Planning Worship

    A thematic worship service demands a great deal of planning.  The most successful planning I've experienced occurred in a retreat setting.  It is essential to get away to a place where one can concentrate, and not be interrupted.  A time of devotion will tune the mind and the spirit to the task that lies ahead.  

     The tools essential to good planning are: Bible, copy of the liturgical calendar, hymn book, and a regular calendar.  The best planning is effected when the principle leaders of the worship are involved in the planning; ie. choir director, organist, associates and pastor.  

     The best planning my staffs did was a season at a time. We read all the scripture lessons together, and decide upon a "theme" for each Sunday in the season plus the text.  Hymns were chosen to compliment the theme.  The Psalter lesson was chosen at this meeting.  When the group finished all the essentials for worship for the whole season were in place.  Everyone involved received a copy of: Theme, text, hymns, and Psalter for each Sunday in the season.  Each person took this information and planned their individual parts to coincide with the general plan.  It worked!  Attendance usually set a new level for the church.

     Musicians are always delighted with this process.  They are able to plan well in advance.  Instead of just filling up a Sunday they are able to do creative thinking, test different ideas, purchase new music, and really get excited about their contribution.

Knowing what I was going to be preaching on in advance enabled me to be storing away stories, articles, poems, and ideas I happened across during the season.  When you know what you are looking for you will usually find it.  By the same token when one is not under pressure one's mind is usually more creative.  Your people appreciate the anount of importance you give to your responsibility as their preacher, pastor, and priest.

Be sure to present a copy of the worship plans to the secretary for the newsletter and bulletin. Now the bulleton can be put together without rushing it.

 Sunday Morning will carry with it an air of excitement.  Every one will be prepared and relaxed.  The congregation will be blessed.