In my years as a District Superintendent, I had occasions to visit a number of United Methodist congregations at worship in the north-western lower peninsula.  These visits gave me the opportunity to experience a variety of worship styles in a variety of settings, each as unique as the pastor, congregation, and community.  I was introduced in this way to what is called Contemporary Worship.  I confess that often it made me uncomfortable.  I wasn’t ready for singers standing at microphones or praise band guitars and drums or words on screens or pastors preaching in blue jeans!
 
Yet over my years of worshipping in this new style with several congregations, I began to appreciate what this ‘new worship’ had to offer.  Congregations sang their songs of praise with more vigor when heads were lifted instead of lowered into a hymnal.  Informal garb by leaders was “permission giving” communicating that God desired and welcomed all people to worship no matter how they were dressed.  Young people were present in significant numbers where worship was lively and energizing.
 
In the end, what impressed me wasn’t the trappings of worship—style or music—it was the attitude of the worshippers.  In many of the new worship congregations, there was a sense of engagement and participation.  Eugene Peterson says: “Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God—it whets our appetite.”  (The Long Obedience)  I experienced congregations where worship nurtured worshippers hunger for God.
 
I invite you to a season of prayer and reflection about worship this summer.  In late June to early July we will explore worship in sermons, discussions, and study.  We will ask questions of scripture, church traditions and ourselves: What is worship?  Why do we worship?  What does God want from me as I worship?  In these months of play and re-creation, come to worship here or wherever you are.  Join us as we ask questions and worship the God who loves us in Jesus Christ.
 
Seeking worship with you,