Worship at First Presbyterian, Altadena

Posted by Betty Grit:

First Presbyterian Church of Altadena offers a family worship service monthly which has grown from their 2007 Worship Renewal Grant. This Sunday the focus was on Stewardship with the topic "Working with Someone Else's Money to do Someone Else's Work." Dramatic presentations of Scripture presented by adults and children reminded us that everything belongs to God and we are caretakers. Interim Pastor Margo Houts invited all of us to come forward to receive an envelope containing $25. We were challenged to find ways to use the money to serve others. Some people may choose to invest the money in projects that will result in increased funds to be returned to the church. Others may choose to serve those in need with results that are not necessarily financial. The envelopes and money we received were dedicated to God, acknowledging that it is his and we are stewards of its use.

The congregation has a heritage of being a Japanese/Japanese American congregation but is becoming increasingly a place of welcome for people of many ethnicities & generations. Old wounds & conflicts are being acknowledged, repented, & healed. Together we celebrated the Lord's Supper and gave thanks for God's gift of love which unites us.

Worship Workshop at First Presbyterian, Altadena

Posted by Betty Grit:

What is Worship Renewal? Churches from throughout the Los Angeles area gathered on a warm sunny morning at First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, CA to hear stories of worship renewal from congregations who have engaged in a year long process through the Worship Renewal Grants Program. Worship, led by a team from Fuller Theological Seminary, focused our attention on Psalm 150 as the gifted singers invited us to join them in congregational song.

Bill Dyrness, professor at Fuller and member of the Worship Renewal Grants Advisory Board shared with us what he had learned as he studied congregations for his newest publication, Senses of the Soul, Art and the Visual in Christian Worship. For congregations seeking renewal, he encouraged them to reflect on the history and character of the congregation, reflect on the liturgy of the congregation, listen to the culture, make space for those who are creative, and re-imagine worship. Using examples of congregations, he gave practical suggestions for those who are seeking renewal. He reminded them that it is an ongoing process and that renewal does not come quickly or easily.

From 2008 - First Presbyterian Altadena Workshop

Nina Lau Branson, project director for the 2007 grant to First Presbyterian Church of Altadena explained the grant project in which they focused on music and explored ways to bring generations together in worship. The beautiful prayer vessels hanging above us were visual reminders of this process. We were grateful for the warm hospitality extended by this congregation to all who attended the workshop. Nancy

From 2008 - First Presbyterian Altadena Workshop

Scibetta of Mission San Luis Rey and Carol Piekaar and Joyce Osborn of Kirk O'The Valley reported on their 2008 projects. The morning concluded with a time of prayer for all congregations involved in worship renewal and gratitude to God for the work he is doing.

Visit with Mission San Luis Rey

Posted by Betty Grit:

From 2008 - Mission San Luis Rey

Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA is an historic location that draws thousands of visitors each year. The Mission San Luis Rey Parish includes 5000 families. This large, multicultural parish offers worship each week in English, Spanish, Samoan and Tagalog. To become a fully intercultural parish where each culture has an equal voice, Project Director Nancy Scibetta and her team held a learning workshop which included many similar parishes. As they told their stories

From 2008 - Mission San Luis Rey

the recurring theme was humility in working and worshiping together. At Mission San Luis Rey Parish the leaders meet monthly for a meal and conversation. As they learn about worship and grow in relationship, they anticipate that they will also build collaboration between cultural groups to plan worship. At the end of the grant year, the parishes involved in the initial workshop will again come together to share what they have learned.

While the community includes several ethnic cultures, it also includes many Marines stationed at the nearby military base. The parish is exploring ways that they can deepen their connection with these military families.

From 2008 - Mission San Luis Rey

Visiting with Nancy and the staff, their commitment to the community and the role of the church as the center of worship and spiritual formation was evident. As they explore the challenges of deepening relationships between people of different backgrounds and cultures, we look forward to learning with them.

Visit with First United Methodist Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

From 2008 - First United Methodist

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, CA is a busy place on Election Day as voters from three precincts cast ballots, children at the church pre-school play outside and the normal activities of the church continue. A large sign outside informs people that the chapel is open for prayer, as it is every weekday. Pastor Patricia Farris leaves her responsibilities for a short time to talk with me about their 2005 and 2007 Worship Renewal Grants. Patricia tells me that the second project would not have been possible without the study of worship which created a foundation in 2005. In the 2007 project they worked with individuals who travel in retirement and families with children who have Sunday morning sports commitments to explore how they could help these members stay connected to the church.

As a result of the year long study they have made significant changes in how they communicate and minister in the congregation. Reflecting on these two projects Patricia reminds anyone involved in worship renewal that it takes time. It is important to persevere and not give up. She notes that many things that were new and initially resisted are now embraced and a part of the congregational identity. She observes that initial change is painful but with patience the congregation comes to appreciate the fruits of worship renewal.

From 2008 - First United Methodist

We enjoyed seeing the beautiful sanctuary and newly renovated chapel. Patricia tells us that the open space that has been created in the chapel allows the children of the pre-school to sit on the floor as they worship. A youth service is held in that warm and inviting space and it is often used for small weddings and memorial services.

From 2008 - First United Methodist

We are grateful for the leadership of Patricia Farris and the willingness of the congregation to explore topics that are often neglected in churches. We are grateful for their commitment to continue to share their learning as they develop resources and worship opportunities for grandparents who travel and families whose children are involved in sports.

