While there has been much to be thankful for, during this COVID season, one of the things we have clearly missed is corporate worship. This shouldn't be a surprise to us. The need to worship is intrinsic to *being* a human being. Even those who don't worship God find some other way to express this need; directing their devotion to an object, or a person instead. The Bible calls this idolatry (see Rm 1:21-23).
In Christian life, worship is foundational. It has been said that the Christian mission only exists because there are places in the world where true worship doesn't. The eternal virtues of faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13) each find their greatest expression in the heartfelt worship of our God and Saviour.
A few of us in the worship team are feeling stirred to consider new ways we can bring worship to God. The Bible gives us loads of scope for creativity.
'What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?
When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction,
a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.
Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.'
1 Corinthians 14:26
We want to begin with something simple and familiar, but then explore ways of building something new and organic, while doing our best to honour the restrictions that the government has placed on community gatherings during COVID.
We plan to live stream a worship night this coming Sunday at 7:30 pm for around 45 minutes to an hour. Initially the *physical* session will just be some folk from worship teams gathered from across our congregations. It will be fun, and a bit unpredictable, and almost certainly a bit messy as we explore ways of using technology help us fulfil the biblical mandate to 'come together'. Please know that it is our hearts desire to be led by the Holy Spirit in these sessions, even if we don't always get that right -- situation normal I guess!
We invite you in the privacy of your own bedroom or lounge room to join us in worship. Turn the screen off but keep the sound on if that helps. Send us a song request. Dance, sing, wave a flag, pray, paint a picture, celebrate with us!
