Worship Guides
Marlene Kropf, a scholar of congregational worship notes that traditionally Mennonites did not have a formal agreed upon order of worship. She suggests this changed with the advent of the Hymnal: A Worship Book in 1992 when some standardization of worship came about. Regardless of the order of worship, authors Marlene Kropf, June Aliman Yoder and Rebecca Slough suggest there are three essentials in a worship service:
Encounter with God.
Engagement with self and others.
Empowerment for faithful living
How to get there is up to the worship planning team. The “worship planning team” at Bethel usually consists of worship leader, preacher, and congregational song leader. However, there are many more that serve behind the scenes ensuring that the sanctuary is ready visually, people are seated, there is an accompanist, a story for the children, the live stream is ready and runs seamlessly, and others. Each person plays a significant part in creating a meaningful worship experience for everyone attending, in person or online.
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Worship Guide Roles
Worship Leader
Based on a scripture text and any overall theme that will have been suggested, the worship leader works at:
developing a unified worship service around the text and theme;
choosing appropriate hymns (done in close consultation with song leader and preacher);
keeping aesthetic elements and development of the arts in mind;
coordinating or preparing prayers, special music, stories, and of course invocation and benediction;
all within the context of the theme of the service.
Preacher
Our Bethel pastors share the responsibility of bringing us our Sunday morning message. From time to time a lay minister, member of the congregation or visiting minister will prepare a message for our church community. Sermons can take many forms and styles. Some will be a collection of stories and teachings, others might use a variety of audio or visual tools available, but all are based on scripture.
Song Leader
Music is a universal language and one of the ways we worship God together. A variety of musical styles and instruments symbolize our unity in diversity. Four part harmony typifies our congregational singing. Our hope is that through our music our worship will be enriched and our faith strengthened.
Select appropriate hymns with the worship.
Discuss accompaniment with instrumentalists.
Lead the congregational singing.
Choirs and instrumentalists will have schedules determined by the directors.
Accompanist
Our typical accompanists tend to play piano, organ, guitar, or violin, but are never limited to just those instruments.
Prepare gathering music (prelude) for 5 to 15 minutes before the start of service.
Play an offertory.
Accompany congregational singing.
Coordinate with audio technician for recording purposes
Children’s Story
Bethel has worked with several templates of story telling.
Video recordings:
Children’s stories can be recorded ahead of time and submitted to the video technicians
Children’s Time in the foyer:
Is intended to include the children in worship, focusing on them without the distraction of a larger adult audience.
The story teller may draw on a story book, drama or personal experience.
The story teller will meet the children usually for a “picnic” environment with a story, a snack and juice.
Since this happens outside of the worship service proper, there is flexibility for the time necessary to tell the story and spend with the children.
Children may return to the sanctuary after the story – or go to further activities if so directed by choir leaders or Sunday School teachers.
Children’s Time in the sanctuary
Invite the children up front.
The story teller gives a special presentation, like a puppet show or drama, which speaks to adults as much as to children.
Scripture Reader
The scripture reader can choose to recite the passages as written, or in any dramatic fashion that conveys the appropriate message. This can be done from the pulpit or any mic, as a video recording, or as an audio recording. Your energy and creativity is your only limit.
Bethel uses the NRSV translation of the Bible. The verses are projected on the front screen as they are read during the service and live stream. If additional translations are being used, please email the projection technician.
Scripture may be read, memorized and told, or dramatized. All readers should:
Familiarize themselves with the content of the selected passage.
Practice the reading to become familiar with the cadence of the passage and learn the pronunciation of difficult words and phrases.
Prayer of the Church
Typically carried out by a pastor, the prayer of the church is a chance to reflect on our connection with God, our needs, and our community.
Ushers
Ushers are pleased to be of service, welcoming all who join us at those times when our church gathers for worship. The usher ministry is to provide a welcoming presence and offer assistance when and where needed. Four ushers take on those responsibilities each Sunday morning.
Worship Visuals
For each service there could be a theme or special set up required. The worship visuals are an important part of helping us worship in a beautiful and meaningful space.
Audio, Live Stream and Camera, and Projection
Bethel has three technicians who help to capture the sound and imagery for each of our services. These technicians get a chance to be a part of making worship heard, seen, and ultimately felt.
These technician groups are organized as audio technicians and video technicians. Audio technicians are responsible for setting up, operating, recording, and taking down audio equipment for Sunday services and other events held by the church. Video technicians are split into two main roles: live streaming and camera operator, and projection operator. These roles work closely together to capture services along with the audio technician.
