Worship Observation

Students will attend a worship service outside their tradition via online (Youtube) and reflect on the experience using the guide included below. Students are required to bring a 1.5 to 2-page written reflection to the class on February 12 and give an oral presentation to the class. The grade will be based on the written reflection and class presentation. Students should use the questions below as aids for observation and reflection. Students should find out, if possible, how the congregation’s plan is informed by changes made during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Make note of what is gained/lost with the current format of worship (accessibility for those at home, declined in-person attendance, decreased visibility of sanctuary space and symbols, etc.). Method of gathering: how is the congregation worshiping during the pandemic? Presence of Christian symbolism, images? Worship space: what does it communicate? Reflect on the absence of sharing space and note how congregants are being present to each other. What medium do worshipers use to follow the service (worship guide, screen, liturgical book)? Interaction with the Christian Calendar and the Christian Tradition, if any? Role of children in worship? Role of the laity in worship, if discernable? Presence and leadership of diversity (age, race, gender, abilities, etc.)? What role does Scripture play in worship? What role does prayer play? How much theological weight do music and preaching carry in the service? If communion is offered, take note of where it is placed in the order of service, who serves and participates, and how invitation/participation is communicated. Worship is both a local and a universal experience. Can you see any hints of the local and universal dimensions of worship? Be prepared to discuss points of intersection with and points of departure from your native worship experience. **Sidenote: I am a Black Baptist male preacher, and my church does not have female preachers/pastors. We are a congregation of middle-class African American people. We do not have any other race of people that attend my church. Laity really does not have any involvement in my church program outside of those who sing in the choir and usher on the doors.** https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/live/gLWSeWk0gsQ?si=_QMBe4V_nws-eH2o