Current Members of the NWIT: Colleen Munley (chair),Jean Borrelli, Michelle Brown, Patty Groetsch, Cari Monhart, Claire Munley,  Joe Stanley, Cody Corrigan, Jake Pruitt

To join this team, CLICK HERE!

To see some resources for new/contemporary/alternative worship, Click HERE!

New Worship Initiatives Team Next Meeting: TBD

Next NWIT Site Visit: TBD

Next Special Worship Service: EVERY Second Sunday Starting January 10, 2010

Upcoming Schedule:

Upcoming Special Worship Offerings:

Second Sunday Circle Celebrations Begins Sunday, January 10!

Following two years of offering worship services in a more contemporary and casual format, and with overwhelming positive response to hosting these on Sunday mornings at the regular worship time, the church’s Worship Team has given the “go ahead” to the New Worship Initiatives Team to plan and lead a monthly worship service on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

This service, which will be on the second Sunday of each month, will use some of the methods the New Worship Initiative Team has explored and offered over the past few years, including more contemporary and upbeat music, extensive lay leadership, digitally-projected images and words to music, testimonials and prayers offered from the congregation, drama, communion with a shared loaf and cup, and a bit more relaxed and casual atmosphere. It may be offered in the Chapel or in the Sanctuary, depending upon circumstance, need, or worship theme.

As part of making this service regular and consistent it was decided to offer it every second Sunday. Thus the new name, “Second Sunday Circle Celebrations” was chosen, or, “Circle Celebrations” for short. Evangelism and publicity efforts for this service will begin in the new year.

Colleen Munley is chair of the New Worship Initiative Team, which will plan these Second Sunday Circle Celebrations, and Carrie Culleen is chair of the Worship Team, which oversees all worship at Franklin Circle Christian Church. Your feedback and participation are always welcome!


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Gospel Choir Planning Discussion

A meeting is set for THIS SUNDAY, January 10, 2010 directly after church service (12:30), to assist us in the selection of a leader for our choir and start up process. All who would be interested in seeking candidates for our Gospel Choir Director, or in singing in the choir, or who have other musical talents, are encouraged to attend this meeting on January 10th at 12:30 p.m.
 

New Worship Initiatives Team

Background: New Worship Initiatives Team

Two teams, each existing for only one year, are being formed to help continue the transformation God has already begun at Franklin Circle Christian Church. Building on Pastor Allen's Five-Point Plan for the next year, these two groups will seek to draw out the creative strengths and graces from our congregation in order to address two critical needs of our church: 1.) to create another opportunity for persons to worship in new and more interactive ways AND 2.) to get word out about our church in bold and broader ways. Both have the blessings of the Board and the Mission Council.

The New Worship Initiatives Team will explore over the next year how other churches similar to ours, in location, size, and theology, have expanded their worship opportunities to include another service in a different style. In addition to much prayer and Bible study, we will visit "second services" at other churches, read up on the latest literature about creative and transformational worship, and we will experiment with some worship possibilities ourselves. By next June the New Worship Initiatives Team will present a proposal to the church's Board for another worship service, including a budget, space requests, and staffing. If the Board accepts, it is hoped that the new worship service will be in place by fall 2007. Ten to twelve people are needed to make this team most effective.

New Worship Initiative Team
Notes from our March 31, 2008 meeting

Present: Jean, Cari, Brenda, Michelle, Tori, Allen, Colleen,

Evaluation:
We looked at the PowerPoint as it should have been at the last worship and we read over the two new feedback surveys we received. Then we reflected on what we would like to add/change:
> Drama: we want it more regularly (ask Joe Wolf/Joe Stanley to help?)
> Both a Message and a Testimonial: A “message” is different from “testimonial.” A message is more of a prepared reflection on a scripture; a testimonial is a personal story or response as the Spirit moves someone. We want both.
> Devotions: short little paragraph, story, “blurb,” which is sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always is inspirational and provokes thought.
> Pastoral involvement: not nearly as much as in our Traditional Service, but we want the Pastor to lead something in each service.
> Preparation: Look at and run through the digital presentation before the service, perhaps a full tech run-through the Tuesday (2 days) prior to the service. (Have paper backup of everything!)
> Song Leaders: Have a group of song leaders up front, who know the songs, have their own set of words so they don't have to look at the screen, to lead the people.
> Make sure we invite and involve NWIT members who are not at the planning meeting.
> Move the projector to the stage to make more room for the Communion Table.
> We will try shifting the pews so that there are three sections with two aisles to aid in movement around Communion.
> We like melding the Offering with Communion rather than having them as separate functions.
> We decided to keep the service on the FOURTH Thursday each month through the summer to have some consistency.


Upcoming Schedule:
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Designing Worship Conference in Avon Lake
Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. ~ Tech Run Through
Thursday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. ~ Special Worship Service, Theme: “Show Me The Way Lord: GRACE”

Planning Meeting? for May Service? ****We need to set the planning meeting for the next worship service.*****
Colleen agreed to lead the NWIT for the next few months while Pastor Allen is on his Study and Renewal Leave, perhaps longer.

