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LAY LEADERS OF WORSHIP

A Diocesan scheme

PARTICIPANT’S PORTFOLIO

2018

ContentsThe Living God’s Love Prayer p.1Introduction from Bishop Alan p.2Welcome! p.3

PART ONE

Overview p.5

LEADING GOD’S PEOPLE IN WORSHIP – A 5-session course in principles and practicalitiesPreparation, session outline, handouts and reflections for:Session 1: The nature of worship p.5Session 2: Times of worship: The Christian Year

p.17Session 3: The pattern of worship: The Service of the Word

p.32Session 4: Resources for worship: Music, ‘sermon’ and intercessions

p.43Session 5: Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services

p.51

LEADING MORNING/EVENING PRAYER AND ALL AGE SERVICESSession 6: Morning/Evening Prayer

p.59Session 6: Leading All Age Worship

p.70

PART TWO“The Practical Elements” – Introduction

p.81The Process of Theological ReflectionFeedback FormGuided Reflection on Act of Worship (2 copies)

PART THREE“The Reading” – Introduction p.93Required Reading Form

Resources p.97

ADMINISTRATION FORMSForm for indicating 6th session preference: EP/MP or All Age worship

p99Submitting Assignments Forms (2 copies)

p.101

Annual Review Form p. 104

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Copyright © 2017 Diocese of St Albans. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised editing of the material, any copying and storage of any of the material in any medium by electronic means, and any distribution or

communication of any of the material in electronic or online form to the public, will constitute an infringement of our copyright. Permission is granted for the material to be copied and printed for non-

commercial, individual and small group use.Permission is granted, on condition that the following copyright acknowledgement is clearly shown:Copyright © 2016, Diocese of St Albans, [email protected]; www.stalbans.anglican.org.

http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/

mailto:[email protected]

The

Prayer Living God,

Draw us deeper into your love;Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;Holy Spirit,make us heralds of good news.Stir us, strengthen us,teach and inspire us to live your lovewith generosity and joy,imagination and courage;for the sake of your worldand in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Date of this edition: January 2017

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Ministry Development OfficeHolywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill St Albans AL1 1HE

Tel: 01727 818151

For more information contact:Mrs Gillian Kern, Interim LLW Coordinator

[email protected]

For administrative matters contact:Ministry Development Administrator

[email protected]

Lay Leaders of Worship

Introduction by Bishop AlanIn the Diocese of St Albans we are continually exploring ways to fulfil our diocesan vision of Living God’s Love. As part of this commitment we want to ensure that every church in the Diocese is open every Sunday for worship, providing spaces and opportunities for the “spiritual and numerical growth” which feed our journey of faith. Excellence in worship does not depend on numbers, but it does depend on people who can lead with confidence, creativity, and sensitivity.

For this reason we are seeking as a Diocese to enable worship which:

1. takes place every Sunday at the same time in every parish/church, irrespective of the size of congregation;

2. is the best that it can be;3. embraces a wide range of services including Holy Communion and

Services of the Word, with provision for all ages.

This Scheme is designed to help parishes across the Diocese discern and affirm the gifts of lay people as local lay leaders of worship (LLWs). It provides training, on completion of which they will receive a letter of permission from me recognising them as local lay leaders of worship in their local parish church.

My prayer is that through this Scheme we might work for the glory of God, make excellent worship accessible to as many as possible, and also release the gifts and skills of lay people.

Bishop AlanJune 2014

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WELCOME!Welcome to this course for becoming a local Lay Leader of Worship. You may already have some experience of leading parts of services, and we hope that as you participate in this training you will grow in confidence and competence as a worship leader, and that you will feel more equipped to offer quality worship which helps to nourish and sustain in their faith all those who share in it. That is the challenge for all who lead worship, so the training aims specifically to do three things:

1. Give you more understanding and knowledge about worship;2. Give you opportunity to practise and develop the skills you need for

leading worship;3. Offer support and encouragement to you as you prepare for this

ministry.

You will already have been thinking and praying about what you have offered yourself for, and we trust that your parish – or the PCC at least – will be supporting you in prayer too.

We are inviting you to build up a portfolio for your training. You will need a loose-leaf A4 ring-binder so that you can slot this and other sheets into it.

You will see that the training consists of three parts, and for each part we suggest you use a divider.

Part 1: The Six Sessions (2 Saturdays)Part 2: The Practical ElementsPart 3: The Reading

For each part there are Reflections or forms to complete, all of which can be found on the diocesan website: http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/ministry/lay-leaders-worship/. These will need to be sent in to the Ministry Development Office in two batches. Two cover sheets are provided for you to do this. Please note, we do not need you to send in all the portfolio – just the required reflections and forms! Your work will be returned to you.

After training, there is an Annual Review, an opportunity for you to reflect on your experience of being a LLW.

We hope that you enjoy this training. If you have any further queries, please contact Jaspreet Biring (Ministry Development Administrator) [email protected], 01727 818151 for administrative matters, and Gillian Kern (Interim LLW Coordinator) 01727 818154 for any other matters

Mrs Gillian KernInterim LLW CoordinatorHolywell Lodge41 Holywell Hill,St Albans, AL1 1HE.

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http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/ministry/lay-leaders-worship/


Overview

Part One: The Six SessionsThis part of the training consists of a five-session core course entitled “Leading God’s People in Worship: Principles and Practicalities”, plus an additional session for which you have a choice. The five core sessions are:

Session 1 - The nature of worship

In this session we will explore the nature of worship by looking at some definitions and biblical passages. We also consider the role of the worship leader as the one who facilitates others in worship.

Session 2 - Times of worship: The Christian Year

In this session we will examine the shape and importance of the Christian Year and explore how services can reflect the different seasons. We will discuss the use of the lectionary, look at resources and practise selecting material for seasonal services.

Session 3 - The pattern of worship: The Service of the Word

In this session we will outline the characteristics of Anglican worship and the historical development of the Service of the Word. We will examine the structure and different formats for the Service of the Word, consider how the presence of children might affect the leading of worship and practise choosing appropriate resources for a variety of services.

Session 4 - Resources for worship: Music, alternative to a sermon and intercessions

In this session we will discuss some basic criteria for choosing and using music in services, consider possible alternatives to the sermon for a lay leader of worship and look at resources for leading intercessions.

Session 5 - Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services

In this session we will consider the aspects of preparation required before a service, identify and practise some of the communication skills necessary for leading a service and consider some practicalities following a service.

For the sixth session you have a choice.

Leading Morning and Evening Prayer. This session will cover Morning and Evening Prayer services from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and Common Worship (CW). It will look at the services in detail, focussing on their structure, places where there are options and the leading of psalms, canticles and responses. There will be opportunity to practise leading parts of the services.

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Or

Leading All Age Worship. This session will focus on leading worship where children are present. It will consider the different ways people of all ages engage with worship, and then go on to think about readings, prayers, response to the Word and how young people can be involved alongside adults.

There is a form at the back of this portfolio which we ask you to hand in on the first Saturday indicating your choice.

EITHER “Leading Morning or Evening Prayer (BCP and CW)”OR “Leading All Age Worship”

For each of the six sessions there is some Preparation, notes and hand-outs, and a Reflection. You may also want to add your own blank sheets to your portfolio so you can make further notes.

Preparation. Preparation helps us to begin to think about the topics we will be looking at. It is designed to draw on your own experience and thoughts and does not require extra reading. Please do this before the sessions and bring it with you. You will not have to hand it in, but we will refer to it during the sessions.

Notes and hand-outs. These are included for you to make notes on during the sessions.

Reflections. Reflecting on what we have covered helps us to deepen our learning and notice what we are learning and where we would like to learn more. Reflections should be completed after the sessions – ideally within a couple of days while your thoughts are still fresh in your mind. You will need to send them in – so please write legibly! These are also downloadable from the website if you prefer to complete them on computer. There is no need to write long answers: what we are looking for is evidence of reflection, learning and development. They are primarily for your benefit and they will be returned to you.

Materials to bring with you. You will need to bring with you to the sessions the following books. If you don’t have your own copies, you may be able to borrow them from your parish priest or someone else in the church.

1. A Bible – preferably NRSV2. The Common Worship ‘Black Book’: Services and Prayers for the

Church of England. This book contains basic services of Morning and Evening Prayer and Communion services.

Other useful but not essential books to which we will refer and which you might like to acquire or borrow copies of are:

1. Common Worship: Times and Seasons 2. New Patterns for Worship (Church House Publishing)

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PreparationTo help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions. Bring this with you to the session.

1. How do you feel about the thought of leading worship?

2. How would you define worship? Complete the sentence: Worship is….

3. What do you think is the role of the worship leader?

4. Complete the 3 boxes on the separate sheet of paper (p8) about your preferences, what makes good worship and what people bring to worship.

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“What I like in worship is…”Put a cross somewhere along each dotted line to indicate where you are

between…

Action and activity ………………………………………………. Reflection and silence

Modern songs …………………………………………………… Traditional hymns

Structure and set prayers ……………………………………..….Flexible and free prayer

Symbols and ritual ………………………………………………..Simple and uncluttered

Formal and restrained …………………………………………….Informal and relaxed

Session 1 Preparation: Handout 1 -

Preferences and Expectations

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Good worship needs…

Write down some of the things you think are needed for effective worship to happen.

What’s on your mind?

Suggest some of the things that might be on people’s minds as they come to worship.

WORSHIP


1. Welcome, prayer and introductions

Introducing ourselveso Name and where you come fromo Current/potential role in leading worshipo Feelings about the roleo Hopes/expectations of the course

2. What is worship?

The nature of worship – some images.o Which image did you choose? Why? Any other reflections?

Definitions of worship. From the Handout:o What aspects do you find striking?o Is there anything in common?o Do you disagree with anything?

3. Worship in the Bible

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AIM: To understand the nature and purpose of worship

By the end of the session you will have: Discussed definitions of worship Looked at examples of worship in the Bible Explored the leader’s role in leading worship

Look together at Ps 66, Rev 5:11-14 Psalm 66

o Who is worshipping?

o Who is the focus of the worship? What qualities of God are highlighted?

o What has God done that inspires the praise of the worshippers?

Revelation 5:11-14o Who is worshipping?

o Who is the focus of the worship? What qualities of God are highlighted?

o What has God done that inspires the praise of the worshippers?

