'A Service of the Word' is one of the authorized forms of service found in Common Worship. It is specifically provided as an alternative to Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. As this type of service requires more preparation than a set from such as Morning Prayer, it is best done by a small 'Preparation Team' - which is where you come in.
A member of the Service of the Word 'Planning Group' is your contact person to help you in your preparations. (This is probably the person who has asked you to undertake the planning of this service.) Please ask for help or guidance whenever you need it and consult him/her before you finalize your order of service. It would help the process if you could appoint your own liaison person to work with the member of the 'Planning Group'.
You should have received the following information:
You should have:
Think about the set readings or given theme and decide what emphasis you would like.
Decide which of the set readings you wish to use. You can use between 2 and 4 readings (including a Psalm).
If it is a communion service, the Gospel reading must be included.
Think how to present each reading (e.g. drama, dramatized reading, question and answer, straightforward reading).
A member of the clergy will have been assigned to preach. Consult him/her before you finalize the readings, and discuss with him/her what form the sermon/talk will take.
There are alternatives to a sermon/address (see note 7, page 27 Common Worship). You do not have to use the clergy if you are not having a "standard" sermon, but please note that normally only clergy or other licensed people are allowed to preach.
If you choose not to have a sermon from the clergy, the alternative(s) need to be organized early and the appropriate people asked. Before making such a decision, please consult your contact person and/or the member of clergy assigned to preach that day.
Please read the relevant pages of Common Worship to find out what elements must be included and which elements must be in an authorized form.
Think about how the service will flow, the main points you want to get over, the participation of the congregation, movement ... etc. (There are several books that can help - see the resources section.) You can also get ideas from those who have done it before.
Decide as early as possible whether you want to use the "normal" rota people as sidespersons, readers, intercessors etc. These are currently printed in the magazine.
If you use those on the rota, please pass on special instructions at least one week before the service.
If you do not wish to use those on the rotas, please let them know well beforehand.
a) If the rotas have not yet been printed - tell Martin Täuber (rotas co-ordinator) he does not need to find people for that week.
b) If the rotas are already in the magazine - contact those on the rota to tell them that they are not needed.
It is recommended that you use the books in the pews whenever possible for congregational singing. If using other sources, you must provide copies of music and words, in time for the musicians to practice. See also the note in section 8 if zou are expecting the Office to print the service sheets. For other music you may choose whatever you consider appropriate.
Unless you have your own musicians, it is essential you consult the organist/pianist allocated for that Sunday and our other regular musicians (contact persons Hans Pfyffer, Danielle Ellis). If there is a new piece of music then the musicians must be informed as soon as possible. In any case, the music needs to be finalized and given to the musicians at least 2 weeks before the service.
The song used before the children leave is usually planned well in advance. Details from Hans Pfyffer or Sharon in the office. If you have your own ideas for a song with the children, please consult the JC leader (currently Kelly Sovilla).
Normally, the planning group [that's you!] also prepares the service sheet. If you need help, ask your contact person for advice. Please consult him/her in any case before you finalize it.
If you want the church office staff to make the copies, the master service sheet needs to be in the office on the Monday before the service - at the latest. If you are prepared to photocopy it yourself then it can be left until later!
Please also inform Sharon, by the Monday before the service, whether the notice sheet should include readings or the words of any songs. If your service order is short, it may be possible to combine the notice sheet and service sheet. Please ask Sharon abolut that.
Finally, many thanks for undertaking this work.