Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Theology of Reformed Worship 5

Report from The Theology of Worship in the Reformed Tradition, a summer course taught by Dr. John Witvliet of Calvin Theological Seminary and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship:

Current RCA Liturgy
•After the traditional votum, the service begins with a salutation—a little benediction.  This is a unique practice.
•Another unique practice is the prayer for blessing following the sermon.
•This liturgy contains several examples of transition words.
•The meaning of the sacrament focuses on remembrance (past), communion (present), and hope (future).

Current PCUSA Liturgy
•This represents 30 years of liturgical thought and follows the “four fold shape of worship” (Gathering, Word, Eucharist, and Sending).

Current Hungarian Reformed Liturgy
•Unique to this service is a profession of faith and baptismal renewal service in the communion sequence.
•Prayers contains words from scripture, catechism, and historical prayers.

Current Iona Liturgy
•The language is edgy and reflects an interest in themes of social justice.

Current Contemporary Service liturgy (Ron Reinstra)
•Contemporary music is embedded in a traditional structure with great focus on the Word of the Lord.

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We spent the rest of the morning discussing themes that we saw emerging throughout the course.  Click here to read a draft of these themes:

Theology of Reformed Worship Class Themes

Posted by Carrie Steenwyk on 08/02 at 03:11 PM
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