Look together at Luke’s account of the Early Church’s worship (Acts 2:41 – 47)

o What part did worship play in the life of the church?

4. The role of the leader of worship

What is the role of the worship leader?

The leader’s relationship with the congregation – managing expectations

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o From the second box on the separate sheet, note down any other ideas people have about what makes worship ‘work’.

o What questions might the congregation be asking as they come to worship?

o How can the leader ‘manage’ all this?

The leader’s relationship with the congregation – the pastoral context

o Note down any other ideas about the sort of ‘baggage’ people bring.

o How can the worship leader help people to ‘bring their stuff’ to God?

5. Conclusion

Jot down any key points this session has raised for you not noted elsewhere.

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Name ……………………………Reflection for Participants Session 1 - The nature of worship

To help you to deepen your learning from the session, please reflect and make notes on the following questions.

1. Name two things from the session that will make a difference to the way you plan, lead or engage with worship and explain your choices.

2. What was completely new, surprising or challenging for you? What difference do you think discovering this will make to you?

3. What did you learn (or were reminded) about yourself from the session? (e.g. your gifts, your personality, your view of God)

4. Is there anything you would like to find out more about or have questions about? How will you do that?

5. Is there anything else you want especially to remember?

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Session 1: Handout 1

Rublev icon Worship of heaven

Holy Communion

-

Adoration Desmond tutu

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What is Worship?

Origins of ‘Worship’Middle English worshipe worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being, from Old English weorthscipe worthiness, respect, from weorth worthy, worth + -scipe –ship (meaning ‘shape’ or ‘quality’ – so friendship is ‘the shape/quality of being a friend’) First known use: before 12th century

Some definitions of worshipLuther says of Christian worship “that nothing else be done in it than that our dear Lord Himself talk us through His holy word and that we, in turn, talk to him in prayer and song of praises.” In the Larger Catechism he says that in worship people “assemble to hear and discuss God’s Word and then praise God with song and prayer.”

Calvin: “We are lifted up even to God by the exercises of religion. What is the design of the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, the holy assemblies, and the whole external government of the church, but that we may be united to God.”

Archbishop William Temple: “To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”

William Barclay: “The true, the genuine worship is when man (sic), through his spirit, attains to friendship and intimacy with God. True and genuine worship is not to come to a certain place; it is not to go through a certain ritual or liturgy; it is not even to bring certain gifts. True worship is when the spirit, the immortal and invisible part of man (sic), speaks to and meets with God, who is immortal and invisible.”

Pope Pius X spoke of worship as being “for the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful.”

Evelyn Underhill defines worship as “the absolute acknowledgement of all that lies beyond us – the glory that fills heaven and earth. It is the response that conscious beings make to their Creator, to the Eternal Reality from which they came forth, to God.”

Graham Kendrick: “Worship is for God. He is our Creator, and the worship of his creatures is both his right and his pleasure. Worship is first and foremost for his benefit, not ours, though it is marvellous to discover that in giving him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become the richest and most wholesome experience in life.”

Robin Gamble: “Worship is first and foremost something we offer to God. It is our gift to him and we trust it gives him joy and satisfaction. Worship, however, has a secondary function: as well as offering something to the worshipped, it also has a huge impact on the worshippers.”

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PreparationTo help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions.

NB Please bring with you to this session a black Common Worship book.

1. Try numbering the following in the correct order, to reflect their order in the Christian year. Can you identify which season is not listed?

Christmas – Ash Wednesday – Epiphany – Advent – Trinity Sunday – Pentecost –

Easter – Candlemas – Maundy Thursday – Ascension – Good Friday – All Saints

Season not listed above =

2. How aware are you of the Christian year in your church? What helps you to be aware of it?

3. Complete the separate sheet (Preparation handout 1, pg 16) using the black Common Worship book.

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Session 2 Preparation: Handout 1

Using the black Common Worship book

We will be using the black Common Worship (CW) book during this and later sessions. The following is designed to help you to begin to find your way around it if you are not very familiar with it.

1. What will you find on the following pages:

a. pp5 - 16

b. pp30 – 37

c. pp122 – 134

d. pp138 - 148

e. pp275 – 278

f. p447

2. On what page will you find the following:

a. The start of BCP Evening Prayer?

b. The start of the Holy Communion/Eucharist services?

c. The start of ‘Seasonal Provisions’ for Holy Communion?

d. The start of the Collects & Post Communion prayers in traditional

language?

e. The start of the Lectionary (tables of set Bible readings)?

f. The start of the Psalms?

3. And one final question:

a. From the notes on ‘A service of the Word’ (p26 – 27), what are we told about the sermon and the creed?

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1. Answers to Preparation handout 1!

2. The shape of the Christian Year (see handout 1 and CW pp2 - 4) Details you might like to note:

o The 2 Great Cycles – (see handout 2)

o ‘ordinary’ time and ‘seasonal’ time

o ‘Sunday of’ and ‘Sunday after’

o All Saints & period up to Advent

o Liturgical colours (see CW p532)

Principal festivals, holy days and saints’ days (see CW pp5 -16 and pp525 – 534)

o Principal feasts and holy days outside seasonal time

Annunciation Trinity Sunday

o The ‘Sanctorale’ – other festivals, lesser festivals, commemorations

3. The reason for the Christian year

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AIM: To learn about the Christian year and how it is reflected in worship

By the end of this session you will have: Discussed the shape and importance of the Christian year Considered how services can reflect the Christian year Considered the use of the Lectionary Worked with material relating to the Christian year

Why is the Christian year important? What does it bring alive for you?

4. The Lectionary (see handout 3 and CW pp537 – 590) Points you might want to note, in particular:

o years A/B/C (CW p538). Which one are we in now?

o readings which can be continuous (in italics) or related

o use of apocrypha

o which service to choose

o BCP and CW readings

What might be the advantages and disadvantages of having a Lectionary?

5. Material for the Christian year – using various provisions Confessions, absolutions (see handout 4 and CW pp123 – 137 & pp275 –

279) and blessings (see CW p299)

Seasonal provisions (see CW pp300 – 329)

o Introductions to confession

o Gospel acclamations

o Introductions to the Peace

o Blessings

o Prefaces (for Eucharists)

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o Collects (see CW pp375 – 522)

o Symbolic actions

Seasonal resources – e.g. Times and Seasons, Exciting Holiness, New Patterns for Worship

6. Working with the material

Complete the exercise on handout 5. Use the space below for any additional notes.

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Name ……………………….Reflection for Participants Session 2 - Times of worship: The Christian Year







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The Liturgical Seasons

Please note the Liturgical Year begins with Advent

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Candlemas

(The Kingdom Season)

OrdinaryTime


The Church’s Year

1. The shape of the cycles

A period of preparation The great feast A period of celebration A significant second feast The period of celebration continues A final feast brings the cycle to an end Return to ordinary time

2. The two Great Cycles

The Incarnation Cycle

Advent (4 Sundays) Christmas Day (25 December) 12 days of Christmas Epiphany (6 January or Sunday) 4 weeks of Epiphany The Presentation – Candlemas (2nd February or Sunday)

The Paschal Cycle

Ash Wednesday Lent – (‘40 days’ – 40 measured from Lent 1 to Maundy Thursday) Holy Week Easter 40 days to the Ascension Ascension Day Easter continues for 10 more days waiting on the Spirit Pentecost (Whitsunday)

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Session 2: Handout 4Absolutions and Blessings

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Those who are not priests need to make sure that they start the absolution and blessing with the word ‘May’ and use the inclusive ‘we/us/our’ forms of the absolutions and blessings. This makes it into a request or prayer to God – which anyone is allowed to make! (Priests use the ‘you/your’ forms. This is ‘performative language’ – the priest declares what God is doing i.e. forgiving and blessing.) Printed liturgy sometimes shows words which can be changed in italics. When you are leading a service, it can be helpful to have your version in front of you so you don’t have to remember and make changes as you are speaking.

You will find other forms of absolution in the black CW book pp135 – 137. Some of these are in the ‘us/our’ form already so you don’t need to make any changes.

There are other blessings and endings in the black CW book p45 and p110. Some of these need to be changed.

1. A form of absolution. Add the word ‘May’ at the start and then change the words in italics to us/our as appropriate.

Almighty God,who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you,pardon and deliver you from all your sins,confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,and keep you in life eternal;through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

2. A form of blessing. Make the changes necessary to this form of blessing.

The peace of God,which passes all understanding,keep your hearts and mindsin the knowledge and love of God,and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;and the blessing of God almighty,the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,be among you and remain with you always.Amen.


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Using the Black Common Worship book

Fill in the following information for a 2nd service on the Sundays below:

1 Describe what the season celebrates or emphasises and its liturgical colour

2 Look up & note the Black book page reference for the collect (modern lang)

3 Look up and note the Black book page reference for the readings for the current Lectionary Year

4 Choose, note the Black book page reference, and be prepared to explain any appropriate changes to the words for the following:

an introduction to confession a confession a blessing

2nd Sunday of Advent

1.

2.

3.

4.

2nd Sunday of Christmas

1.

2.

3.

4.

1st Sunday of Epiphany

1.

2.

3.

4.

5th Sunday of Lent

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1.

2.

3.

4.

2nd Sunday of Easter

1.

2.

3.

4.

Last Sunday after Trinity

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Session 3 - The pattern of worship: A Service of the Word

Preparation

To help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions.

NB Please bring your black Common Worship to this session.

1. Think about services in your church. What do you think marks them as characteristically Anglican?

2. Make a list of the different non-Eucharistic services which take place in your church during a year.

3. What provision does your church make for children in a Sunday service?

4. Bring to the session if possible a copy of a non-Eucharistic service used in your church.

Remember that you need to lead 2 services as part of the requirements to become a Lay Leader of Worship. Make sure the dates are agreed with your parish priest if you haven’t already done so.Session 3 - The pattern of worship: A Service of the Word

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AIM: To consider aspects of worship using a Service of the Word

By the end of this session you will have Considered the characteristics of Anglican worship

1. Gathering

2. Anglican worship: Common Prayer

What do you understand by ‘Common Prayer’?

The characteristics of Anglican worship: compare the list on Handout 1 with your Preparation, question 1. How similar are they?

Rules and Regulations: why are they important?

3. A bit of liturgical history

Highlight anything that you found surprising or new to you on Handout 2.

