Have you noticed that, post-COVID, we don’t gather like we used to? Of course there are many reasons, but this summer we’d like to focus on why we do this church thing and share its importance with one another.

This is a 6-week summer series based on Priya Parker’s seminal work, The Art of Gathering: How we Meet and Why it Matters. The service will be scripture-based, but with more opportunities for us to interact, ponder our faith, and do something creative. Every week there will be a small homework assignment—it’s important, so please complete it. Here’s a brief outline of the services, including each week’s theme.

Worship I - July 6: Practicing Communion

Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body,

for we all partake of the one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:17

We’ll gather to think about why we gather, and celebrate communion.

Think about: what brings you to church?

Homework: bring food donations or money for the Geri Lyon food pantry

Worship II - July 13: Make Holy Spaces

Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. Exodus 3:5b-6

We’ll explore ways to connect with the sacred, and think about your favorite spaces at First Church.

Homework: Bring the name of someone you would like to connect to the church

Worship III - July 20: Active Welcoming & The Invisible Church

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

How do we *actually* welcome and invite people into our gatherings? What pops into your mind when you hear the word church?

Homework: have a meaningful conversation with someone who doesn’t go to church. Ask clarifying questions, but mostly LISTEN. Take notes.

Worship IV - July 27: Commitment: Here I am, I am Here

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me.’ Isaiah 3:8

What do we enjoy about gathering? How is your prayer life?

Think about: can you make a promise to be more fully present with God and with your church? What would that look like?

Homework: Set aside one day this week to view people differently—prayerfully. Ask God to help you think of each person as a messenger, come to teach your something. Pray for them and yourself.

*************AUGUST 6 WEEK OFF FOR LESLIE, but you’ll still come!

Worship V - August 10: Confession, Authenticity & Baptism

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Ephesians 4:4-5a

What do you remember about your baptism? What name does God call you?

Homework: Think about people you know who maybe don’t come to church often. Make a list. Don’t say anything to them, but pray for them. Pray for a chance to be with them. Pray and keep your eyes open.

Worship VI - August 17: Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2

Who is hungering for God? Who is simply hungry, without the basic provisions they need? What is our calling as Christians to feed the hungry? What is one thing I can do this week to put my discipleship into practice? Weather permitting, we’ll worship outside!

Homework: Reflect over this summer. If you have notes from worship, look them over. How is your prayer going? What is the most important thing you’ve learned/discovered/remembered this week and in the past 6 weeks?

Created by The Rev. Katy Stenta (PCUSA)

The Art of Gathering Worship Series