Clarification

Only the first essay in the first assignment needs to be in sermon format.  I apologize for the confusion, in the syllabus I say they are all sermon responses and what I mean are the major writing assignments that actually say, sermon-like essay.

Well make it clear in class for next time, but only question number one needs to be in sermon form for February.

Pattern of worship Question

I had a thoughtful question about one of the first assignments on the Pattern of Christian worship.

If you remember the question is:

1.     Put in your own words the pattern of worship described in the Book of Worship for a service of word and table. Briefly relate how this pattern came about and why this pattern is important to keep in mind as you plan and lead worship in your church today. Make sure you include descriptions of the physical movements that are described in the rubrics, i.e. the pastor’s hands during communion, choir, liturgist, etc. (Feel free to pull on White and Hickman as well)

     There was some confusion as to what I was asking for.  Here's what I replied with:

What I want you to do is walk me through the four movements of worship outlined in the word and table liturgy.  Show me that you understand a bit about why we do what we do with this pattern and where it comes from.  I'm also interested in movement:  both liturgically and literally.  Does the choir process in, does the pastor face the congregation or the cross when offering the elements, why raise your hands when doing the great thanksgiving, etc.  I'm not looking for something comprehensive, I'm not looking for you to rewrite the service.  I just want you to show me that you've thought through the historic Christian pattern of worship and are paying attention to the kind of movement that is intended in that service.

    My concern in asking you all this question is that most folks, and quite a few pastors, don't know why we do what we do in worship and therefore feel free to rearrange things willy-nilly.  And yet there are some solid reasons why the entrance/gathering is important beyond 'warming people up' for the sermon.  I want you to show me that you've read the material and have begun to think about the larger patterns and movements that define Christian worship.  However you get at that is fine with me.

   Sorry I wasn't more clear with this.

Don't Forget: First Deadline January 25!

Just a reminder that your first autobiographical introduction is due at the end of this week.
I apologize to a couple of you for late response to your emails, I haven't fully switched into teaching mode until this weekend.  Also, don't forget to put COS 413 in the subject heading.

Also, if you get a response from me via donna@andrew-umc.org don't be confused.  Donna is the church administrator and works with me closely--sometimes sending emails out when I ask her to.

Have a good one.  Looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

The First Assignment

Due Two Weeks Before our First Class Session—due January 25 

This will be graded but you may drop this grade later, if you don’t think it will help your overall performance in the class. My hope is to help you understand what I am looking for, and how I will evaluate your assignments BEFORE we get any further in the class.  This is also useful information for me in the process of getting to know you.

1.    Mail me a brief worship autobiography. I need you to mail it two weeks before class. If I do not get it prior to the class, I will not be able to offer feedback on it during the first class. In this essay share with me the following:

o   A high moment in worship for you

o   A high moment of worship in the Bible that inspires you

o   Your hope for high moments of worship in your local church and what it might take to get there

o   What spiritual or denominational background you came out of and how their worship style has shaped and formed your worship style.

o   What you read or what you attend or who you listen to in order to deepen your ability to appreciate and lead dynamic worship.

           

2.   Brief responses (2-3 sentences) to these questions:

o   How many funerals, weddings, baptisms (adult, youth, and child) do you officiate in a given year and/or over the duration of your ministry?

o   How often do you observe communion, and confirmation/new member experiences in the appointment where you worship now?

o   What are the expectations in your church for the sermon (length, structure, spontaneity, etc.)? How do they see the sermon in relationship to the overall worship service?

o   What kind of worship experiences do the people in your current appointment most enjoy and readily participate in?

o   What one change could you make in worship that would cause the biggest uproar/conflict in your current appointment?

3.   A comment or two about what you would most like to learn in the context of this class that would assist you in your ministry.