4. A Service of the Word What services come under this heading?

The structure and constituents of the Service of the Word(see Handout 3 and CW pp 21 – 27)

Remember: New Patterns for Worship (NPW) has lots of resources and sample services! (See Resources page for CofE website details for this and other downloadable resources)

Look at the examples you and others have brought. Analyse the structure and balance of the services. How might the services be improved?

5. Children in Worship Look at the scenarios on Handout 4 and decide what are the strengths and

weaknesses of each model.

What challenges does the presence of children present for the leader of worship? How can these challenges be met? (NPW p39 gives some ideas)

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AIM: To consider aspects of worship using a Service of the Word

By the end of this session you will have Considered the characteristics of Anglican worship

6. Resources for a Service of the Word Resources – especially

o confessions and absolutions (CW p123ff and 275ff and NPW p72ff)

o creeds and affirmations of faith (CW p138ff and NPW p158ff)

Look at one of the following services listed below and choose (give page reference):

an appropriate introduction to confession confession/absolution creed/affirmation of faith

o An all-age service on Advent Sunday

o An all-age service in Eastertide

o A morning service on Trinity Sunday

o A harvest festival service

Name ………………………….Reflection for Participants Session 3 - The pattern of worship: A Service of the Word



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Characteristics of Anglican worship (taken from New Patterns for Worship, p53)

This list was drawn up by the Liturgical Commission in 1989.

Some of the marks which should be safeguarded for those who wish to stand in any recognisable continuity with historic Anglican tradition are:

1. a recognizable structure for worship;

2. an emphasis on reading the word and on using psalms;

3. liturgical words repeated by the congregation, some of which, like the

creed, would be known by heart;

4. using a collect, the Lord’s Prayer, and some responsive forms in prayer;

5. a recognition of the centrality of the Eucharist;

6. a concern for form, dignity, and economy of words.

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Session 3: Handout 1 cont’d

Canon B 11.1 of Morning and Evening Prayer in parish churches1. Morning and Evening Prayer shall be said or sung in every parish church

at least on all Sundays and other principal Feast Days, and also on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Each service shall be said or sung distinctly, reverently, and in an audible voice. Readers, such other lay persons as may be authorized by the bishop of the diocese, or some other suitable lay person, may, at the invitation of the minister of the parish or, where the cure is vacant or the minister is incapacitated, at the invitation of the churchwardens say or sing Morning and Evening Prayer (save for the Absolution).

Common prayer in the Church of EnglandIt may help to identify three aspects of the Anglican understanding of common prayer.

1. The valuing of patterns of worship which are recognized as the common possession of the people of God. This does not mean that nothing can change nor that every popular practice must prevail. It does not rule out any local variation. It does mean that worship must not simply be governed by the whim of the minister or the congregation. Corporate patterns of worship must exist and be developed which are recognized by worshippers as their corporate worship. It is therefore appropriate that these are approved and regulated by the Church.

2. The patterns and forms of worship must not be determined purely at the level of the local congregation but must bear witness to participation in the wider common life of the Church. For this reason it is right that common forms such as creeds, collects, confessions, and eucharistic prayers should be followed, as well as common approaches to the shape and content of Christian worship.

3. Patterns of common prayer play an important part in maintaining the unity of the Church in its confession of the Christian faith. For this reason,*those authorized to lead worship promise to 'use only the forms of service which are authorized or allowed by Canon' (Declaration of Assent, Common Worship, page xi);

* while ministers have considerable liturgical freedom under Canon B 5, they are charged to ensure such services are 'neither contrary to, nor indicative of any departure from, the doctrine of the Church of England in any essential matter'; the section on page 52 sets out the things which need to be taken into account in assessing whether particular words and actions conform to the doctrine of the Church of England;

* in recent years the General Synod has taken great care that all liturgical forms that it has authorized can be used with a good conscience by the different traditions in the Church of England.

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Session 3: Handout 2A bit of liturgical history

From the beginning to BCP Christians have met together regularly to worship from the very beginning of the Christian faith (see e.g. Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42, Acts 20:7). This became highly organised in the monastic communities that gradually developed. The monks tried to follow St Paul’s advice to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17) with set Offices (the formal name for these structured times of prayer) throughout the day and night, consisting mostly of psalms and Bible readings. In this way the monks learned a lot of scripture but it was hard for ordinary people to join this strict discipline.

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP)In 1549, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) took material from these monastic Offices to create two daily services: Morning and Evening Prayer. He spread reading the psalms over the month and the Bible over the year, insisted that the service was in the people’s language, English, not Latin, and put all the services into a single volume. After various revisions, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer was produced. It remains the authorised Prayer Book for the Church of England.

The 1928 Prayer BookThis was the first attempt at significant liturgical reform by the House of Bishops, but it failed to gain Parliament’s approval, so was published privately by the Bishops. The text of the 1662 Prayer Book was rearranged, adapted and supplemented with a greater emphasis on the sacramental, whilst still retaining its main substance. Strictly speaking it is not legal, though it is still in use in some churches.

Series 1, 2, 3During the 1960s, the Church of England began a series of liturgical experiments, partly spurred on by liturgical change in the Roman Catholic Church and Vatican 2. Attempts were made to make the language more contemporary and accessible, with series 3 making the radical change from ‘Thou’ and Thee’ to ‘You’ when addressing God.

The Alternative Service Book 1980 (ASB) Liturgical revision continued. In the ASB the shape of Morning and Evening Prayer was similar to the BCP, but in modern language. Shorter forms were provided, and more canticles (scriptural songs). It was criticised by many for its lack of inclusive language, and the loss of the poetry and flow of the BCP. It ceased to be authorised for use at the end of 2000.

Common Worship (CW)This range of services was authorised in the Church of England from 2000 for use alongside the Prayer Book and has been heralded as the biggest liturgical revolution since Cranmer. Within the framework of each service, there are many opportunities to choose appropriate prayers and a variety of authorised materials to choose from. Services are now grouped in a series of books rather than the single Prayer Book. The growing use of technology means that services

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can be tailored to local use while not losing a sense of common prayer and Anglican identity.

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Session 3: Handout 3A Service of the Word

“A service of the Word is unusual for an authorised Church of England service. It consists almost entirely of notes and directions and allows for considerable local variation and choice within a common structure.” (Introduction from Common Worship, p21)

There are three main sections: Preparation The Liturgy of the Word Prayer

In addition there is usually a conclusion or dismissal. See p24 in the black CW book.

And there are four main ways of expressing these three sections (see Times and Seasons p18/9):

Word Prayer Praise Action

Example 1 – A block structure Example 2: A conversation structureItems you must include

Optional extras In this example the service is envisaged as a conversation between God and the congregationPreparation

Greeting 1 Scripture sentence2 Hymn God Speaks We Speak 3 Opening Prayer Word4 Invitation to

confessScripture sentence

Confession 5 PraiseForgiveness 6 Word Hymn or

adorationWord Invitation to

7 Introduction confess Prayer Old Testament 8 ConfessionPsalm 9 PrayerNew Testament 1

0Declaring of Praise

11

Song or Hymn forgiveness Open our lips..

Talk 12

Glory be.. Canticle

Creed 13

Word

14

Hymn Psalm

Prayer Old Testament PraiseCollect 1

5Canticle

Intercessions 1 Word

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6Praise New Testament Praise

17

Versicles & responses

Canticle Creed

18

Hymn Lord’s Prayer

Action WordSermon

Collect

19

Stand while the candle is carried out

PrayerHymn

Blessing or ending

20

Blessing or ending

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Case 1: St Jude’s, LittletonSmall village with 400 people.Once a month have a family service attended by about 10 children including 3 under 5’s and 8 adults.The children are aged 0–12. Adults include a visiting grandparent, but otherwise in their 20s/30s.

Children hand out books and sheets at the door. Service lasts 40 minutes. There are two hymns and one reading: a child does the reading. The talk is based around a popular children’s book. The prayers are simple sentences read by children. At the end, all the children are invited to the altar for a blessing.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Case 2: All Saints, EdgewayEdge of town community with 8,500 people.Once a month family service attended by around 60 people, including 8 children of different ages and a baptism family with baby and toddler. (Other monthly services are Eucharists.)

Music is provided by a keyboard and guitar. There are four hymns, all very well known, one of which the children sing

at school. Two readings – one is a drama for two voices usually done by older

children. Talk is informal, not from pulpit, with lots of responsive questions, but

clearly related to the readings. Refers to the news and football results! Prayers are led by a family or presented in different formats. The peace is shared.

Strengths

Weaknesses

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Session 3: Handout 4 cont’d

Case 3: St Francis, Lower HighfieldVillage of around 2,000 peopleWeekly Eucharist with about 40 peopleTwo children are in the choir and occasionally there are other children, usually visiting grandchildren.

There is an area near the back with good toys and games and when children arrive they are encouraged to use that space if they want to.

Children are welcomed at the beginning of the service and offered special worksheets/colouring pages on the same topic that the adults are learning about.

Some adults remember to go and share the peace with the children. Children are given a blessing during communion.

Strengths

Weaknesses

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Session 4 – Resources for Worship: Music, alternatives to a sermon and intercessions


Please bring any resources which you think might be useful for others to look at in preparing material to replace the sermon. We will put them on a resource table. It might help to ensure your name is on them.

Likewise please bring any books you have of intercessions or prayers.

Please also bring with you the black CW book.

1. Imagine it’s Saturday and your vicar is suddenly not able to take the Morning Prayer service as planned the next day and you are stepping in to take the service, including the ‘sermon’. Look up and note below the OT and NT readings for CW 3rd service for the Sunday following this session. Remember to choose the right year (A/B/C - Black book CW lectionary p538ff will help with this.)). Does one or both of the readings suggest to you what might be a key theme in the service?

2. Choose 4 hymns/songs which you think are suitable for the same service.

3. What do you think makes ‘good intercessions’ in public worship?

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Session 4 – Resources for Worship: Music, alternatives to a sermon and intercessions

1. Gathering

2. Choosing hymns/songs What sort of music do you listen to (secular or sacred)?

How different are you from others in the group? Why might this be important in the context of worship?

Criteria for choosing hymns/songs for a service. (See handout 1. NPW p35ff gives some ideas too)

Discuss the hymns/songs you chose for your Preparation question 2. Is there anything you would change in your original choice of hymns/songs?

3. Replacing the sermon NB. Changing the name from sermon to ‘talk’ is not sufficient.

What do you think the purpose of the sermon is?

