What Inspires You to Worship?
Would you be encouraged to know that survey respondents to the Alternative Worship Services held at PUMC this past summer felt most strongly about the Message proclaimed: 85% favorable for the Contemplative service and 88% favorable for the Informal service? Since each of these formats was distinctly different than our normal, traditional approach to proclaiming the meaning of the Word, many of us seem to be saying that a varied or alternative expression of our faith would be at least an occasional opportunity for our inspiration, and perhaps for those people not here, who might be uncomfortable in a formal worship service.
What comes to mind when you ask yourself, “What inspires me in worship?” What is your first impression – The meditation? The message? The music? How about the Affirmation? Assurance? Confession? Prayers? Scripture? How does God “speak” to you best – Preparing for worship during the week before services? Hearing announcements of opportunities to serve? Passing the Peace to your pew neighbors? Singing hymns with enthusiasm? Applying the sermon topic to your life? Giving your offering to the Lord’s work? Silently (or not so quietly) praying for intercession with praise and thanksgiving? Sharing joys and concerns in fellowship after the service? Going forth with renewed faith and purpose for showing God’s love and serving His will to the world in the week after? Do you experience the presence of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit in worship?
Would you be bold to tell us at worship(at)princetonumc.org, or directly to a pastoral staff member, what does, or might better, inspire your worship with us? The measure of the quality of our worship will be determined by what we accept as an inspiring encounter with God.
Thank you, from your Worship Committee
Inviting People to Worship with Us
Is there someone that you’ve been thinking about inviting to worship with you? What is holding you back? A personal invitation is the most effective way of increasing church attendance, so we want to know how to make it easier for you to extend that invitation. Take time to tell the pastors and the Worship Committee what you think. You can approach any of us directly or via email worship(at)princetonumc.org
People are already responding to God’s call and the invitation of their friends and neighbors. Did you know 2008 was the first year since 2004 that our average worship attendance increased? We were tracking an 8% increase in worship attendance this year, but after the summer period we now are down about 2% YTD, compared with 2008. After experiencing a 30% decrease in attendance from 1999-2007, we are hopeful of reversing the trend. Praise God! Will you continue to help us gain ground for Christ? You can contribute to this story of renewal and growth with your bold invitations to new/old neighbors and friends.
During the summer the Worship Committee sponsored trials of different worship styles, not to replace our existing traditional style of worship, but to explore other possibilities for inspiring worship to attract those who are not among us now. The interesting report of the survey results from those services are posted on this website. (Hint: Both the Informal/Contemporary and the Contemplative styles were favorably received in this congregation by a wide margin, particularly as an occasional or extra service.
From The Worship Committee
