agenda for next meeting

Greetings,

The time spent thinking about some of the broader issues was very beneficial, in that it has highlighted some of the important issues that we can start to take "action" on. Moving into a more practical phase, we want to do two things... strengthen the positives and respond to any negatives. Here are a couple items on my list. Please let's brainstorm:

1. There was consistent feedback from several independant sources that our service needed the contemplative elements on a more regular basis. I suggest we spend some time identifying those service elements that fall into this presently vague category and also discuss how often these elements need to appear. For example do we advise that silent prayer occur every week, every month? Scripture reading? Communion? Confession?

2. With "broader participation" as one of our stated goals it seems obvious to me that some structures need to be put in place to facilitate this. Nat presented the idea of the "worship community" as a way to break down the more exclusive participation of those with worship leading/artisitc gifts. With potentially more participants in leading worship it seems obvious that administrative responsibilities will be increased. I am recommending that someone with administrative strengths be identified who can assist Nat in the task of resource mangement.

These are a few ideas of some of the tasks that could provide assistance:

- compile a list of those in the “worship community” phone numbers, emails etc.
-Schedule participants to allow for reasonable advance notice in making plans for practices and Sunday mornings.
-Keep track of who does what and when so opportunities can be distributed in a fair and equitable manner.

Other ideas to help broaden and maintain participation?

3. We have also confirmed over the last couple months that the CHBC is a body that is very diversified in worship style preferences. This diversity and richness is a strength and can be compared to a beautiful tapestry with many colors and patterns. Some have a deep passion for hymns, some love contemporary music, some really connect with a good dramatic presentation. It is very clear to me that one of our responsibilities as the Worship Advisory Group is to identify the worship style preferences unique to the CHBC and recommend approaches to service planning that respond to these preferences in an effective and equitable manner. Here are a few ideas open for discussion:

- Make sure that the broad interests of the body are well represented in the worship advisory core group. (Mary Fran has been recommended by several as a well qualified candidate to represent some of the interests of the Heritage Group. I am recommending that we invite her to participate. Is there somone from the youth group that could assist in broadening representation?)

- Compile a "worship resource book" that can be used as a planning guide. The book will be a proactive way of increasing the likelihood of diversity and breadth in services. This "guide" will be compiled with the assistance of the Worship Advisory Group members that represent the varied interests of the body. (see first idea) This guide will not just have songs, but perhaps other worship elements that we think will bring richness and variety to our worship experience.

- Identify those gifted leaders that very naturally, through their own unique passions and sensibilities, will bring variety and richness to worship at the CHBC. I would also recommend that these alternate worship leaders are scheduled, (ie. every fourth week), and that their responsibilities include not just the actual leading on the Sunday, but assist in the planning of the service as well.

- provide a feedback process for service plans (before and after the service), as a way to broaden sensitivity to the whole body. I am not sure that everyone on the WAG needs to do this at the same time, but I would like to create some structure to this feedback process.

Again, these are just some ideas, intended to get the discussion flowing, so please feel free to agree or disagree, add or subtract.

All for now.

In His Amazing Grace

Andrew