YEAR THREE
By year three Theme Based Ministry was reported (even by those who resisted it) to have given a welcome structure to the year. It sparked deep thought and conversations that might never otherwise have taken place.
Having a focus for each month has enriched understandings and perspectives, it has deepened relationships. The themes come up organically at committee and team meetings. More people are sharing their thoughts and feelings about them.
The teen group has been creating its own monthly flyer, and has already led two powerful worship services. Altar displays have reflected the month's themes, and the choir has been making recommendations for hymns and anthems to prepare for upcoming themed services. Poets have presented their words during worship services, and artists have created visual representations to enhance our worship space. Even the children have gotten involved through age-appropriate stories and various projects.
People seem not to be as fearful of "scary" themes (like evil or God or redemption) as they were in the beginning. Some are already starting to identify themes they might want to explore once this three-year cycle is over.
As for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed this - and have learned so much. While many of the themes felt challenging to me because they were connected (in my mind) with "troublesome" theology, it was exciting and liberating to trace that history; to figure out how to talk about it from a place of integrity; to feel empowered to either reclaim or discard those words and concepts in a responsible way; and thereby to live according to the principles of my faith tradition.
The third year of this "grand experiment" is now coming to it's conclusion. I am looking forward to finding out how others perceived its challenges and gifts, and how it will evolve and grow!
By year three Theme Based Ministry was reported (even by those who resisted it) to have given a welcome structure to the year. It sparked deep thought and conversations that might never otherwise have taken place.
Having a focus for each month has enriched understandings and perspectives, it has deepened relationships. The themes come up organically at committee and team meetings. More people are sharing their thoughts and feelings about them.
The teen group has been creating its own monthly flyer, and has already led two powerful worship services. Altar displays have reflected the month's themes, and the choir has been making recommendations for hymns and anthems to prepare for upcoming themed services. Poets have presented their words during worship services, and artists have created visual representations to enhance our worship space. Even the children have gotten involved through age-appropriate stories and various projects.
People seem not to be as fearful of "scary" themes (like evil or God or redemption) as they were in the beginning. Some are already starting to identify themes they might want to explore once this three-year cycle is over.
As for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed this - and have learned so much. While many of the themes felt challenging to me because they were connected (in my mind) with "troublesome" theology, it was exciting and liberating to trace that history; to figure out how to talk about it from a place of integrity; to feel empowered to either reclaim or discard those words and concepts in a responsible way; and thereby to live according to the principles of my faith tradition.
The third year of this "grand experiment" is now coming to it's conclusion. I am looking forward to finding out how others perceived its challenges and gifts, and how it will evolve and grow!