Monday, June 24, 2013

Worship at the Northeastern PA Synod Assembly - not what I expected

Imagine over eight hundred people sitting at conference tables on the floor of an arena having a worship service. Not too inspiring is it?  This was the setting for the Northeastern Synod Assembly. But somehow, this worship service was so inspiring I feel the need to write about it.  Part of the inspiration could have been the surprise factor, the service was nothing like I expected, but whatever the case, it has moved me.

Picture a large platform in the center of a arena with a huge clear bowl of water setting on a table, surrounded by greens. A bowl so large a child could have fit into it! The room is dark and a spotlight is shining on this font (bowl). The band on the stage is playing some contemporary Christian music. Then you see many small lights, candles, coming toward the bowl. There is  someone holding a cross, someone holding the Bible, and many holding candles. They are all making their way to the font. Some  go onto the platform. Others stand around the platform. During the opening words, the large Christ Candle, that was carried in, is lit. Liturgy is spoken, hymns are sung and as the service continues, the people move from the font to the stage.  They again are holding candles and as they move to the stage they walk around the room, symbolizing spreading the light of Christ to all people.

Then just as everyone gets settled up front and you think the service will be held from there, a spotlight shines on another platform on the floor. From there, a youth, standing on the platform, reads the first scripture reading. When he finishes, he pauses and gives a powerful reflection. He tells how devastated he was when he was not accepted into the college that he always planned to attend. He continues to explain how God gave him strength as he had to change his life dream. Then, everyone at the assembly was asked to discuss the question Where do you see God’s light today?   The same format occurred with the second reading when discussed the question Where do you see God making things new? Yes, there was another platform on the floor for the second scripture reader. 

What I have not mentioned is there were also two huge screens, where you could see everything happening in larger than life projections.  When Bishop Zeiser gave his sermon, he paused and there was a video shown with someone giving a reflection. Then a light shone on a platform and another personal reflection was shared. He, then, continued with his sermon.

After the sermon and prayers, communion was shared and everyone received a glow stick. At the close of the service, the lights were dimmed and everyone sang This Little Light of Mine, while holding glow sticks high in the air. 

To me, this service was powerful in more than one way. I was worshiping with many people and could feel the energy from them. I  get this feeling, when I am preaching, and a large number of the congregation is engaged. Because the service started in the middle of the worship space and continued to include more people than just those standing up front, I felt that I was part of the service. It was also a powerful use of technology.  This was not just, I have a screen and projector so I’ll use power point with my sermon. This format significantly enhanced the worship experience. I think that the movement and different voices helped open my mind to hear what the Spirit was saying.  The reflections within the Bishop’s sermon complemented his thoughts, but also broadened the theme in a way one voice could not.

There could not have been a better opening to an assembly with the theme Always Being Made New, 25 Years Together in Christ. The service held fast to traditions, while using new technology. And yes, the rest of the Assembly was inspiring. God is working throughout the Synod and the world. We just need to open our minds and our eyes and look!