How might the sermon be replaced? (See handout 2 and note any useful resources)

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AIM: To consider the use of various resources for music, the sermon and intercessions which might be used in leading worship

By the end of this session you will have Considered the importance of music in a service Identified various criteria for choosing hymns/songs Discussed various options for replacing the sermon Discussed the content of intercessions using the CW 5-section outline Looked at resources for leading the intercessions

Preparing to replace the sermon – practicalities

Thinking of the theme you identified for Preparation question 1, how might you replace the sermon?

4. Leading intercessions

Leading intercessions - be prepared!

What makes ‘good intercessions’?

Some basic aspects to consider:

o Structure – e.g. CW 5 sections (CW p174/p214 & CW p281- 2). What would you include for this Sunday? Make a note on a separate sheet of paper of ideas.

o Set forms and endings (CW 288ff)

o Set as opposed to extempore prayers

o Responses/biddings

o Use of silence & music

Resources – note any you want to remember. NPW p171ff is helpful. See also Resources sheet for suggestions.

NB There is a separate course on Leading the Intercessions which you might like to do if you are likely to be leading intercessions regularly.

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Name …………………………….Reflection for Participants Session 4 – Resources for Worship: Music, alternatives to a sermon and intercessionsTo help you to deepen your learning from the session, please reflect and make notes on the following questions.



3. What did you learn (or were reminded) about yourself from the session? (e.g. your gifts, your personality, your points for growth, your view of God)



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Choosing Hymns/Songs

Some criteria

The following are some of the key criteria you might consider when choosing hymns/songs for a service.

The season/time in the Christian year

The overall theme of the service and the Bible readings

The place in the service (e.g. gathering, response to reading, sending out)

The mood required – a variety is often good, but not always (some

reflective, some more upbeat; the key (e.g. major or minor) can be

important

The length of verse/style of hymn/song (not all 4-line verses!)

The length of hymn/song (especially if there is a procession, or a longer

one is needed for the offertory)

Familiarity – usually no more than one new hymn/song. Is the tune

familiar, even if the words are new? How are new hymns/songs

introduced?

If children are present – actions? Simpler words? Repetition? Instruments?

The ability of the organist/musicians

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Lay Leaders of Worship will not preach/deliver a sermon. This means they should not explain doctrine or expound the Scriptures because they do not hold a bishop’s license and usually do not have sufficient theological training. A congregation should be made aware when an LLW is leading that there will not be a sermon, but that there may be an opportunity for some reflection on God’s Word/Christian discipleship. NB. Simply changing the word ‘sermon’ to ‘talk’ or ‘address’ does not make it OK!

Replacing the sermon: Some optionsa. Invite people before each reading to spend some time in silence after the

reading to reflect on it – perhaps noting a key verse or thought which inspires, or challenges or puzzles them. This could then be shared with their neighbour or the whole congregation briefly. If people have copies of the reading, they could be encouraged to underline or circle key words/phrases.

b. Invite people to listen to one of the Bible readings and then discuss it with others around them. This is particularly possible if the reading is printed or shown on screen for everyone to see. It often helps if the leader gives people a question to discuss, e.g. “In what ways does this passage challenge us as disciples?”, or perhaps asking people to imagine how the various characters might have been feeling.

c. The leader reads a guided meditation on the passage (e.g. Ignatian-style, Lectio divina). The Pilgrim course has some good examples.

d. The leader reads an extract from a Bible commentary on the relevant Bible passage, and then leaves space for reflection.

e. Use biographical material about one of the Saints for that day/week (refer to the lectionary!).

f. The leader finds a devotional reading (e.g. from a Lent course, Iona Community material) related to the Bible passage, or finds some background information about the passage – e.g. historical context, social customs. The internet can be helpful here.

g. Use the reflections on the set Bible passages produced each week in the Church Times.

h. Use art – there are often paintings or sculptures available on the internet based on a passage which can be used, especially if data projection facilities are available.

i. The leader finds a sermon/homily written by someone else (or the vicar) and reads that. (NB Try not to make this a monotone!). The internet can be helpful, but beware extreme views.

j. The congregation watches a dramatised version of the passage.

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k. Invite one or two people to share their ‘testimony’, to talk about being a Christian in their place of work, the home or school or perhaps to reflect on a recent pilgrimage – e.g. to the Holy Land. This could be done in interview format. Advance notice is essential for those taking part!

l. Offer a review of a Christian book the leader or someone else has read.

m. Give a report from a mission organisation/charity that the church supports.

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Session 5 – Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services


Please bring with you the black CW book. We will be using the order of service for Morning Prayer on Sunday (p30ff) to practise leading a service. You might like to read it through in Preparation.

1. You have been asked to lead a non-Eucharistic service (could be e.g. all-age worship, morning or evening prayer) in your home church. You are familiar with the format. Hymns/songs and readings are already chosen and you have been given the details. Someone else is going to do the sermon/talk. What do you need to do to prepare to lead the service? Make a list below.

2. Make a note of how people introduce hymns/songs and give other ‘instructions’ during a service. What do you find helpful? Does anything irritate you?!

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Session 5 – Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services

1. Gathering

2. Preparing to lead Compare the list on handout 1 with your list from Preparation question 1.

Did you have similar ideas? Highlight any new ideas.

3. During the service: the role of the worship leader What is the main practical function of the worship leader?

o What helps this?

o What hinders this?

Giving instructions: What are the pitfalls, what is good practice? Some key aspects:

o Voice projection

o Introducing hymns/song numbers

o Giving instructions

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AIM: To gain confidence in leading a service by considering the practical tasks necessary before, during and after leading a service.

By the end of this session you will have Discussed the preparation necessary before leading a service Considered practical issues concerning the leading of worship Practised voice projection and giving instructions Considered actions to be taken after a service

o Using familiar cues

o Starting off a congregational prayer

o Joining in with the congregational prayers, creed etc

o Pausing after giving an instruction

o When there is an interruption…

o Don’t use a ‘parsonical’ voice!

4. Practical exercise We will use CW Morning Prayer on Sunday (p30ff in black CW book) to

practise voice projection and giving instructions. Make any notes below from this exercise.

5. After the service – pastoral and practical Chat/say good-bye to people as they leave

Pass on any names of new people or any pastoral concerns to the parish priest

De-brief: what went well, what do you need to remember for next time?

Any other points to note?

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Name …………………………..Reflection for Participants Session 5 – Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading servicesTo help you to deepen your learning from the session, please reflect and make notes on the following questions.






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Preparing to Leada. Pray - seek God’s help and blessing.

b. Read the readings and look at the chosen hymns/songs to get a feel for the theme.

c. Find and mark the collect, prepare intercessions (or have ‘emergency’ intercessions available – see session 4), check you have an appropriate form of absolution, check which version of the Lord’s Prayer is used – and ensure you have a copy if it’s not in the service booklet.

d. If there is a choir, will you say a vestry prayer with them before and/or after the service?

e. Are there parts of the service usually sung by the leader – who will do them? A cantor may if you would rather not, or you can decide to say them – but make sure the choir/organist knows!

f. What prayer will you end with – inclusive blessing? Grace?

g. Mark up any books you need (e.g. Bible, intercessions etc).

h. Check you know who should be reading/praying.

i. Who will do the notices? If you will, do you need to co-ordinate any information?

j. Banns of marriage: these should be read by a clergyperson if one is present. However if there is none, the LLW or a church warden can read them. Whoever reads the banns should sign the relevant entry in the banns book.

k. Will children be present? If so, will they stay in or go out and return later? How will that be organised?

l. Think through the choreography of the service – is there anything you need to check before the Sunday or on the day just before the service? Do you need to make a note of anything on the order of service? E.g.

i. How do you get in and get out – is there a procession or do you walk in/out alone? Will you need to be introduced?

ii. When does the collection come up and what do you have to do?iii. Posture for yourself and the congregation – when do they normally

stand/sit/kneel? Will you need to acknowledge the altar (do you need to practise)?

m. Dress – what will you wear? (Normally ‘smart’ clothes will be sufficient. Occasionally a simple cassock may be appropriate, depending on the local situation and occasion.)

n. On the day – listen to the news in case there’s anything you should refer to.

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o. Remember to arrive in good time – there’s always more to do than you think and the last few minutes go fast!

p. If using a microphone, check sound levels and who will operate the mute!

Session 6 - Leading Morning and Evening Prayer

Preparation

To help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions. Bring this with you to the session.

Please bring the black Common Worship book to this session. If you use a separate BCP in your church, bring that too!

1. Go to a Morning/Evening Prayer service (if possible one which you may be leading in the future) and during the service note the following. (You might be able to do this on a hard copy of the service if there are suitable copies available.)

a. The posture of the leader (stand/sit/kneel)b. The position of the leader (at desk, at lectern, in chancel etc)c. The posture of the congregation (stand/sit/kneel)

2. What choices do you have to make before the service about its content?

3. What aspects of leading the service makes you most anxious? What do you need to do to overcome this anxiety?

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Session 6 - Leading Morning and Evening Prayer

1. Book of Common Prayer – Morning and Evening

How do you feel about using the BCP? Why is it important – to whom? What is important about it? What ‘mood’ do you think it needs? What do you like/dislike about it?

Look at the service in CW black book (pp59 – 71, plus notes p80) Points to note in particular:

o Opening sentences

o Introduction

o Confession and absolution

o Responses

o Canticles in general

o Psalms

o Readings

o Responses and collects

o Music: Anthem? Hymns?

o Prayers/intercessions

o Replacing the sermon

o Ending

BCP Evening prayer

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AIM: To gain confidence and competence in leading a service of Morning or Evening Prayer

By the end of the session you will have: Become more familiar with the structure of the CW and BCP services of

Morning and Evening Prayer Considered options for different parts of the service such as canticles and

prayers Had the opportunity to practise leading parts of the services

2. Practising leading the BCP service

Look through the section you (perhaps in a pair) are leading and think about how you will introduce the elements including any posture instructions, your posture and how you will actually speak the words. The ‘congregation’ is the rest of the group. Sections:

o Opening sentence(s) & introduction & confession/absolution & intro LP (Black book pp59 – 64)

o Opening responses, Venite and psalm (use Ps 23 – it’s short and familiar) (Black book pp65 – 66, p617)

o Prayers from the responses and collects (Black book pp70 – 71)

Space for notes

3. Leading CW Morning and Evening Prayer

Look at pp21-23, 26-27, 57-58 for notes on the services.

