lit·ur·gy -
(lĭt′ər-jē) - We use the word Liturgy to talk about
the words that make up our worship services. But, in the original Greek (from
which it comes), it means the work of the
people.
This is why we have so many lay people leading our worship – as
liturgists, ushers, acolytes, pastors, preachers and Elders who help with
communion, baptisms, commissioning and new member rituals. It’s why we care
deeply about the content of our worship.
At Good Shepherd, our worship is a clear indication of one of our
greatest strengths. Our worship shows how different we are, and yet how
connected we are. For most of the year, we have two services: one that is based
on a traditional Reformed Church liturgy and another, which is still traditional
in many ways, while more contemporary and intergenerational music and prayers,
etc.
In the summer, this ALL comes together – the people, the worship and the
liturgy! It’s a true expression of who we are – and of whose we are.
So this summer, you will see a lot of blending. In conversation with the
Consistory, we decided that Matt & Pastor Kim and I will work to include
traditional elements (the Apostle’s Creed, the traditional doxology, etc.) and
some more modern elements (responsive readings, a different ‘gloria’, etc.) to
express some of the many ways that we approach God.
This means that all of you will not ‘like’ every part of the service, but
then worship is really not about what we like, it’s about how we gather to
connect to each other and to God. So hopefully, in every service there will be
some opportunity for every person to experience the holy. Just remember, if you
don’t particularly like a hymn – someone else does. If you don’t like Passing
the Peace, there is someone there who longs to connect to others in this
ancient ritual…….Just like sermons – some speak to you and some don’t, but all
of them proclaim the Good News of the Gospel!
So join us for summer worship – as often as you can – the work of the
people may just change your life!
Blessings – Laura Lee
