Worship Weblog: Workshop at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

As rain poured down outside the large windows of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

From 2008 - St Andrews Presbyterian

in Pleasant Hill, CA, those of us inside gave thanks for the rain which had been so desperately needed. We gave thanks for the blessings of worship renewal that were being celebrated that morning.

Beginning with worship in the sanctuary, led by Nancy Hall of American Baptist Seminary of the West, we celebrated Christ's coming

From 2008 - St Andrews Presbyterian

with the use of a First Nations translation of John 1. Through words and music we joined the voices of Christians from around the world and in our own neighborhoods to give thanks to God.

Russell Yee of New Hope Covenant Church spoke about his experience of worship renewal through grants awarded to American Baptist Seminary of the West and New Hope. Through his description of projects that connect the culture of South East Asian American, African American, Naga and urban youth to worship we understood in a new way the importance of helping people tell their story and use the symbols and practices of their culture in worshiping God. The 2008 grant to New Hope explores hip hop and questions whether this art form can be used in worship. Jeremy showed a video of young people setting their own words to popular rhythm and music to express their trust in God.

From 2008 - St Andrews Presbyterian

Trisha Oldenkamp described the 2007 grant project at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Linda Bostjanick explained the plans for the 2008 grant to St Johns Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, Janet Cole and Ann Fischbach described the 2006 grant to Lutheran Community Church in Watsonville and Joni Drake described the renewal that continues in San Joaquin First Nations Fellowship since the 2005 worship renewal grant.

From 2008 - St Andrews Presbyterian

Stories, email addresses and encouragement were shared by all who attended. We were reminded that when people come together to worship and learn about worship all of us are renewed, refreshed and eager to return to the work God has entrusted to us.