Friday, September 30, 2005
September Visit to Grant Recipients
Note: This entry was written by Betty Grit, manager of the Worship Renewal Grants Program of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
Through the Worship Renewal Grants Program we partner with congregations throughout North American who have developed a process for renewal in worship. From proposals, websites and conversations we learn a great deal from these congregational leaders. But we have found that we learn the most when we are able to visit them in their setting. This week I visited three 2005 grant recipients in the Detroit area.
Arriving on the beautiful campus of Rochester College in Rochester Hills, Sara Barton and Steve Corp warmly greeted me and gave a tour that provided information about the Church of Christ, the history of the college and the emphasis on service that is a significant part of the education of students. One group of students had just returned from Baton Rouge where they not only assisted those affected by Hurricane Katrina but lived through Hurricane Rita. Another group of students is preparing to go to Uganda.
Over lunch with those who lead worship on campus in their morning assembly, in evening gatherings and in small groups, I heard about their grant funded workshop which brought Michael Card to campus. Studying Psalms and Job, Michael taught them about the need for those who lead worship to help worshipers lament. With leaders from local congregations, the student leaders considered what this means in worship today. Many students assist in worship leading in these local congregations.
But it was in the assembly that I most experienced the heart of Rochester College. From the acapella tradition, voices of students and faculty joined together in a harmony that cannot be described in words. Their faces and their voices brought praise to God and expressed their commitment to serve him.
Later that afternoon I visited the offices of the Diocesan Worship Directors of Michigan. Dan McAfee and Sister Georgette Zalewska enthusiastically reported about the grant funded summer Liturgy Camp. Participants of the camp were both young and older. Together they learned from instructors and from each other. Written evaluations from participants confirmed that presentations were outstanding. Even more encouraging, 49 of the 50 participants indicated that the liturgies were “excellent.” A significant part of the project is the regathering of participants six months following the camp. This time provides opportunity for them to share the ways they have implemented in worship what they have learned.
Arriving at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School the next morning, a banner on the building loudly proclaimed that the Department of Education has identified this as a “School of Excellence.” The grant awarded to the school is helping train the children as worship leaders through a student bell choir, puppet ministry, children’s choir and Praise Him dance troupe. This morning we have been invited to join the children and their pastors who have come together for an ecumenical prayer breakfast.
Project director Paula Miller writes:
St. Clare of Montefalco School is a uniquely diverse and vibrant community located on the boundaries of Grosse Pointe Park and the City of Detroit. Our population comes from over fifteen different zip codes to experience this Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. We are Roman Catholic, yet welcoming children of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds and social strata.
Our school community bridges many apparent divisions in bringing children and their families together to learn, to pray, to play and to serve together. The children invited their pastors to attend this prayer breakfast. More than twenty ministers representing fifteen different churches, suburban and urban, economically challenged and prosperous, encompassing a wide spectrum of races attended.
It is our hope, by widening the circle of interaction, that we can have a greater impact on our school children and their families in recognizing and celebrating our differences. Praying together lays the groundwork for joint action. We are not perfect; our school community is a work in progress. This is one more step in gaining strength by combining the different, unique talents of each to bring a reality of justice and peace in our school and in our city.
As students and clergy gathered around tables for discussion about worship and service, and the Praise Him dance troupe of junior high students led us in prayer, there was a sense that this was just the beginning of a partnership that would bring renewal in the churches and communities these leaders represent.
Grants • Leadership • Worshipping Communities • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink