Doing Things Decently and in Order...and in the Book of Order

One of the fun parts--and yes, I mean fun--of going through Elder training is re-reading parts of the Book of Confession (Part I) and Book of Order (Part II), which comprises our Constitution as a denomination. These are rather lengthy documents, and I giggle when realizing that the United Kingdom has no Constitution while we Presbyterians keep adding and subtracting and refining our Constitution.

What is key for us as a church is the part of the Director of Worship. There has been much discussion in the church over the changes in the Order of Worship, which Session changed some months ago. We looked at the PCUSA's BOOK OF COMMON WORSHIP, as well as followed the "Service of the Lord's Day" under "Appropriate Actions in our Book of Order, W-3.3000 and W-3.3200. The order of actions, of worship is as follows:
1. Gathering around the Word: call, confession, and assurance;
2. Proclaiming the Word: the reading of Scripture and preaching;
3. Responding to the Word: the offertory, prayers of the people, and Lord's prayer;
4. The Sealing of the Word: the sacraments;
5. Bearing and following the Word into the world: charge and benediction.

When I came to First Presby. Church, we were not following this very traditional Presbyterian way of worship, but were following some other order of worship that was not rooted in the Presbyterian tradition. With some simple shuffling around, we kept all the elements of worship we had before, and added some new ones in the way of responsive readings so that the congregation is more active in worship. Thus worship is less the choir and preacher/pastor performing, but more of the people of God engaged in worship.

Thanks for the opportunity to teach Elders, and re-learn why we do what we do!

Peace,

Pastor Brett