Worship Notes – November 27, 2024

I know this is a few days late for a 2024 reflection – but I’d like to look back on our worship from last year. And as folks often do, I too have compiled a “Top Ten” list. While every service was important and good and connective, it was not difficult to think back and find ten exceptionally beautiful, God-filled worship moments from 2024. These are, of course, my highlights – what were yours?

10. Sunday, December 22 was wonderful for many reasons – not the least of which was the presentation of our Christmas drama “In the Fullness of Time.” But what moved me to smile was the sound of the “glorias” from “Angels we have heard on high” coming from the many children in the pews that day. What joy and delight to hear their enthusiastic participation as they recognized a song they knew and could sing out!

9. On Sunday, March 24, we were invited to lay our coats/cloaks on the stage as we celebrated the Palm Sunday story. It’s always moving to see the congregation’s participation in the story, in these tangible ways. Thank you!

8. We welcomed Rahat into our community on July 14. It was so good to hear her testimony via “interview” with Pastor Erick and then to witness her baptism. God brought Rahat and her children to us from Qatar. It is always inspiring to see how God is at work through those he brings into our community.

7. The outdoor service is always a highlight (thanks tech team!) and the weather was perfect on August 25. Our theme this year was “one another” and it was so encouraging to see your participation in all the “one-another” worship activities that day.

6. One of my favourite services of the year is Good Friday – we engage our emotions, sights and sounds much more fully than usual. Last year we included the dropping of nails in a metal bucket – representing our participation in the death of Jesus. The continuous sound of those nails banging in the bucket for several minutes is imprinted in my ears and and on my heart.

5. We had some fun on Easter with the kids unburying the Alleluia! And banners un-furling in front of our eyes! These concrete, tangible, visible actions help us remember and participate in worship fully, with more of our senses.

4. A small group of us presented 1 Corinthians 13 in November as a perfect closing to our “Just Love” series. As a member of this scripture memorization group, I can tell you that it was powerful to have learned that full chapter, and to work at it with a group. Our prayer was that it brought this classic “love” passage alive for you in new ways too.

3. I have been finding much joy in engaging with our kids in worship whenever there is a fifth Sunday in the month. We had the opportunity to plan the June 30th service with some our younger members (that meeting itself was a reminder of the incredible energy of kids; I laughed a lot!). Brielle, Owen, Logan, and Benjamin helped us think of some ways that would encourage kids like them in worship. We especially talked about the many different prayers in worship and decided to make wooden signs with the simple descriptors of each prayer (eg. the “help” prayer; “I’m sorry” prayer).

2. Christmas Eve services are almost always going to make my list of Top 10 – the candles, the songs, the violin – hearing and seeing the story of the incarnation of Jesus is moving every year. I especially loved playing a duet with Katrina on the violin of a favourite Advent hymn – the longing, the poignancy, the ache, the beauty of that arrangement of “O Come O Come Immanuel” was my favourite.

1. Ken Medema!!! I’ve known of Ken’s gifts for many, many years, some of you maybe as well. I had the great opportunity to go to a retreat for “church musicians in mid-career” in August of 2018, planned and led by Ken. It was one of the best experiences of my life – the confirmation and validation of our work, and our personhood was deep, intense, and life-giving. We were celebrated and given time for refreshment. SO, having the opportunity to have Ken with us for a weekend – AMAZING! Our worship on Nov. 24 will not be forgotten – the joy, the music by Ken, his authentic story-telling and leadership drew us into a powerful worship experience.

Peace,

Ruth Ann

Worship Notes - Top 10 Worship Highlights of 2024