Special Worship Services (4th Thursdays)
May 22 @ 7 p.m. (Gratitude)
June 26 @ 7 p.m. (Patience)
July 24 @ 7 p.m. (Humility)

Name:
We brainstormed possible names for the Special Worship Service:
- Spirited Circle (or “Spirit Circle”)
- Day By Day
- Renewal
- The Circle
- The House
- Circle Spot
- The Boulevard
Decision to be made later… Keep those ideas coming!

Other Music Ideas:
Bob Russell (friend of Colleen & Cari's) is worship leader of a United Methodist Church in Chesterland, and his daughter sings

Clifford has family friends who have a Christian Band. They would only be available on a weekend, so for now they couldn't do the service. Perhaps they could do a special concert?

Drew Small, the CrossRoads worship organizer at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ, knows of someone who might be available.

There is a good connection with a staff member of the Cleveland Institute of Music who does Gospel music. Also, we might connect with the Tri-C professor who leads their music program (including Gospel) and see if he/she knows anyone who might lead our music. Finally, Henrice Hunter has a friend who is one of the musicians at Antioch Baptist Church who has offered, if available, to help us and play for us.

Outline Of April 24 Service/Persons Responsible
( -? indicates the person still needs to be asked)

> Ushers: Annie -? and Cari
> Tech/Projector - Tori

> Song
> Welcome: Cynthia-? (Tori as backup)
> Worship Songs (2 - 3)
> Invitation To Worship: Patty -?
> Scripture: Cari (1 Timothy 1:12-17)
> Drama: Tori
> Message: Brenda
> Devotion: Jean
> Testimonials: Jean will begin
> Song
> Offering & Communion: Colleen (meditation) and Jean (both serving)
> Song
> Community Prayer: Allen
> Song
> Closing: Claire

Cari has prepared practice CD's of the music for each NWIT member; copies of the words are available from Pastor Allen (enclosed!).


Check out the new Christian Radio Station, WCR at 103.3 FM





Brainstorming Notes~ October 15, 2006
(Items marked with an * are subsequent additions)

Styles Of Worship:
Contemporary, Traditional, Relaxed, Pentecostal, Evangelism, Tent Meeting, Reunion/Revival, Street, Home/House Church, All Music, Avant Garde, Rock, Shut-In/Nursing Home, Jazz, Youth Service, Healing, Coffee House, Covered Dish, Parking Lot/Drive In, In Another Language, Ancient Worship, All Dance, New Age, Gospel, Sign Language, Traveling Service…

Elements Of Worship:
Dance, Guitar Music, Praise & Worship, Communion, Drums, Audio Visuals, Worship Team, Drama, Original Drama, Scripture, Healing, Sermon, Same Sermon As Traditional Worship, Power Point, Clown Ministry, Evangelism, Talents Of Members, Kids, Youth, Testimonials (Members & Guests), Organ, Piano, Choir, Rap, Hip-Hop, Spirit-Led/Less Structure, Not Bound To Time Frame, Paper-Less (ie. No Bulletin)…

Days/Time
Saturday Night, Friday Night, Wednesday Night, Sunday Night, Early Sunday Morning, Daily Morning, Sunday Morning but flip with Traditional Service…

Leadership:
Worship Team, Pastor, Elders, Diaconate, Youth, Guest Teams, Outreach Leaders, [Also Leadership Needed For Non-Worship Related Tasks Such As Publicity/ Advertising, Feedback, Mentoring]…


Other Logistics:
Outreach/Publicity/Advertising, Feedback/Evaluation, Mentoring, Hospitality, Gifts Assessment, Welcome Committee, Management System or “Stage Manager,” Congregational Commitment, Money, Personnel, Core Group Of Attendees, Space, Bus/Transportation, New Equipment*, Media Technician*, Technical Repair & Advice*…

Resources:
Congregations/Worshipping Communities:
Former Gang Church, Community Of Reconciliation (Pittsburg) http://www.communityofreconciliation.org (Video), Avon Lake UCC http://www.thealucc.org  CrossRoads Service, Anne E. DeChant (singer), The Chapel (Akron), Rocky River UMC http://www.rrumc.org  (11:15 a.m. Sunday), Evangelical Church (Fairview, Saturdays), Karl Road Christian Church (Columbus) Second Service, St. Paul’s Lutheran (Westlake) http://www.stpaulwestlake.org/church/worship.htm 10:30 a.m. service, First Christian Church (Harrison, OH) http://harrisonfcc.org/page.aspx?id=89543 , W. 58th St. Church Of God, Bedford Christian Church (Pizza House Worship), SevenOSeven …

Websites: http://www.FIVE02.com …

Materials:
National Evangelism Workshop (NEW 2007 in Ft. Worth, Texas) Audio/Video Tapes http://www.netresults.org/ec_list.htm, “Accapella” Singing Group, Rainbow Family Bookstore, Cokesbury Bookstore http://worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/, Center For Transforming Worship (Disciples of Christ)* http://worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/…
 

Site Visits:

January 28, 2007
Sevenoseven (5055 E. Wallings Rd., Broadview Hts.)

