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New Spirit Services During the summer of 1995, six members of Peace Lutheran Church attended a seminar in Philadelphia presented by the Community Church of Joy located in Phoenix, Arizona. The seminar was designed to illustrate new methods of evangelism and worship presentation that may assist congregations in their witness to the 'younger generations' of unchurched in our communities. The Community Church of Joy has been very successful in reaching out to their community as it has expanded and grown in the Phoenix area.
Our group from Peace Lutheran Church was spiritually energized by this seminar and motivated to bring back to Peace elements of the presentations that would support and encourage our ministry in Bucks County. A 'New Spirit' committee was formed to explore possible avenues of ministry. Because we had musical talent within the congregation to support the development of a contemporary worship style, we pursued the introduction of contemporary worship through music, drama and liturgy by bringing an established musical group, Full Circle, to Peace as a way of introducing this new style to our members. Over a period of two years we presented this alternative style at a variety of worship times and opportunities and slowly weaned ourselves from Full Circle to the talents and gifts of our own members.
Four years later we now have a group of fifteen musicians and singers that include keyboard, percussion, bass guitar, and a woodwind specialist. We present a contemporary style worship experience on the third Sunday of each month at 10:15 AM. Many members of the church have participated in the service through the presentation of short dramas that relate to the theme of the day that is focused on a specific scripture passage. This service has brought great joy to many persons and has challenged us to rethink our worship life as it encourages us to interact with each other and witness to our faith as active participants in the 'work of the people' or liturgy.
Our New Spirit effort is a
work in progress. For a larger view, click on
"thumbnail" pictures below.
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A number of ministry areas were addressed during the course of the seminar
including the ministry of music, education through small groups, publicity and
identification of generation types.
