In hopes of posting information of actual potential usefulness, I will attempt to relay information about the music and liturgy at my employing church as they enter upon this time of transition. I have noticed that over the years, that I have developed patience with changes in the church whether created by myself or created from elsewhere. I find I am entering this process with more a curiosity on where it will go then on what I actually might want. I find I have been much more attuned to what has been said by various people than I may have been in the past.
Where are we now:
Earlier this month was the Pastor's last day. Rather a large attendance for June but that is to be expected. The next week was rather small and the singing was generally normal for the congregation, though the congregation was small, most of the choir was present so that helped.
A week ago the Pastor Emeritus was present which tended bring a larger attendance. Also noticeable was a much larger participation in the singing. This may due to the hymns being well known by the congregation, which has not always been a common occurrence.
Today, the new Interim Pastor began her stay with the congregation. There did seem to be a slight raise in the energy of the people today and again their singing was quite good, though again, well known hymns. I like the order of service that the interim used as it has a wonderful flow plus it tends to follow the order that many denominations now use: Welcome/announcements, Call to worship/prayer, hymn, confession (Communion Sunday), Gloria Patri, Children's moment, readings, sermon, hymn, prayers, offertory, communion, hymn, benediction. (note, the largest change was prayers-offertory-communion vs., communion-prayers-offertory).
The other large changes were the return of the Gloria Patri and the use of a full Communion Prayer (including Sanctus, though only spoken by the Presider this time). Some members had mentioned to me in the past and interest in using a Gloria Patri again. As for the Communion Prayer, the Pastor and I discussed actually singing the Sanctus on the next Communion Sunday. Earlier, I had been surprised when I was told by members that this has been done in the past. So, I suppose we will give it go.
Part of the time of transition in the UCC is to experiment with new and old things to discover who you are and where you are going. I do enjoy the idea of trying various items but I am concerned that I do not want to go overboard on the congregation. Luckily, I have been surprised many times by what this congregation enjoys. In the last survey, multiple members stated their pleasure in having communion regularly. Along with that was an interest in more musical responses and acclamations by the choir and congregation.
I will be meeting with the Interim Pastor in the next couple of weeks so we may figure see where we are going. I am feeling patient and flexible right now so it should all work out well. Now, since we are doing new things, I am trying something unusual and taking a Sunday off next week.
Please keep the congregation of Immanuel UCC in your prayers as they embark on this time of transition and reconciliation.
