Study Guide

Introduction to Christian Worship: Spring 2024 Exam Study Guide Session 1 Duck Chapter 1: Understanding Christian Worship If given the following words associated with defining worship, be prepared to discuss their meaning, origin, and how they might relate to worship in your context. Woerthscipe – An old English word, from which “worship” originated. It means ascribing worth to someone. It relates to my context in the sense that we ascribe worth to God. Adoración – It is a Spanish word. It means worship as praise for who God is. It is relates to my context we worship God for He is: protector, provider, savior, and liberator. leitourgía: –It is a Greek work composed from the words érgon (work) and laós (people). It therefore means work of the whole people of God. It relates to my worship context because worship is done by the whole people of God. Gottesdienst– It is a German word that combines words meaning “God” and “Service.” It therefore means church’s service to God or God’s service and self-giving to the people. In my worship context, believing that Jesus died to save us is primary. el culto – It is a Spanish word. It means nurturing of community, faith, and relationship with God. Worship service in my context prioritizes the relationship with God through prayer. latreia – Greek word meaning falling down in submission and homage. In my church, we obey, listen to, respect, and kneel before him in prayer. proskunein – Greek word also meaning falling down in submission and homage updurida – Korean word meaning prostrate jurhada – Korean word meaning bow down Updurida and jurhada are used together to speak of worship and respect. Worship and respect primarily describe our behavior toward s God. You should know (memorize) Ruth Duck’s 5 theological emphases in understanding worship, define them, and be able to identify one or two that most closely relate to the way worship is seen in your context. Noes on this chapter are available in Lesson 1 on Populi. * Worship as ritual: groups perform symbolic word and actions * Worship as revelation: emphasis on God’s real presence in worship through means He has given * Worship as response to God: response of humanity to what God has done * Worship as relationship: Growing relationship and genuine encounter with God * Worship as rehearsal: worship as a way of practicing love, peace, justice in preparation for live in the world. Worship as ritual relates most closely to the way of worship in my church The professor added one additional theological emphasis of worship. What is it? How would you define it? In what contexts, places, or parts of worship might you see this emphasis at play? Session 2 Duck Chapter 8: The Word among Us Be able to define the Revised Common Lectionary. * Collection of Bible readings for each Sunday Why do many traditions use it? * Allows for comprehensive use of scripture * Promotes openness to reading challenging scriptures * Can enhance cooperation among leaders What are some other lectionaries formed by other traditions? * Roman Lectionary * Common Lectionary Know the major seasons of the Christian year, and be able to discuss how they correspond to the life of Christ. From class discussion: identify 3 possible meanings of the phrase “Word of God.” Session 3 Duck Chapter 6: Vivid Words for Worship When finding words for worship, Ruth Duck identifies 6 qualities that worship planners might consider: 1-Scriptural resonance –thread of scripture should be integrated into every part of worship 2-Vivid language – stories should use lively images and allow hearers to participate in the narrative 3-Metaphorical language – Juxtaposition 4-Intended for speaking aloud (as opposed to merely being read on a page) –simple and straightforward syntax, one or two syllables for most words. 5-Considers the rhetorical style of the congregation – To engage, persuade, and inspire members of congregation 6-Requires disciplined engagement – Commitment You should be able to define them backwards and forwards (for multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank). You might also be asked to provide examples of when any of these might be especially useful in a worship service. Class Discussion In our class discussion, we searched for several examples in Scripture where “light and dark” are not synonymous with “good and bad.” You should be able to point out examples of Scriptures where: 1-Light=something bad or to be avoided 2-Dark=something good or merciful 3-Light and dark have ambiguous meanings (open to more than one interpretation, double meanings, unclear or inexact). Ephesians 5:14, Psalm 139:12  Chapter and verse are not necessary, but phrases should be close enough to the passage it references to be able to be found easily. Naming God in Worship: On page 111 in the last full paragraph, Ruth Duck mentions several images for God that do not rely on male imagery (Father) or imagery of dominance (King, Lord). If presented with this list of images, you should be able to utilize one of them in an exercise. Luke 15:8-32woman looking for a lost coin Psalm 18:2, 31:2-3fortress Deuteronomy 32:18rock; one who gave birth to Israel Psalm 36:9fountain of life Psalm 36:7the one under whose wings all may take refuge Session 4 Duck Chapter 7: Forms of Prayer and Worship Words to begin worship: Be able to discuss ways that the leader’s words usher the congregation into the presence of God. Duck mentioned 3 types of words to begin worship: greeting, ascription of praise, and call to worship. Invocations: According to our class discussion (Lesson 2, document posted below the reading log), an invocation does 6 things. Know them and be able to identify them in any form of question (short answer, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank). Know the d...