Rubrics

The Morning Prayer service in more detail (pp30 – 38):

o Preparation:

Liturgical greeting

Options

Canticles (see p57 notes 4 & 5, & p775ff for options)

Prayers of penitence (see pp122- 137)

o Word of God:

Psalm(s)

Responsory

Gospel canticle

Alternative to sermon

Creed/affirmation of faith

o Prayers:

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Collect of the day

Thanksgiving (see p23 note)

o Conclusion:

Ending (see p27 note 9

Morning/Evening collect (see note p58 & p101)

Place of a hymn

4. Practising leading CW Morning Prayer

Look through the section you (perhaps in a pair) are leading and think about how you will introduce the elements including any posture instructions, your posture and how you will actually speak the words. The ‘congregation’ is the rest of the group. Sections:

o Opening (including a hymn) & prayers of penitence – p30-31 (you may have done this in earlier session)

o Opening canticle/hymn, opening prayer, Psalm and introduce OT - pp32-33

o Creed, prayers (omit intercessions, use Collect and Lord’s Prayer) and ending (including a hymn) - pp35-37

Space for notes

5. Conclusion

What anxieties (if any) do you still have? How will you resolve them?

How are feeling overall about leading Morning or Evening Prayer?

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Name………………………………..Reflection for Participants Session 6: Leading Morning and Evening Prayer







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Name …………………………..Session 6 - Leading All Age WorshipPreparationTo help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions. Bring this with you to the session.

We will refer to the black Common Worship book in this session, so you may wish to bring it – however, most of the information from it is repeated in the presentation.

1. Reflect on the last service described as All-Age that you attended. What was your reaction to it? What did you find particularly engaging? What was difficult or tedious?

2. What do you think are the main challenges for All-Age Worship? What are the opportunities?

Please also read the Introduction and Background to All Age Worship and the ROOTS article below on the Four Spiritual Styles before the session.

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Introduction and Background to All Age Worship

Traditionally the worship of the Church of England consisted of Holy Communion, usually early in the morning e.g. 8am, and Morning and Evening Prayer or Matins and Evensong. The latter two served both as daily prayer for the clergy and Sunday worship for those who attended. Liturgical reform during the middle decades of the 20th century led to the establishment of a liturgical commission which proposed the move to a later Eucharist as the main act of worship within the parish. This would involve the whole family with Sunday School running alongside the main service and all coming to the altar together. Alongside this the universities saw a revival of the evangelical wing of the church through the Christian Unions network and through the Billy Graham meetings. These in their turn led to the reinvigoration of the traditional Morning Prayer as a service for all the family, Sunday School again running alongside.

Both of these were indicative of the local church trying to engage families in worship leading to the rise in popularity of Family Communion and Family Service. However it is fair to say that from the 1970’s onwards family life was undergoing rapid change and churches became increasingly aware that many people, both children and adults, did not live in traditional nuclear families. It was in order to include those from non-nuclear families, those from broken families and those who were single as well as those whose families had grown up and left that the Family Service became All Age Worship. It is necessary constantly to remind ourselves that All Age Worship is, as it says, to engage the adult as well as the child, the committed believer as well as the casual visitor. It is NOT children’s worship but worship for all ages.

ROO†S Children & Young People Issue 63

Spiritual stylesA six-part series exploring the variety of ways in which people experience God and make sense of the world around them.

Part 1 Different ways of knowing GodWe come to know and experience God in different ways. Within this diversity four vital spiritual avenues can be identified: the path of the intellect, the way of the emotions, the journey of mystery, and the road to justice. Youth and children’s groups that wish to nurture the spirituality of each individual do well to take into account the different spiritual styles through which they can come to know and experience God in real, life-changing ways.

In this six-part series, David Csinos helps us to reflect on the impact of the four styles on the way we plan and provide worship and learning opportunities. Beginning with an overview, the series will consider the impact of the four styles

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on each aspect of our provision and offer practical suggestions to help you to create truly inclusive church communities.

Introduction All people are spiritual beings. But we don’t express this spirituality in uniform ways. How we connect with God and express our ultimate concerns differs from person to person.

During a six-month research project that involved interviewing children about their spiritual lives, four distinct yet overlapping avenues for knowing God became clear, each one as legitimate and vital to spirituality and formation as the other. I have called these four ways of knowing God spiritual styles. And since that research project, my colleagues and I have noticed the same four styles also at work in the spiritual lives of adolescents and adults.

These preferences affect us in deep ways, shaping the way we make sense of the world, what we value, how we live out our quest to transcend the here-and-now, and our relationships with others.

Q What style of worship helps you to pray? Quiet, active, music, reading or a combination?

A word-centred approach to spiritualityThis approach focuses on the importance of words, of using the right words in the right way. Clarity, precision, accuracy and concreteness matter. When it comes to spiritual formation, word-centred individuals equate growth in faith with increases in knowledge. They know God when they know about God. Thus, they focus on helping people make gains in propositional knowledge about God in ways that can be conveyed with accuracy. The ability to articulate beliefs with clarity is seen as evidence of a well-grounded faith, a faith that’s shared through rational argument. Increasing propositional knowledge is thetransformational goal of this style.

Spoken and written words are central to the spiritual lives of word-centred people, for it is through these words that they learn about God and the world around them, and thus grow as spiritual persons. Liturgical and formational practices emphasising cognitive learning are seen as the crux of spiritual formation – practices like exegetical preaching, analytical Biblestudy, instructional Sunday school lessons, and personal study. For word-centred individuals, the Bible is central to Christian faith; it is the Word above all words.Q How important is it to you to study the Bible in detail?

An emotion-centred approach to spiritualityThis approach upholds feelings as the core of spirituality. For these people, having deep emotional experiences is what tends the garden of the soul and spiritual formation involves helping others have similar experiences. This isn’t a lazy alternative to the rigorous intellectualism of word-centred spirituality; it involves the difficult and sometimes exhausting work of getting in touch with the inner self’s deepest feelings. While it’s easy to assume that only warm, fuzzy emotions matter to this style, the type of emotion seems to matter less than the intensity of it. Deep sorrow, grief, fear, anxiety and other emotions are

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just as valid as joy and happiness. The transformational goal of this style is a personal renewal of the innermost being, a renewal that touches the core of one’s deepest feelings.

The performing arts are often seen as effective for evoking strong emotions and nurturing an emotion-centred spirituality. Christians who prefer this style often attest to sensing God’s presence through music, dance and drama, particularly when it grants them freedom to express what they feel in the moment.

Highly-emotional conversion experiences are sometimes stressed as the hallmark of authentic faith, and emphatic testimony of God at work in personal lives is seen to help others come to faith. Close personal relationships are treasured and Jesus is often perceived in relational terms, as divine friend, lover or parent, who knows the highs and lows of life.

Q What place does music or art have in the way you like to express your faith?

A symbol-centred approach to spiritualityPeople who prefer this style value abstract symbols, images and metaphors over concrete words and emotions. They are mystics who see God as ultimate mystery, the being that surpasses all understanding.

People with this style value ineffable sensing of God’s presence. When they sense God, they may not wish to speak about the experience, for words cannot describe these transcendental encounters. For them, God and experiences of God can never be fully understood, and attempts to contain them are seen as rendering these experiences impotent. The transformational goal is union with the ineffable, transcendent God.

Nature is a locus of the divine for people with a preference for this style. God is sensed through the beauty, awe and wonder of the natural world. But God also shows up for symbol-centred people through beautiful and aesthetically-inspiring works of art and architectural marvels. God can be felt in a babbling brook or a majestic stained-glass window.

Symbol-centred people often sense God in times of silence, quiet and solitude. In addition to encounters with God in nature, spiritual practices like centring prayer, Taizé chants, silent retreats, lectio divina, and meditating on icons are ways of tapping into the great Mystery of mysteries.

Q How do you react to time for private reflection or meditation within worship?

An action-centred approach to spiritualityAction-centred spirituality is based on a seemingly unquenchable thirst for justice. Instead of focusing on what one thinks, feels or senses, people of this style focus on what brings about positive transformation in the world. They are activists who would rather get to work than attend another book study or worship service.

Spirituality is more lived than spoken or felt. Action-centred people encounter God and nourish their spiritual lives through work to transform the world. God is seen in the cry of the poor rather than the beauty of an icon. Motivated by

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relentless passion and deep union with the needs of the world, people who express this style might stop at nothing to fulfil their unswerving mission to bring justice, healing and wholeness to the world. The transformational goal is instigating change by working to counteract harmful forces in society and cultivating justice in the world that God so loves.

An action-centred approach can be isolating, for zealousness can be misunderstood as impatience and single-mindedness. While a word-person might want to stop and clearly map out the most appropriate way to act in a situation, an action-centred person might see this talk as a waste of time. They just want to roll up their sleeves and start chipping away at injustice.Q What part does action for justice play in your life?

Things to keep in mindUnderstanding spiritual styles helps us understand ourselves and each other. Many people have one or two preferred styles that shape the landscape of their lives. When we run into people who operate out of another style, conflict may ensue. But conflict can also erupt among people of the same style, as two word-centred people might argue about the correct meaning of a certain biblical text. When we are sensitive to spiritual styles and embrace each one as a legitimate way of knowing God and expressing what matters, we can work together across the styles.

If ecclesial leaders remain unaware of the variety of spiritual styles, they may tend to lead out of their dominant style, shaping worship and teaching in ways that nourish only theirown style. People who see the world through the lens of another style might be made to feel that they don’t fit or that something is wrong with them because they don’t feel close to God through certain prescribed experiences. While most people will tend to favour one or two styles over others, a healthy spirituality involves a degree of balance between every style. Straying too far to any pole leads to an extreme aberration that can be damaging to oneself and others. So a healthy, vibrant spiritual life is one that reflects a balanced tension of all four styles. And when ministers, leaders and teachers include practices that nurture people of each style, people’s spiritual needs are met according to their dominant style, but they are also challenged to grow by being stretched in new directions. And as the people in our ministries engage in practices that nurture different styles, the contours of their spiritual lives can be shaped and reshaped. After all, one’s preferred spiritual style can change as one encounters different people, contexts and practices on the spiritual journey.

As a minister, teacher or leader...Q What do you suspect is your own dominant spiritual style(s)?

