NOTES ON A "SERVICE OF THE WORD" PLANNING MEETING
held in the church hall on Monday 8 November 2004 at about 09.10
Present: Tricia Carrick (TC), Hector Davie (HD), Lynne Pamplin (LP), Richard Pamplin (RP), Sam Van Leer (SV)
Feedback from recent Services of the Word
Consultation with those preparing the service and those involved (musicians, clergy, readers etc.) needs to work well.
The block of worship songs has been appreciated by many people. SV suggested that it fitted better after the greeting.
Positive comments include: appreciation of drama, dramatised readings, dance, children's activities (the "lost Scrabble tile", the healing of the lepers etc), thematic unity including music.
Negative comments include: length of service, noise and lack of space (last 2 probably only for AAW). And some simply do not appreciate this style of worship - just as others feel uncomfortable at the 8.30 service with no music at all.
Other, general feedback
It seems that a variety, particularly in the music, is appreciated by many. A lot of people, including some young people, enjoyed the choral mass on 7th November also that some more modern songs were included in that service - it seems to have been a good mix. Perhaps we can include choral music (e.g. an anthem) more often in our worship.
Planning Services of the Word
We made a list of people (groups) who could be asked to plan a service:
Danielle and Martin Ellis HG
Ittigen HG
Young Adults HG (John and Sarah)
Thun HG (Judy and Sharon)
Bible Study Group
Hans and Elisabeth
And, of course, those present at the meeting (and their groups!)
We could also ask for volunteers e.g. in the magazine and/or notice sheet, but they will need to talk to one of us to find out what is involved.
Guidelines
TC and LP had prepared some draft guidelines, which were not discussed. Instead, various ideas were collected:
Don't call them "guidelines" rather something like "Ideas and Hints for helping you prepare a service"
Attach a photocopy of the appropriate (4) pages of CW.
They should be positive e.g. start with "thank you for volunteering to plan a service. There are many options open to you for this service. Here are some notes and hints that might help you in your planning"
A representative of each group which would like to be involved in planning these services should join the quarterly planning meeting.
A member of the planning group should actively pass on information (like type of service, any constraints) to the group planning a particular service.
Active coordination with the clergy about leading the service and preaching should take place as early as possible - in particular to identify the theme of the sermon which can then be reflected in readings, drama and music.
The "notes" should be available by the end of the year so that we can give them to groups. LP volunteered to collect input and prepare something for approval.
Service Planning
Each special service, including all services of the word, needs planning. The following suggestions were made (first the coordinator/contact person from the planning group and [in square brackets] the group to be asked (by the 1st person) to prepare the service). Other notes in (normal) brackets:
| Advent Carols | RP
|
| Christingle | LP, TC (LP to ask Gail about drama)
|
| Christmas Day (AA) | SV, HD (SV to ask Gail, again, about drama)
|
| 9th January | SV [Ellis's Housegroup] (probably baptism)
|
| Ash Wednesday (9.2.) (AA) | SV & Linda
|
| 13th February | HD
|
| Mothering Sunday (6.3.) (AA) | LP
|
| 13th March | (AA?) RP & TC (admission of children to communion)
|
| Maundy Thursday (24.4) | RP & Wendy
|
| Good Friday (AA) | SV and member of JC (ask Kelly, else TC)
|
| Easter (AA) | SV [Young Adults]
|
| 10th April | LP [Thun]
|
| Ascension Day* | we didn't assign anyone
|
| 8th May | HD [Ittigen] (note: choir festival)
|
| 15th May | SV & RP
|
Ascension Day: we thought we should again try an All-Age service followed by barbecue.
Planning Meetings
We agreed that this group should continue to meet approximately every 3 months to review services held in the last 3 to 4 months and plan those coming up. The group is open to other people too.
The next meeting was provisionally arranged for Monday 21st February 09.00 - 11.00 (latest).
Action Points
Guidelines : LP will produce these - feedback to her!
All: contact those who are to be asked to plan a service.
TC 2004-11-09