Each person in the group will take on a particular role: leader, pastor, parish musician, and volunteer from the congregation. The leader will help move things along and negotiate group assignments. The leader will also make the final project post for the group, but each member of the group is responsible for contributing. The pastor will be the expert on theology, spirituality, the global church. The parish musician will be the expert on all things musical, including the sung portions of the liturgy, hymns, anthems and other special music. The volunteer will be the expert on the local congregation's history and bylaws. Decide among yourselves who will play which role. Once you have decided on roles, make them evident in this group discussion area so I will know who is doing what.
What type of congregation are you planning for? Is it large or small, conservative or liberal, urban or rural? How does the makeup of the congregation affect worship planning? What are your resources in terms of budget, people, and space?
"Determining worship schedule and musical settings; major shifts in physical plan; any items that impact other committees; dreaming for the future." (Worship '97, September)
What are your visions for the Sunday you have been assigned? Spend some time brainstorming ideas. Keep in mind the size and budget of your congregation.
During this stage select musical settings appropriate to the season of the church year, decide what part worship space plays in planning, and take into consideration other activities going on in the church that may affect worship.
"Lectionary study; selection of hymns; decisions about liturgical options, actions and environment; practical matters of equipment, supplies, and personnel." (Worship '97, September)
This is the step in which you work out most of the details of the service. Use the Sample Planning Guide on pages 3 and 4 of Worship '97, September as a worksheet for this step. What is the theme for your Sunday? How do the hymns and liturgy reflect that theme? Take into consideration the worship space, personnel, equipment and supplies your congregation has available.
"Double-checking and fine tuning previously-made plans." (Worship '97, September)
What could change since the first planning was done that might warrant changing the service at this point?
You should have your bulletin pretty much ready to go. The announcements in the bulletin should include information about your choices, such as why you selected the hymns you did and the theme for the day. Your bulletin announcements should be brief and to the point. You should demonstrate your knowledge of the theme for your Sunday and that you can make appropriate hymn and liturgy choices. Post your bulletin to the main discussion board under Module 10 - Projects. Your bulletin should be in RTF, HTML or PDF format.
"Serious critique of the season just past with careful recording of comments for use in planning the same season next year." (Worship 97, September)
Critically evaluate the service you prepared. Would you be able to use this service in your home congregation? Why or why not?
Use this discussion forum for your group evaluation.
©2003 by Ann Stephens. All rights reserved.