Q How does your dominant spiritual style(s) shape the way that you plan worship services and learning sessions?

David M. Csinos is currently a doctoral student at Emmanuel College(University of Toronto), where his

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research focuses on children’s spiritualformation. He lives in southwesternOntario with his wife, Jenny, who isa pastor and student. Not only hasDavid won awards for his researchand writing, but he also tookhome a first-place ribbon for hisphotography at a small-town fair inrural southwestern Ontario, Canada!

Csinos, David M., Children’s Ministry that Fits: BeyondOne-Size-Fits-All Approaches to Nurturing Children’sSpirituality, Wipf and Stock, 2011.

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Session 6 - Leading All Age Worship

1. Introduction – reflecting on All-Age worship services you’ve attended.

2. What is All-Age Worship

What does it mean for a service to be “All Age”?What is different about an “All Age Service” from a “normal” service?

“If there have to be children there for it to work, by definition, it’s not an All-Age Service.” – Rev. Mary Hawes, National Children’s Work Advisor to the Archbishop’s Council. Agree? Disagree? A bit of both?

3. The different parts of the service. (LO1)

Welcome and greeting (Hymns/Greeting/Response)

Prayers of Penitence

Readings

Responding to the Word

Affirmation of Faith

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AIM: To develop ways of leading All Age Worship that engages people of all ages.By the end of the session you will have:

Identified ways in which all elements of the service can be developed for an All-Age congregation (LO1)

Identified the four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faith (LO2)

Compiled a list of ways in which all ages and spiritual styles can be included in worship (LO3)

Prayers and Going Out

2. Four Spiritual Styles (Dave Csinos) (LO2)To discuss with tables: Which one or two of the Spiritual Styles felt most like it was describing you? Why? Do you feel like your normal worship allows space for this spiritual style?

Imagine you are planning a Mothering Sunday service. The readings are: Moses in the Bulrushes (Exodus 2:1-10) and Jesus giving John and Mary to each other on the cross (John 19:25-27).Choose no more than TWO elements of the service from the list in section 3. With your tables, think of different ways you could use that element to include different spiritual styles. (LO3)

Ending: Key points to remember: Use simple language to convey deep truths and explain what we’re doing. Credit people of all ages with their own life experiences and their ability to

reflect on feelings and emotions. Think of people of all ages both as worshipers and as leaders when you

plan. Take note of different spiritual styles. Be as involved in the planning as possible. People of all ages are there to worship – it is not entertainment or an

exam. Think carefully about applause or about asking for a quick, simple

“lesson” or takeaway from the service. Think about movement, light, darkness, smell, touch, and taste. If you’re

moving, it should be liturgical – use music and processions (Walk, Walk In The Light; We Are Marching In The Light of God, etc,)

Don’t forget to do the Reflection and ensure you have signed the attendance register.

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Name………………………………..Reflection for Participants Session 6: Leading All Age Worship







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Session 6: Leading All Age Worship Handout 1 - Four Spiritual Styles

The four ways in which children express their spirituality and relate to God have become known as the spiritual styles. This seems to be true for adults as well as children. Much of this has come through the research and writing of David M Csinos (see “Children’s Ministry that fits. Beyond one size fits all approaches to nurturing children’s spirituality” ISBN: 978-1-61097-121-8)

Csinos has identified Word, Emotion, Symbol and Action as different approaches to ways in which children and adults grow deeper in faith. These designations further our understanding of the differing ways in which people experience the spiritual in their lives. The table below shows a summary of the different styles. Further reading on the Spiritual Styles ROOTS on the Web http://www.rootsontheweb.com a subscription magazine which has links to the spiritual styles.

Word Words both spoken and written are important. A desire to deepen knowledge about God and to talk through their understanding of God. Teaching and resources e.g. books are important as is the Bible as a resource for knowledge. Deeper spirituality is achieved through deeper personal understanding. Need to be surrounded by those who share Christian learning and personal conversation.

Emotion Bible is valued as the story of God’s love. Music, drama and art are all important ways to enter God’s presence and to express a growing spirituality. Awareness of God is developed through participation in music led worship.

Symbol Values quiet periods of being alone especially within a natural environment. Prayer may concentrate more on a developing relationship with God. Prayer in many different forms is valued and exploring the natural world leads to a deeper engagement with God through prayer.

Action Intercessor prayer is important and often as a response to disaster or unfair discrimination as is participating in song and drama. The Bible is important as a guide and as a foundation for the way in which care for others is expressed as a vital outcome of faith. Practical expressions of God’s love are valued highly.

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http://www.rootsontheweb.com/

Session 6: Leading All Age WorshipHandout 2 – All ages participating in worshipDivide the cards into two piles and complete the top box showing which you think are practical tasks, and which are liturgical tasks. Then reshuffle and complete the lower box showing which tasks you think only adults can do and which tasks you think children can do independently or with assistance.

Practical Tasks Liturgical Tasks

Activities which only Adults can do Activities which Children can do

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Session 6: Leading All Age WorshipHandout 3 – Interactive Bible readingReading from ROOTS www.rootsontheweb.com

Reading Isaiah 49.13-19 Divide the congregation into two parts:

A: the voice of the prophet, and B: the cry of the people.

A: Sing heavens, shout for joy, earth!Let the mountains burst into song!The Lord will comfort his people,he will have pity on his suffering people.

B: The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.

A: Can a woman forget her own baby,and not love the child she bore?Even if a mother should forget her child,I will never forget you.


A: Jerusalem, I can never forget you!

I have written your name on the palms of my hands.


A: Those who will rebuild you are coming soon,and those who destroyed you will leave.Look around and see what is happening!Your people are assembling. They are coming home.

Taken from the Good News Bible

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Session 6: Leading All Age WorshipHandout 4 – Developing Bible readings and liturgyDevelop a way in which either the Bible reading or the Affirmation of Faith could be delivered in All Age Worship by a group of people of different ages.

1. Matthew 14:22-33 The Message (MSG)

Walking on the Water22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, Jesus insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”29-30 He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”31 Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure.

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

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2. Affirmation of Faith (from Common Worship p.148 no. 7)

We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son,Who lives in our hearts through faithAnd fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy SpiritWho strengthens usWith power from on high.

We believe in one GodFather, Son and Holy Spirit.Amen.

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Part Two: The Practical ElementsThis part of the training is designed to help you to gain confidence and competence by actually leading worship on two occasions in your parish church, but under supervision so that you have active support and feedback from which you can learn. You may choose to share the leadership of the first service at least, and you do not need to think about how to replace the sermon on both occasions. For the first service, you may prefer to concentrate on leading the service and leave the sermon to a licensed minister (clergy or Reader). You should, however, present an alternative to the sermon during at least one of the two services.

Planning dates. You will need to discuss as soon as possible with your parish priest two possible dates for you to do this when a licensed minister will be present. These should be main Sunday services – if possible ones which you will eventually hope to lead without the presence of a licensed minister. Ideally you should aim to lead at least one of these services before the second Saturday and one after the second Saturday so you can draw on your learning. You may choose to lead one before the first Saturday.

Preparing and leading the services. You will need to ensure that whoever is supervising you gives you all the information and support you want and need to lead the particular service. More guidance will be given on this during the course, but make sure you have thought about:

the structure and contents of the service – Bible readings, hymns, prayers and who is doing them. Remember you are not allowed to give the absolution or the blessing in their priestly forms – ask your supervisor for advice on these.

your part – what you will say to introduce the different parts of the service and where you will stand/sit.

being heard – practise with a microphone if you’ve never used one, or practise projecting your voice clearly if you are leading without a microphone.

Feedback. Feedback can feel a bit scary – but it should not only help us to learn and be encouraged, but will also help those giving it to think about the service in new ways. Before each service ask at least two people plus your parish priest/supervisor to complete a Feedback form and make sure you can arrange a time for them to meet with you and your parish priest/supervisor to discuss and debrief the service ideally within a week of your leading it. You might find it helpful to read the sheet on Theological Reflection before the debrief and to complete a draft of your Guided Reflection. The Feedback forms will need to be sent in with your own Guided Reflection on each service in order for you to complete the course.

Guided Reflection. Reflecting on the service helps us to notice what went well and what we’d like to do differently next time. You will need to complete a Guided Reflection form for each service and send it in with the Feedback forms to complete the course. As with the other Reflections, forms can be downloaded from the website: http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/ministry/lay-leaders-

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worship/. Please note: we are not asking for essays or long answers – bullet points or notes will be sufficient if you prefer rather than sentences. What we are looking for is evidence of reflection, learning and development. Primarily these Reflections are for your benefit and they will be returned to you with the Feedback forms.

The Process of Theological ReflectionExperienceChoose something on which to reflect such as an event, situation or conversation. As you recall the event, fill in as much pertinent detail as possible by asking yourself questions such as:

What happened? Who was involved? What did you say or do?

ReflectionReflect on the situation by going deeper and exploring what’s going on below the surface. Again, ask yourself questions including:

How did you feel? What challenged, stimulated or disturbed you? What was the situation like for the other people involved? What were people’s underlying values and how did they shape the

situation? What other issues were at play: social, emotional, power-related,

economic, etc.?

ConnectionsMake connections between this situation and the Christian faith. The aim is to discern how God was at work and what theological concerns are at play. Here, questions along the following lines will be helpful:

Where was God in this situation? Which Bible passage, hymn, prayer or other part of our tradition are you

reminded of? What theological themes are pertinent? How has your faith been affirmed or built up? How has your faith been challenged or changed? What have you learned about God? What have you learned about yourself?

ActionPut what you have learned into practice. You will probably want to think about these questions:

How will you now think differently? How will you now relate to others differently? How will you now act differently?

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Question: What do you think are the benefits of theological reflection?

This sheet was created by Revd Canon Dr Tim Bull, Director of Ministry in the Diocese of St Albans, July 2014.

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Worship Leading Feedback FormPlease complete this form and use it in discussion with the Lay Leader of Worship (LLW). After the discussion, it should be given to the LLW who will send it with their Guided Reflection to the Ministry Development Office.Tips for giving feedback: be constructive, honest and as encouraging as possible! If there is something that could be done better, always say something positive and affirming first, and always say how you think something could be improved, not simply “I didn’t like the way you…” or “You didn’t look up.”

Name of Lay Leader of Worship ………………………………………………………………………

Name/place of church …………………………………………………………………………………

Date, Time, Church Season or Festival: ……………………………………………………………….

