This is the summary for our worship study group for June 2011. It is the 6th and final meeting we have on the 6th Conviction “Disciplined creativity in the arts” under the ten core convictions of worship. We will be taking a half year break for Worship Study and will recommence in Jan 2012 on the topic: The Fifth Conviction: An open and discerning approach to culture
Worship should strike a healthy balance among four approaches or dimensions to its cultural context: worship is transcultural (some elements of worship are beyond culture), contextual (worship reflects the culture in which it is offered), cross-cultural (worship breaks barriers of culture through worship), and counter-cultural (worship resists the idolatries of its cultural context.
Exciting?
Summary for June 2011 Worship Study
We thank WeeBin from the Children’s Ministry for joining us in this discussion with a focus on the topic Children and the Liturgical Arts. This will also be the last Worship Study that is held together with the Worship Environment Committee. We thank them for their participation in this half year of sharing on the Liturgical Arts.
Cathy: http://worship.calvin.edu/resources/resource-library/let-story-form-your-worship-old-testament-and-lectionary-dramas
Cathy began the discussion sharing about the use of drama in worship. Students need to really understand the scripture in order to write the script for drama. Using drama hence allows children to go in depth into scripture understanding. It is even better if the audience were included into the play. They are also made to think about what is going on.
Secondly, Props may be used as metaphors for scriptural context. Worship that includes drama therefore integrates the entire environment into the worship experience.
(Afterthought: the aimless wandering by Ruth to interpret the lost sheep of Ezekiel 34 is an excellent use of space to capture the drama. Well done.)
XinLiang: http://www.reformedworship.org/article/december-2006/what-jesus-looks-me
XinLiang shared on a method of incorporating children art into worship without it looking simplistic.
Step 1: ask good questions. Step 2: Making sure that all chidlren have a part to play, even getting them to talk about one another’s art. Lastly, Project the images during worship.
MinZhi: http://www.reformedworship.org/article/december-1991/cross-tree-involving-children-lenten-worship
MinZhi shared on this unique method of getting children to celebrate Lent and Easter.
Different types of cross were designed and made (see article). Children are then to reflect on the uniqueness of each design and ponder on its meaning. They eventually hang everything on a branch in the hall, followed by a hymn.
Related articles that were undiscussed: http://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-2008/kids-creating-art-worship & http://www.reformedworship.org/article/december-1986/celebrating-lent-children
We conclude that involving children in worship would be a great contribution to our vision of intergenerational worship. However, it involves lots of communication, engagement and feedback. We look forward to more opportunities to work in partnership with Children Ministry.