teaching?
Response	Popular perceptions: Healing is for physical ailments only I don’t need healing Can only be done by professionals Healing Services are rather extreme – not C of E Healing in the church is often viewed with sceptism....its seen as extreme Christ’s teaching: Healing is for anyone who asks for it Healing is holistic – body, mind and spirit We all need healing Can be an ongoing thing Forgiveness, being the person God intended us to be, having the barriers down. We have to be changed emotionally, spiritually and inwardly by Christ A lot of people’s reticence to healing services is the physical healing – ie miracles, whereas in fact we are all more in need of ‘healing the memories and hurts’ the baggage we all carry, both those hurts we have had inflicted on us and those we have inflicted on others. It takes time to pick away at the knots and unravel the mess, can’t do it all in one go, nor all on our own, it takes time and effort to pick away at them. Might be necessary to use a nail to do it . . . GOD JESUS

Looking IN	What do I need to do to experience healing in my life? What can I not bring to God?
Response	“Guilt and grievance are two sides of the same coin” A need to experience inward calm, bringing all things to God and conversing/ discussing with close friends and Clergy. We need to acknowledge that need and to: come to God ‘untie the knots’ in my life. Recognise them, and acknowledge that we cannot unravel them alone. face up to what has hurt me forgive and be forgiven ‘let go’ Listen to the prompting of God about behaviours and attitudes that are wrong Ask for forgiveness. Daily confession is a must. Realise that it’s a journey not instant Continue to pray and ask other trusted folk to pray with and for us. In short it truly is God's work BUT WE HAVE TO GIVE HIM PERMISSION TO ACT. What can we not bring ... – Nothing. Everything can be brought to God – we have to confess our wrongs. We must be prepared to bring EVERYTHING to God, trusting HIM to 'search me and know me' to reveal those things I hide even from ourselves. To experience healing in my life – I can bring anything to God including my pride and self sufficiency.
Looking OUT	Do we repent, confess, absolve and rise again as a Church, community, nation, as well as individuals and how does the lack or doing of these things affect our relationship with each of the component parts? What in our communities [secular and faith] do we need to bring for healing? How could this ‘matrix’ become part of the fabric of our church’s worship? What role do the sacraments [outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace] need to have in our worship?
Response	No – don’t think we do repent, confess ..... as a Church, community or nation. Too big a question to answer glibly. Needs a whole evening to discuss with others. In our communities – particularly Church - we need to bring our differences to God. We ALL need to accept that we all have different views and everyone’s views are valid and worth listening to. Maybe we don’t always agree with each other, but we need to be kind and loving to each other. If the outside world saw us, as a Church, being loving and kind to one another, they may accept that we have a faith that is worth investigating! Countries and organisations can repent eg truth and reconciliation in South Africa, Irish apology, Australian apology to aboriginal peoples. If we do not recognise our sins and failures as a Church, community, nation or individual we will not experience Christ’s healing power enabling new life, growth and purpose. We will be stuck in our attitudes and prejudices and in our ‘comfort zones’ and we will not be ‘Easter people’ We need to bring our ‘wounded history’, our broken relationships, our lack of forgiveness (for ourselves and others) to God for healing of our communities. To heal our communities we need to address exclusion and nastiness eg Gypsies judging others who are not the same as us, Discord on Parish Councils etc Poor treatment of elderly Gossiping We should follow collectively the above process. In taking responsibility for others as well as ourselves recognises that we ARE one body with many parts and that when one part is not in line with God's will we are out of kilter.....all of us. We have to bring everything in our sphere for healing and wisdom, as we are prompted to do. This may mean praying through a newspaper, an Amnesty magazine, a map of the world..........etc By addressing and owning areas of discord and misunderstanding that have happened in our churches and really asking for forgiveness, the quality of our worship would improve. By really listening to each churches needs rather than trying to get the best for our own individual church. This 'matrix is very visible in all our worship as long as we are prepared to discipline ourselves to give ourselves fully and supportively to such things as the intercessions of others and whatever has been prepared for the pulpit! It is essential that we are willing to learn from each other in every way: and the bottom line has to be that unless we are prepared to forgive each other, through the grace of God, any attempt at worship that honours our Master cannot be possible. Rifts cannot be allowed to exist unless we are prepared to cherry pick at Scripture which is dishonouring to our God. The sacraments have an important role in our worship but we can worship and enjoy spiritual grace in other ways. This also needs a whole load of discussion!! Sacraments should be handled with respect and joy....and most important of all they should be carefully explained to those outside the church fellowship who seek them. Sacraments are important in healing worship but healing can take place anywhere and at any time. A great deal can be assimilated from our priests and it is up to them to engender an atmosphere of awe and celebration and expectation that our God is at work. As in most things in life influence has to come from the top!!!!!!!!! Healing worship should be part of our main-stream church services with opportunities for anointing with oil and the laying on of hands or prayer ministry for those who wish it – possibly at United Services, once a month. Healing Prayer Group to continue meeting for prayer once a month. Congregations to be made more aware of this group and the value of prayer in healing.
WEEK 6	BELIEVING Set Prayers
	Main Features of Set Prayers Particular needs – particular communities [BRF – USPG – Worcester Prayer Diary] Formal Office Familiar words can be comforting and reassuring – general confession, for example Taize can be helpful – imagery in Celtic prayer can be inspiring and meaningful – setting can be of great help – eg Iona, Sea of Galilee, some ‘Arrow’ prayers – holding particular people or situations in mind – asking for help. Big things – prayer can become more intense – deeper Talking – rarely – usually within our community Daily notes – praying with children Using prayer diary Talks, Lent group, worship with appropriate leaders Regular time in church Resources – books of prayers, website
Looking AT	Have you ever used a daily form of set prayers? If so, describe the main features of this?
Response	Routine/Discipline and rhythm Structure – setting aside time for God Making tie when you feel you don’t have time First experience for some – morning corporate prayers Importance of place of regular thanksgiving Awareness of God is intensified Morning prayer Bible reading notes Recommend morning prayers at Fladbury Diocesan prayer diary BRF Notes Bible reading guided prayer Grace before meals Don’t feel disciplined ‘Arrow’ prayers

Looking IN	Do some forms of prayer help you to pray more readily than others? What happens to your prayers when big things happen in your life? How often do you talk to other people about your prayer life, and how close you feel to God?
Response	Corporate prayer is easier for some – support of others Raises awareness of wider Church praying Private prayer – personal responsiveness to a changing situation Morning and Evening Payer [structured] Prayer partners Liturgy – structured prayer, written by others – great care taken to create the sentences. Transcending Hymns after communion Good friends Using other senses: whole body Big things happen – go into overdrive pull out the stops Soul friends – hard for English folk to share such things Words can be useless Become more intense and personalised Reflect on God being there in good and bad Not much about prayer life Varies about talking to others on personal closeness to God in prayer life

Looking OUT	How could you help people in your church to pray daily? What resources might they need?
Response	By sharing experience of what God does for you Why daily? Regularity is important Recognises that people’s needs differ Prayer diaries; Bible reading notes [eg New Daylight]; Celtic Daily prayers Bell ringing Post prayers on the website Get Bible notes for folks Prayer times in our churches or houses Extra people