Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Young People at Princeton CRC Report on Vertical Habits
From Betty Grit:
Sunday morning, following worship, I had the privilege of reflecting with twelve young people at Princeton Christian Reformed Church in Kentwood about the words they have heard or used this past week in relationships. Last Sunday we talked about worship and the dialogue in which we are involved as we listen to God, talk to him and speak to one another. We realized that in any healthy conversation it is important to say, I Love You, I’m Sorry, Why, I’m Listening, Help, Thank You, What Can I Do? and Bless You. We considered how we say these things to God and to each other.
Throughout the week the students listened for these words of relationship as people talked to God and to one another. They reported about the vocabulary they heard, in school, at home, in a play many of them had presented Saturday evening, and when we worshiped this morning.
By a show of hands, the twelve students unanimously reported that they had heard someone say each of these expressions at some time in the week to other people. But it was more difficult to identify when the expressions were used in talking to God. Only a small percentage of students could recall hearing “Why” or “I’m listening.” We wondered whether this is because we do not know how to express this to God or whether we may be saying it but not recognizing it. They discovered that it is quite easy to ask God to help us but it is harder to ask God to help others.
Together we looked at artistic resources that have been developed by churches involved in the Vertical Habits project. Visuals such as banners, sculptures and art helped us express and understand the words we want to practice in our relationship with God.
The students were challenged to compose music, write poetry, paint pictures or create other ways to help all of us learn words to deepen our relationship with God in worship and throughout the week. We hope they will share their ideas with us so that we can share them with others.
Grants • Interdisciplinary Application • Worshipers • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink