Every season of the church year has a different focus and a different tone. In church time, Advent is focused on waiting and hope. With this in mind our worship team has worked out a special liturgy. Some of it will be familiar, we will be using parts of Holden Evening Prayer in the service for example. A special part will be very different.
One aspect of worship we have not fully delved in is the idea of tactile meditation. This Advent season instead of having a confession of faith, prayers of the church and confession, we will instead have worship stations to act out these aspects of the liturgy.
Instead of an affirmation of faith we will have a station where you may make a statement of faith in thankfulness for your baptism and then placing a stone in the Baptismal Font.
Instead of Confession we will have a station where you may say the confessional prayer provided or make your own private confession, then lighting a candle as a sign of Christ's forgiveness.
While we make space for congregants to move about the sanctuary, we will provide special music. This will also allow those who choose not to participate a chance to meditate while others complete their tasks.
This all may feel awkward at first, but I am confident that it will become a special time for us. In this busier than busy time of year, it is good for us to have moments like these to slow down and reflect.
I hope you take advantage of this time for it will help us prepare for the coming of our Lord.
Peace be with all of you.
