Ideas and Plans for Creator Fall Worship

As we plan for what comes next in Creator Sunday worship, consider the label worship service and specifically on the word service.  Who serves and who is being served? Do we serve God or is the focus of the worship service God’s service to us?

I learned recently that, in the German-speaking period of many Lutheran congregations in America, worship services were called Gottesdienst — “God’s Service”, or “Divine Service.” The name could serve as a reminder for everyone attending Gottesdienst that the focus was on God’s actions, words, and gifts.  I'll find out if there are Swedish, Norwegian or Danish equivalents.  

In worship we are guests. We listen and receive. We are served the Bread of Life in God’s Word.  We are reminded, (particularly this coming Sunday with Chistopher and his family), that we are washed in the spiritual rebirth of Baptism.  We take the body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine in Holy Communion.  Here I must also say, last Tuesday’s conversations around communion we had with one another were gifts I appreciated.   

As guests in worship we also respond.  We sing, pray, offer our gifts and encourage fellow believers with our presence.

Worship services set a pattern in our lives. We listen to God’s Word daily, remember our Baptism, and anticipate or participate in God’s gift in Holy Communion. Daily we respond to God in our lives for him, and daily we encourage one another through God’s Word.

So far, in talking with Creator members about worship,  the open minds to try something new and all the needs Creator’s current worship satisfies is impressive.  The Augustana Jazz service simulated the worship group's thoughts and considerations.  There will be an opportunity to experience St.Stephen’s contemporary worship soon.