Visit with Kirk O'The Valley Presbyterian Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

From 2008 - Kirk O'the Valley

Kirk O'The Valley Presbyterian Church in Reseda, CA invited us to join them for a Monday evening dinner and evaluation of the first component of their 2008 Worship Renewal Grant Project. Before the meeting Pastor Jeff Powell invited us for a tour of the church to see the worship space, the unique communion table and several crosses created by a member of the congregation using wood from areas in the community devastated by past earthquakes. The congregation seeks through the

From 2008 - Kirk O'the Valley

project to honor their history and heighten congregants' experience of the transforming presence and

From 2008 - Kirk O'the Valley

power of God through new music and liturgy and the use of drama and the visual arts.

The congregation had just completed a 5 week study and worship series based on the book Experiential Worship by Bob Rognlein. They asked the congregation to attend the worship services, participate in small groups during the Christian Education hour, commit to daily reading and prayer based on the book and attend the Oct workshop. The leadership team was grateful for the large number of members who enthusiastically engaged in this process.

While Kirk O'The Valley explores worship renewal, they are inviting other congregations throughout the San Fernando Presbytery to participate with them in this process. They are grateful for those who attended this first workshop and look forward to continued conversation and learning with these and other churches.

Visit with Lutheran Community Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

From 2008 - Lutheran Community Church

Lutheran Community Church in Watsonville, CA worshiped in Danish until the late 1950's. They transitioned to English and now are worshiping in both English and Spanish. Their pastor, Susan Birkelo, preaches each Sunday in both languages and the order of service is in English and Spanish side by side.

From 2008 - Lutheran Community Church

On this Sunday evening, Pastor Susan and 5 members of the leadership team gathered to reflect on the work done through the 2006 Worship Renewal Grant. That project provided opportunities to learn more about their Hispanic neighbors. The population of Watsonville today is more than 80% Hispanic. The grant also provided training and resources to make worship more hospitable in their multicultural congregation. A large banner reminds worshipers that they are

From 2008 - Lutheran Community Church

called to be "instruments of healing and restoration in the world even as we are nourished by the waters of baptism." Other colorful banners in both English and Spanish invite worshipers to remember their baptism and live lives filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

We are grateful to learn that instructions and resources obtained through the grant created a strong foundation for ongoing renewal. This small congregation gives generously of their time and resources to the community and is seeking ways to grow in hospitality to their Hispanic neighbors. They report that they recently invited a group to lead Mariachi worship. The congregation is growing in their appreciation for the culture, customs and worship practices of the majority population in their community.

Visit with St John's Presbyterian Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

From 2008 - St Johns Presbyterian

Worshipers at St John's Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, CA were greeted warmly by members of the congregation and by the music and visual arts in the sanctuary. This morning we would focus on several Scripture passages with the topic "Scripture Revealed" preached by guest pastor Rev. Eric Bond. Todd Jolly, music director for the church led the choir in his composition of a setting of Psalm 34:1-10.

From 2008 - St Johns Presbyterian

This congregation was awarded a 2008 Worship Renewal Grant to explore the liturgical arts through interactive experiences that will engage all ages. A workshop on drama has already been offered and leaders are inviting adults and youth to lead worship using drama. The leadership team notes that planning worship weeks or even months in advance is essential for creativity and participation of the congregation. We give thanks for the leadership of Project Director Linda Bostjanick and the team who are seeking ways to engage the congregation in worship in new and meaningful ways.

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.



Joni and Thomas Drake offering gifts of blessing to Betty and Nelson Grit.

Visit with New Hope Covenant Church

Posted by Betty Grit:

New Hope Covenant Church connects with residents in Oakland in numerous ways. On Sunday they worship in a large community service building with windows that bring the neighborhood inside. Pastors Dan Schmitz and Russell Yee plan worship that is inviting and engaging. Stations created for the specific focus of the day, the Lord's Table prepared with a variety of special breads and juice highlighted with a spotlight, and children on rugs in the center of the space reflect the desire of the church leaders to make this a welcoming place for all.

On Friday evenings youth gather with leader, Cat Chen for Bible Study, games, and sharing. The young people enthusiastically report their enthusiasm for this time and the ways it connects them to God and to each other. A preschool located in the church connects with neighbors throughout the community. The annual retreat brings together more than 150 people who call New Hope home.

From 2008 - 1New Hope Covenant Church

What draws people to New Hope? Several people mention that it is the diversity of ethnic backgrounds, of education and economic status that makes this church unique and exciting. Recent immigrants from various countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa live in Oakland along with those who immigrated one, two or more generations ago. New Hope offers these people opportunity to tell their story and celebrate the stories of others. In their diversity they are discovering that it is their unity in Christ that is most important to them.

The 2008 grant awarded to New Hope will help them explore different forms of art including hip hop and spoken word to bring together urban youth in this cross cultural setting for contextualized expressions of worship that are Christ-centered, joyful, sustainable and life-giving . We were grateful to meet with Russell, Jeremy, Cat, Monroe and Sandra on a Thursday evening to hear about what they have learned and what is planned for coming months. We discovered that Cat had created a video by interviewing youth at bus stops asking about hip hop in their lives and their observations on church. She and Jeremy, who are both gifted musicians, are leading the learning opportunities for the congregation.

From 2008 - 1New Hope Covenant Church

A video of Jeremy Verango, Cat Chen, Nhuanh Ly, and Russell Yee reading "Asian American Character Sketch" by Russell Yee