From their website:  www.sevenoseven.com
What is Sevenoseven?
Our vision and charge is to impact young adults - both single and married - for Christ in the Greater Cleveland area. The invitation is to come together with others that want real life answers, a place to hang out, and a sense of community that is authentic.

It is unapologetically Christ-centered, exalting Jesus who has rescued each generation. Sevenoseven exists to build fresh faith into the lives of a generation that at times has been abandoned by their family, their friends, and even their church.

Sevenoseven exists to tell young adults about solid hope. God has not abandoned them. It exists to fill a gap in our time. Many in our generation have felt left out at church. They want and need to express their faith in service, community, and worship. Sevenoseven gives identity and recognition to the emerging generation.

Sevenoseven believes that our source of authority and guidance is the Bible, not man's wisdom.
The focus of our ministry is God's love for people, not programs.
The message of Sevenoseven is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
We believe that people grow best in an authentic, caring community.
The goal of Sevenoseven is to produce passionate followers of Jesus.
People are very important to us, and we believe that every Christian has a God-given ministry to serve.
We believe strongly that the process of our ministry is spiritual reproduction, not just addition.

 

November 12, 2006

Avon Lake
United Church of Christ
32801 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012
Ph. (440) 933-3241
Fx. (440) 933-7928

CrossRoads, a lively alternative worship celebration featuring contemporary music and multimedia is offered Sunday evenings at 6:06 PM in the Chapel.  Locally known recording artist and songwriter Anne E. DeChant is the music leader for CrossRoads; members of her band and volunteer vocalists comprise the music team; new members are always welcome to join.

CrossRoads is a lively, alternative, participatory worship service which each week features a theme, a biblically-based message, multimedia, and music led by Anne E. DeChant. Programming is available for young children, but the service is designed to be intergenerational, and children are welcome.

The Avon Lake United Church of Christ is located at:
32801 Electric Blvd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012
We're just 200ft west of route 83 on the south side of Electric.


From the north: Take Lake Road (Rt 6.) to Avon Belden Rd (Rt. 83). Turn right onto Electric Blvd.

From the south: Take Avon Belden Rd (Rt. 83). Turn left onto Electric Blvd.

Highway - Take I-90 (Rt. 2) to the Avon / Avon Lake exit. Go North on Rt. 83 towards Avon Lake. Turn right on Chester Rd then turn left onto Center Rd (Rt. 83). Center Rd will turn into Avon Belden Rd in the city of Avon Lake. Keep going straight until you reach the intersection of Avon Belden (Rt. 83) and Electric Blvd.

Turn left and the ALUCC will be on your left.

Resources:

A Quick List of Suggestions for Alternative Worship

1. The most common problem that we have found in congregations which begin a separate alternative worship service (with more contemporary music, the use of drama and video instead of a traditional sermon, a more informal style of worship, . . . .) is that the new service is started with the involvement of too few people. While it may be true that the service itself can be most efficiently planned by a group of perhaps five or six people, the service will be far better attended if the list of people helping in some way includes thirty or forty people. Involve as many as possible in worship leadership, music, drama, childcare, greeting and ushering, publicity, sound system management, and as many other responsibilities as you can identify. Those who have been asked to help will come themselves, will bring their family members, and will invite others to come.

2. Many churches don't feel ready to start a separate alternative worship. These churches are often seeking to introduce a more contemporary or alternative style of worship into existing traditional services. Their efforts are often successful but can also result in criticism from those who are only comfortable with the more traditional style of worship. Have those who want alternative services share their appreciation with the congregation and interpret on a regular basis why they are more comfortable with alternative styles. Use the bulletin or worship program, the church newsletter, and short comments during the worship service. The process of interpretation should be seen as a continuing one in many congregations.

3. If you can't afford a large screen and video projector arrangement but still want to use video clips in worship, consider using cables to link multiple television sets to the same VCR. The equipment to do that is relatively inexpensive and is available from stores like Radio Shack.

4. Don't be limited in your selection of videos to those that have been produced for Christian churches. If you are truly seeking to hold the attention of a younger audience with alternative worship, consider using video clips from popular motion pictures which are available on video. Movies like Schindler's List, The Titanic , Steel Magnolias , Sleepless in Seattle, and many others have scenes which speak to the human condition in meaningful ways. Provide a short introduction, use a three to fifteen minute video clip, and then offer a Scripture reading and brief commentary which are relevant to the life issues raised in the video clip.

5. When doing drama in the church, give special attention to the sound system. Have a microphone for each person, or have microphones appropriately spaced so that everyone can hear. If your church is small and does not have a sound system, be sure that participants have sufficient practice in projecting their voices. One of the major reasons that long-time members object to drama in the church is the fact that they can't hear the drama!

6. Remember that the pastor has a key role in interpreting alternative worship services to the congregation. While the pastor may share the planning and leadership responsibility for alternative worship with several other people, it's crucial that he or she be a cheerleader for the alternative services.

7. Pay close attention to the theology of the contemporary music you use. A great deal of the available contemporary Christian music is dynamic and appealing but some projects a theology which is uncomfortable for many mainline Protestant congregations. Be sure the contemporary songs that you sing reflect the beliefs of your tradition.

FROM LIFEQUEST-WWW.CHURCHSTUFF.COM