Type of service (morning prayer, all-age service etc) …………………………………………………

Congregation (size, presence of children etc)………………………………………………………….

Name of Reviewer………………………………………………………………………………………

Please circle the numbers below to indicate your opinion of how the service was led and add any comments that you wish under each section and also at the end.

Audibility

Difficult to hear 1 2 3 4 5 Easy to hear words

Prayerfulness

No prayerful atmosphere1 2 3 4 5 Creation of prayerful

atmosphere conducive to worship

Expression/Tone of voice

Doesn't appear to feel what

1 2 3 4 5 Manner of speaking brought out meaning

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is said

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Organisation of the Liturgy

Disorganised/inappropriate 1 2 3 4 5

Well organised and appropriate for the type of service

Use of silence (if applicable)

No silence or time for reflection

1 2 3 4 5 Silence used appropriately, enhancing worship

Fluency of liturgical choreography (how service flowed)No fluency, service seemed disorganised and disjointed

1 2 3 4 5 Very fluent, contributing to meaningful worship

Appropriate alternative to a sermon (if applicable)

No clear link with readings/theme Clear link withof service, not appropriate style 1 2 3 4 5 readings, appropriatefor age-group style for

congregation

What would you like to particularly commend about the style of worship?

In what ways might the Lay Leader of Worship improve their delivery or content of worship?

Any other comments?

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Guided Reflection on an Act of Worship

This should be completed by the Lay Leader of Worship after the service has been debriefed. It should then be sent with the Feedback forms to the Ministry Development Office with the cover sheet. They will be returned to you.

Your name………………………………………………………………………………….…..

Name/place of church………………………………………………………….………….……

Date, time and type of service…………………………………………………….………...…..

Season/festival (e.g. Epiphany, 9th Sunday after Trinity, St Bartholomew etc)………………….

Overall theme of the service …………………………………………………………………..

1. What role (if any) did you play in planning the service? (e.g. planning how to replace the sermon, writing intercessions, choosing music, planning the whole act of worship).

2. What part did you take in leading the service?

3. Thinking about the service, what Bible readings were used? In what way(s) were their theme(s) reflected in the rest of the service? Was this appropriate?

Bible reading(s) =

Theme(s) =

How was this reflected in the rest of the service?

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4. List the hymns/songs used. Explain why you think they were suitable – e.g did they link with the theme? Or the mood? Or the type of congregation? Did they fit in to the service as a whole? What, if anything, would you change?

Hymns/songs =

Were they suitable – or with hindsight would you change one or more? If so, why?

5. If you led the intercessions, what resources or form did you use? Explain your choices for the shape and content of the intercessions. Would you do anything differently next time?

6. If you led the alternative to the sermon, what resources/approach did you use? Explain how and why you chose to lead it in the way you did. Would you do anything differently next time?

7. In what way(s) do you think the service helped the congregation to engage with issues concerning the Church’s mission in the community and wider world? (e.g. how did it help them to look outward, for example to think about local concerns, social issues, international issues, ethical challenges and the witness of the Church worldwide?)

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8. In what way(s) do you think the service challenged or encouraged people as disciples of Christ to live God’s love? (For example, challenged or inspired them about their service and witness to others, their praying, their giving of time, talents and money.)

9. Thinking about the practical side of leading worship, what do you feel went well and in what way(s) would you like to improve next time?

Went well

Want to change/improve/work on for next time

10. As a result of leading this service, in what way(s) were you challenged or encouraged in your relationship with God and your understanding of the Christian faith? (E.g. to go deeper into God in prayer or Bible study, to think more about a particular theme or doctrine). Did anything strike you about your faith or God that surprised you or you’d forgotten about?

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Guided Reflection on an Act of Worship

This should be completed by the Lay Leader of Worship after the service has been debriefed. It should then be sent with the Feedback forms to the Ministry Development Office with the cover sheet. They will be returned to you.

Your name………………………………………………………………………………….…..

Name/place of church………………………………………………………….………….……

Date, time and type of service…………………………………………………….………...…..

Season/festival (e.g. Epiphany, 9th Sunday after Trinity, St Bartholomew etc)………………….

Overall theme of the service …………………………………………………………………..

1. What role (if any) did you play in planning the service? (e.g. planning how to replace the sermon, writing intercessions, choosing music, planning the whole act of worship).

2. What part did you take in leading the service?

1. Thinking about the service, what Bible readings were used? In what way(s) were their theme(s) reflected in the rest of the service? Was this appropriate?

Bible reading(s) =

Theme(s) =

How was this reflected in the rest of the service?

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2. List the hymns/songs used. Explain why you think they were suitable – e.g did they link with the theme? Or the mood? Or the type of congregation? Did they fit in to the service as a whole? What, if anything, would you change?

Hymns/songs =

Were they suitable – or with hindsight would you change one or more? If so, why?

5. If you led the intercessions, what resources or form did you use? Explain your choices for the shape and content of the intercessions. Would you do anything differently next time?

6. If you led the alternative to the sermon, what resources/approach did you use? Explain how and why you chose to lead it in the way you did. Would you do anything differently next time?

7. In what way(s) do you think the service helped the congregation to engage with issues concerning the Church’s mission in the community and wider world? (e.g. how did it help them to look outward, for example to think about local concerns, social issues, international issues, ethical challenges and the witness of the Church worldwide?)

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8. In what way(s) do you think the service challenged or encouraged people as disciples of Christ to live God’s love? (For example, challenged or inspired them about their service and witness to others, their praying, their giving of time, talents and money.)

9. Thinking about the practical side of leading worship, what do you feel went well and in what way(s) would you like to improve next time?

Went well

Want to change/improve/work on for next time

10. As a result of leading this service, in what way(s) were you challenged or encouraged in your relationship with God and your understanding of the Christian faith? (E.g. to go deeper into God in prayer or Bible study, to think more about a particular theme or doctrine). Did anything strike you about your faith or God that surprised you or you’d forgotten about?

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Part Three: The ReadingThis part of the training aims to help you to think and learn more about the theory and practice of worship and leading services by reflecting on some reading. There are TWO books required for this part of the training. Samples of them will be available on the first Saturday for you to look at, but you may wish to obtain them and start reading before then.

1. One book is core reading for everyone:Richard Giles, At Heaven’s Gate: Reflections on Leading Worship

(Canterbury Press).

2. The other is a short book from the Grove Books Worship series and you can choose one from the list below. Some of them are available as e-books for those who prefer, and they can be ordered direct from Grove books – www.grovebooks.co.uk, 01223 464748, email: [email protected]. One or two may be out of print and available only as e-books.

Mark Earey, Leading Worship (W152). A practical guide looking at the role of the leader of worship and key aspects of a service.

Mark Earey and Carolyn Headley, Mission and Liturgical Worship (W170). A study reflecting on how liturgical worship can play a part in the mission of the Church.

Gilly Myers, How to Lead Evensong (W183). A guide primarily for lay people leading BCP Evening Prayer/Evensong, but much applies too to BCP Morning Prayer/Matins.

Chris and John Leach, How to Plan and Lead All-age Worship (W194). A practical guide which explores key issues in planning and leading all-age worship.

Paul Lack, All Mud and Matins – Understanding Rural Worship (W196). An exploration of a wide range of issues relating to rural worship and how it engages with the local community.

Trevor Lloyd and Anna de Lange, How to Share the Leadership of Worship (W199). A study for those whose parishes are not convinced that lay people should assist in leading worship.

Mark Earey and Phillip Tovey, Liturgical Formation and Common Worship (W200). A study reflecting on how our acts of worship shape our theology and equip us for a life of faith and witness.

Mark Earey, How to Choose Songs and Hymns for Worship (W201). A practical guide covering a wide range of issues for those involved in choosing hymns and songs.

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http://www.grovebooks.co.uk/

Nick Drake, A Deeper Note – Contemporary Worship (W218). A reflective and yet practical study on the choice of songs for those who lead contemporary styles of worship.

You may not agree with everything in the books. The key aim is that you reflect on what you read. If might help to make notes on points that particularly strike you or seem important for you - some people actually mark the book, others prefer to write separate notes and put them in their portfolio.

Evidence of reading. There are several ways that you can demonstrate that you have read the books. One is that you make time to discuss the books with your parish priest/supervisor. Or you might like to make more of this in the parish and encourage a small group to be involved in the discussion which you could lead by asking questions which have arisen for you from the books. Or perhaps one or two who are also involved in planning and leading worship might even read the books for themselves and form a small ‘book group’ which you take part in! Another option showing that you have read the books might be that you give a book review in church, or write a book review for the parish magazine. Whichever option you choose, your parish priest/supervisor should then complete the Required Reading form which you send in with your other forms/reflections.

Further reading. There is, of course, no limit to the amount of reading you may choose to do and we have provided a basic sheet of resources including a number of books. There are numerous books on the subject – if you want to read further and in more depth your parish priest or supervisor may have more suggestions or books you can borrow.

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Lay Leaders of Worship: Required Reading

Lay Leaders of Worship (LLW) are asked to read 2 books and then to discuss their reading with their parish priest/supervisor. Alternatively, the LLW may choose to demonstrate evidence of their reading, e.g. by giving a book review in church, writing a book review for the parish magazine or leading a discussion based on the reading.

The 2 books are: Richard Giles, At Heaven’s Gate: Reflections on Leading Worship

(Canterbury Press, 2010) One from a choice of books from the Grove Worship series

Please indicate which Grove book was chosen: ………...………………………………………..…

I confirm that ……………………………………….. has read and discussed with me the content of the two books.

OR

I confirm that ……………………………………….. has read the two books named above and shown evidence of their reading by

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of Lay Leader of Worship in training: …………………………………………………………

Name of parish priest/supervisor: ………………………………………………………………………

Signed: ………………………………………….. Date: …………………………….……(Parish priest/supervisor)

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Resources

GeneralThe Church of England website has all the authorised liturgical texts available, including Common Worship, Times and Seasons and New Patterns for Worship. See https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts.aspx

Visual Liturgy is another good resource for those who want to be more creative, but there is a charge. See http://www.visualliturgylive.net/index.aspx?id=1

The Arthur Rank Centre website has wide range of resources or links to resources designed specifically for rural churches, though many can be adapted or used in a small church. Go to worship training resources and look under ‘frequently asked questions’ - http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/worship-resources/itemlist/category/54-rural-worship-training#index. The site includes suggestions for the ‘replacing the sermon’, choosing music, intercessions and links to various liturgies.

