Worship 2007 - 2008

Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:5)

There are some new things to share with the Redeemer community. We will soon come together after our summer rest. There will be some new aspects to our gatherings. On a trial basis, we will introduce the following modifications.

The worship schedule will remain the same. Beginning on September 15 and 16, our schedule will be:

The new aspects of this schedule have several components.

• The 8 am service time and place remains unchanged
  
• The 9 am service will move to the Chapel on most Sundays (more below)
  
• Melrose Café will be located in the link (Choir Rehearsal Room)
  
• The Forum will take place in the Parish Hall
  
• Explorations will take place in Hale Auditorium
  
• Families of Faith will remain in the Women’s Council Room
  
• The 11 am service will continue in the Church
  

Between the 8 am service and the 9 am service, there will be a short turn around time (15 minute) in which to set up the Chapel for the 9 am service. 8 am services will remain unchanged.

9 am services will be in the Chapel. This will enhance our experience of worship. We will gather in community, filling the chapel with music and song, with scripture and story, and sharing the sacred meal of Christ’s Body and Blood. A sound system will be used so everyone can hear. We will enjoy the beauty of the Chapel, its windows and great acoustics. It will be a service of celebration and vitality.

9 am will continue to include a Children’s Story Time. Families with children are encouraged to sit in the Chapel transept, or in the front pews, for easy access to the side door if needed. We will also look into making some child friendly spaces available either on a rug by the baptism font, or in the side chapel, for play with soft toys. Children will be included in the worship through their participation in various ways. In every way we will seek to make 9 am user friendly for families with children. This is of utmost importance to us!

9 am music will continue to be a varied offering of classical organ music and youth choir, Connection contemporary singers, and Heartbeat teenage choir. Our new assistant organist, Adam Brakel, will play the service once each month.

Following 9 am, most of us will walk right next door into Melrose Café, in the choir rehearsal room. There we can visit with friends, have some morning snacks, or pick them up on the way to classes and programs. This will be a hub of activity and fellowship.

Programs and classes for adults and youth will be offered. This year we are adding a new class for high school age youth, called “Dimensions.”

These changes will be introduced on a trial basis through November. In mid November we will evaluate the changes, and make adjustments for the season of Advent in December.

I look forward to seeing you and being with you as we praise God from whom all our blessings flow.

Peace,

Paul+