Becoming the People of God
Forming Community through Worship
Liturgy and worship practitioners across the eastern dioceses are invited to come together. Using a peer-led discussion on Zoom, clergy and lay ministers can share experience, ideas, and expertise. Six to eight topics will be considered under a broad heading by means of short presentations (7-10 mins), each then followed by discussion as a whole group or in smaller breakout rooms. Zoom details are sent out a few days before the event and also appear on the Transforming Worship website.
Call for papers:
In worship, we come together in a unique way as the ‘People of God’. There is a continuity with the ‘People of God’ in the Old Testament, descended from Abraham, brought out of Egypt, and formed in the wilderness. There are challenges here about identity, calling, and freedom.
As congregations, we are not just collections of individuals! Our relationship with God is not simply about us and God, but it is about becoming ‘a people’ who attracts and welcomes (or not!) others.
How do we mark events as a body – not only festivals but events in our church’s life and in the lives of our communities, such as communal celebration and lament? What does it mean to pray and to lead prayers together. What does it mean to share the Peace? Not as in “how many people can I hug?” but as in “what relationships need to be repaired before I come to communion?”
We will consider some of the joys and challenges in organizing and sustaining regular worship in a multi-parish benefice. How can we build a core congregation who will travel between churches? How can music-making in church help to form and enrich the Body of Christ?
Everyone is welcome. If you are willing to offer a short presentation on the theme, please let me know your topic (7 – 10 minute presentation followed by discussion). Please contact me:
Revd Helen Bent on behalf of Transforming Worship National and Transforming Worship East
Email: helenbent99@gmail.com Mobile: 07786030399
Since our last mailing, we have launched the new Transforming Worship website. You will be able to find all the latest information here. Do check this out at: transformingworship.news
Transforming Worship East continues as one of the seven regions of the national organization with a new committee of regional representatives.
The Transforming Worship East representatives are:
- Chelmsford Diocese Andy Griffiths, Jo Hall
- Ely Diocese Alison Kennedy, Simon Kershaw
- Norwich Diocese Charles Read, Coryn Stanforth
- Peterborough Diocese Helen Bent, Paul Minton
- St Alban’s Diocese Ruth Dennigan
- St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese Richard Hubbard, Liam Beadle
Those who participate in Transforming Worship East events are warmly encouraged to become a member of Transforming Worship. For a modest fee, you can keep up to date with the latest news concerning worship and liturgy in the Church of England and beyond. You will receive the quarterly Transforming Worship News with topical articles, useful information about music in the church, book reviews and upcoming events across all the regions.
You can find more information and an application form at:https://transformingworship.news/transforming-worship-affiliation/
Whilst members of Transforming Worship East will be routinely invited to these gatherings, others who are interested in participating and wish to be added to the invitation list are encouraged to contact Helen Bent, at: helenbent99@gmail.com
Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5652474073?pwd=wkw2at7qvfKvAFQ63V1FSVAXhITmoq.1&omn=88535733379
Meeting ID: 565 247 4073
Passcode: Lsi9gD