The ROOTS material offers a wide range of resources which is especially useful for all-age services or more informal services of the Word or Holy Communion. The resources are published in a subscription magazine and supporting website. See www.rootsontheweb.com. For free sample, contact 0845 680 5317 or [email protected] or download from website!

The Christian Year

Exciting Holiness: Collects and readings for the Festivals and Lesser Festivals of the Calendar of the Church of England, (Canterbury Press, 1997)New Patterns for Worship (Archbishops’ Council, Church House Publishing, 2002) (2nd edition - 2008)Times and Seasons (Archbishops’ Council, Church House Publishing, 2006)Together for a Season – 3 books published by Church House Publishing

Advent, Christmas, EpiphanyFeasts and Festivals Lent, Holy Week and Easter

Iona Community Wild Goose Publications – www.ionabooks.com – lots of liturgical resources for different seasons throughout the Church’s Year for more creative/informal/reflective services.

Replacing the sermon – a short selection of possibilities

Websites:“The Text this Week” - http://www.textweek.com/ - usually has links to a drama, art, music, children’s worship if you scroll down

The Episcopal Church USA site is: “Sermons that Work” http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/

Works of art and meditations on themhttp://www.artway.eu/content.php?id=7&lang=en&type=1

Diocese of Bath and Wells – School of Formation

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http://www.artway.eu/content.php?id=7&lang=en&type=1

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/

http://www.textweek.com/

http://www.ionabooks.com/



http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/worship-resources/itemlist/category/54-rural-worship-training#index

http://www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/worship-resources/itemlist/category/54-rural-worship-training#index

http://www.visualliturgylive.net/index.aspx?id=1

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts.aspx

www.bathandwells.org.uk Books:

David Adam – Rejoicing in the Year: Services celebrating the Church’s Seasons (Kevin Mayhew, 2011) – includes some meditations/candle-lighting optionsEddie Askew - A variety of books of meditations and prayersMary Batchelor (ed.) The Lion Book of Christian Poetry (Lion, 1995) – 600 poems, 250 poets spanning over 1,000 years.Anna de Lange, How to engage with Scripture – with or without a preacher (Grove Books, Worship Series no. 207, 2011)Henri Nouwen, The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life (DLT, 2000). Others by him may also prove fruitful as reflections.Ian Reid Meditations from the Iona Community (Wild Goose Publications, 1998)Ken Taylor, Sunday by Sunday: Meditations and Resources for all appointed Gospel Readings, Years A, B and C, volume one, Advent to Trinity (1999)Ken Taylor, Sunday by Sunday Meditations and Resources for all appointed Gospel Readings Years, A B & C, volume two, Between Trinity and Advent (2000)Jane Williams Lectionary Reflections years A, B and C (2011)

See also The Canterbury Preacher’s Companion for each year (e.g. 2015 – year B, by Michael Counsell), Canterbury Press

See also the Pilgrim course published by Church House Publishing for examples of using the Lectio Divina method of praying Scripture - http://www.pilgrimcourse.org

Dramatised readings and meditations:The Dramatised Bible (Harper Collins, 1989)Books for the Christian Year from the Iona Community Wild Goose Publications – see www.ionabooks.com. E.g.

Cloth for the Cradle (Advent, Christmas & Epiphany) by the Wild Goose Resources GroupHay and Stardust (Christmas to Candlemas) by Ruth BurgessStages on the Way (Lent, Holy Week and Easter) by the Wild Goose Resources Group

Bob Hartman, Bible Stories Through the Year: Lectionary Readings for Year A, Retold for Maximum Effect. (A good resource for All Age Worship)

Books with information about hymns can be useful – e.g. Ian Bradley, The Daily Telegraph Book of Hymns, (Continuum, 2005)

Intercessions

There are many books available. This is a short selection.Adam, David The Complete Themed Intercessions (Kevin Mayhew, 2007) plus others by him for each of the three years A, B, C.Chapman, Raymond Leading Intercessions: Prayers for Sundays, Holy Days and Festivals, Years A, B and C (Canterbury Press, 2000)

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http://www.ionabooks.com/

http://www.pilgrimcourse.org/

http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/

Colquhoun, Frank (ed.) New Parish Prayers (2005) and Contemporary Parish Prayers (2005)Fawcett, Nick Responding to a World in Need: 100 Prayers of Intercession (Kevin Mayhew, 2004)Pritchard, John The Intercessions Handbook: Creative Ideas for Public and Private Prayer (SPCK, 2000)Sayers, Susan Prayers of Intercession for Common Worship (Kevin Mayhew, 1999)

Lay Leaders of Worship: Sixth session optionsThere is a choice of two options. Please select ONE.

Leading All Age Worship. This session will focus on leading worship where children are present. It will consider the different ways people of all ages engage with worship, and then go on to think about readings, prayers, response to the Word and how young people can be involved alongside adults.

Leading Morning and Evening Prayer. This session will cover Morning and Evening Prayer services from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and Common Worship (CW). It will look at the services in detail, focussing on their structure, places where there are options and the leading of psalms, canticles and responses. There will be opportunity to practise leading parts of the services.

Please indicate your choice:1. Leading All Age Worship

2. Leading Morning and Evening PrayerIf you choose option (2) please indicate whether you prefer a focus on

a) BCP

b) CW

Thank you for your help. Please bring your form to your First Saturday training session or return your form to the Ministry Development Administrator, St Albans Diocesan Office, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Herts AL1 1HE or email your preferences to [email protected] before your First Saturday.

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Lay Leaders of WorshipCOVER SHEET TO ACCOMPANY ASSIGNMENTS (please send to Jaspreet Biring - Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1HE )

Name: (please print)…………………………………………………………………………………….

Parish……………………………………………………………………………………………….......

Please tick which Sessions are included:(if you are filling this in on the computer you can copy and paste this tick )

Part One: Due 10 days before 2nd Saturday.

Reflection on Session 1 - The nature of worship Reflection on Session 2 - Times of worship: The Christian Year

Reflection on Session 3 - The pattern of worship: The Service of the Word

Part Two: Due by 31st January 2018 (unless another date is agreed with LLW Coordinator)

Reflection on Session 4 - Resources for worship: Music, ‘sermon’ and intercessionsReflection on Session 5 - Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services

Reflection on Session 6 - (Please select option taken)- Leading All Age Worship

- Leading Morning/Evening Prayer

Guided reflections on Practical elements- Reflection 1 and feedback forms

- Reflection 2 and feedback forms

Required Reading form

Signed ……………………………………………… Date…………………………………………

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Feedback from LLW Coordinator:

Name: Date:

Lay Leaders of WorshipCOVER SHEET TO ACCOMPANY ASSIGNMENTS (please send to Jaspreet Biring - Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1HE )

Name: (please print)…………………………………………………………………………………….

Parish……………………………………………………………………………………………….......

Please tick which Sessions are included:(if you are filling this in on the computer you can copy and paste this tick )

Part One: Due 10 days before 2nd Saturday.

Reflection on Session 1 - The nature of worship Reflection on Session 2 - Times of worship: The Christian Year

Reflection on Session 3 - The pattern of worship: The Service of the Word

Part Two: Date due will be confirmed at the first session (unless another date is agreed with LLW Coordinator)

Reflection on Session 4 - Resources for worship: Music, ‘sermon’ and intercessionsReflection on Session 5 - Practicalities of worship: Skills for leading services

Reflection on Session 6 - (Please select option taken)- Leading All Age Worship

- Leading Morning/Evening Prayer

Guided reflections on Practical elements- Reflection 1 and feedback forms

- Reflection 2 and feedback forms

Required Reading form

Signed ……………………………………………… Date…………………………………………

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Lay Leaders of WorshipFORM C: LAY LEADER OF WORSHIP’S ANNUAL REVIEWThis form should be completed as part of a review discussion between the LLW and their incumbent/supervisor. Please return by ……………………………………………..

Name of Lay Leader of Worship:

Name of Incumbent:

Name of parish/benefice: Date of Annual Review: 1. How have you been used over the last year as a Lay Leader of Worship?

i. Please indicate which type of service you lead/co-lead (you may tick more than one!)

a. Morning prayer/morning worship/Matinsb. Evening prayer/Evensongc. First part of Holy Communiond. All-age/family servicee. Residential/nursing homef. A mid-week service (please give details)

g. Other (please give details)

ii. Please indicate how often you have been useda. Once/monthb. More than once/month (how often?)c. Less than once/month

iii. Please tick all that apply relating to what you do in the services you are involved in as a LLW.

a. Lead/co-lead serviceb. Choose hymns/songsc. Lead intercessionsd. Give ‘alternative to the sermon’e. Other (please give details)

iv. Are you involved in a service which the parish can now resource because it has one or more LLW? (e.g. a Fresh Expression, an additional/new

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service on a Sunday). Please give details.

2. What have been your main achievements and successes over the past year? (e.g. developed new skills, grown in confidence, deepened your faith, tried something different)

3. Do you have any issues and concerns which need to be addressed in the coming year? (e.g. relating to training needs, communication, support, how role is being exercised) How will you seek to address them?

4. What goals or challenges for further development do you have for the next 12 months?

5. Vocation

a) You should have discussed the subject of vocation with your incumbent. Do you sense a possible calling to a licensed ministry?

i. as an ordained person (clergy, if under the age of 50)?ii. as a Reader (if under the age of 64)?

b) If yes to (a),

a. Have you been in touch with a Diocesan Vocations Adviser?

b. With what outcome?

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/continued

For completion by the incumbent:

How has having a Lay Leader of Worship contributed to encouraging public worship and Living God’s Love in your parish? (Please specifically comment if having a Lay Leader of Worship has enabled any new services to start in your parish/benefice.)

Do you have any other comments about how the Lay Leaders of Worship scheme is having an impact in the parish/benefice – e.g. for yourself, individuals, congregations, or the wider parish/benefice?

Signed: Dated:(Lay Leader of Worship)Signed: Dated:(Incumbent)Signed: Dated:(Supervisor – where different)

Once completed and agreed, please return to the Ministry Development Team Administrator: [email protected] electronically or by post: Ms J Biring, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1HE.

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lay leaders of worship – handbook€¦ · web viewthis session will cover morning and evening...

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