The NCD health team met recently to evaluate changes made to Hope's worship, based on concerns identified in focus groups held during the winter of 2008-2009. We wanted to share with you the observations we have made.

The most common concern had to do with sermons. Pastor Pat feels that her sabbatical time did much to refresh her spiritually, and she is more energized to preach the Gospel to us. She has been working to associate her sermons more with our everyday lives, and using concrete examples and ideas that we can apply to ourselves, as well as experience from her own life. She writes each sermon, thinking about what main idea she wants us to take with us for the coming week. This is an ongoing process and, as always, she is open to receiving feedback and suggestions from all of us.

A music committee, consisting of Dean Poulsen, John Drager, Janice Seifert, and Dave Lynch, was formed to choose singable, appropriate hymns for our worship services. This has been well-received. The committee members also appreciate feedback on their hymn choices, to better learn the congregation's preferences.

In response to peoples' comments about Communion, we have returned to Communion by table, (except for very crowded services, such as Easter), with increased usher direction to help smooth the flow of people to and from the altar rail. Communion by table does increase the length of time needed for this portion of the service, however many people feel it is more meaningful to them. To expedite the process, we are using additional people (2 volunteers in addition to Pastor Pat and the assistant minister) to simultaneously distribute the bread and wine. This means we need people who are willing to assist in the distribution. Anyone who wishes to serve as a volunteer in this way should see Pastor Pat.

Another area of concern was the tone of our worship. We need to be able to focus on God, free from distractions, in order to feel God's presence and prepare ourselves for meaningful worship. The pace of our everyday world does not make this easy for us. We are used to instant everything, but many of the most important things in our lives require time, and worship is one of those things. We are uncomfortable with periods of silence, especially when in the presence of others in a public setting. Yet silence, used purposefully, can be a great blessing. If you find yourself waiting, such as before the service, or during the Offering or Communion, use that opportunity to think about God's work in your life, pray, read over the lessons, meditate on Pastor's sermon, or read the words to one of the hymns chosen that day and let them sink into your heart!

A related issue deals with our attitude toward the sanctuary, especially before the service begins.  When we enter the sanctuary before a service, we are entering a place where God is the focus. We should be quiet and focus on Him. This is not the place/time for socializing or even conversations. The narthex is the place for those activities, although not so much as to disturb those who are already in the sanctuary.  This is especially true during solemn times, such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, but it is something to keep in mind for any service. Of course we should enter God's courts with joy, but also reverence. After the service, visiting in the sanctuary and narthex is appropriate.

In a previous article, we touched upon the spiritual meaning of Sharing the Peace of Christ with each other - a time for bestowing God's gift of peace upon fellow worshippers, as opposed to a time to visit. We have observed that the Hope family has taken this to heart, and the sharing is lending a more spiritual feeling to the service.

Those planning the worship services are working to keep the services to about an hour. Special presentations, such as an anthem or dance, is sometimes used as the Prelude, Call to Worship, or Offertory to keep the service from running over. Announcements are kept to a minimum, with Pastor referring us to the bulletin for further information. It has been suggested, however, that many activities are experiencing low sign-ups as a result, since not much attention is being called to them. We encourage you to check out the different activity sign-up sheets in the narthex, and contact those involved if you need information. And, of course, read the bulletins and newsletters!

As you may have noticed, each of these efforts requires effort not only on the part of the worship planners and leaders, but also from all of us. Those who volunteer to serve in our worship, such as acolytes or ushers, play a crucial role in the services and need to be present when it is their turn. If someone is unable to be present on a particular Sunday, they should make every effort to find a substitute among the other volunteers, and contact the person in charge as soon as possible. We who sit in the "pews" are not to be passive worshippers either, but active ones. We need to refrain from seeing worship as entertainment, but rather as something in which we are all involved. Take notes during the sermon - you might be surprised at what inspiration you get from reading them later in the service or during the week! Sing out during hymns - it doesn't matter whether you are a good singer or not. Together, all of us sound better! Before the service starts, take a moment and pray to be inspired!

Lastly, think about what you want out of worship, and what you can do to help make that happen. Then, don't forget to give us your feedback, ideas, concerns and suggestions!

We need everyone to strengthen Hope's spiritual vitality! We have just completed our second NCD survey, and are awaiting the results. We'll keep you posted!
 

The NCD Team: Debbie Bonanno Karen Donmoyer Erica Driscoll

Cindy Lynch Diane Kless Beth Mezaros John Bonanno Pastor Pat