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FacilitatorSession 6 - Leading All Age WorshipIntroduction and Background to All Age WorshipTraditionally the worship of the Church of England consisted of Holy Communion, usually early in the morning e.g. 8am, and Morning and Evening Prayer or Matins and Evensong. The latter two served both as daily prayer for the clergy and Sunday worship for those who attended. Liturgical reform during the middle decades of the 20th century led to the establishment of a liturgical commission which proposed the move to a later Eucharist as the main act of worship within the parish. This would involve the whole family with Sunday School running alongside the main service and all coming to the altar together. Alongside this the universities saw a revival of the evangelical wing of the church through the Christian Unions network and through the Billy Graham meetings. These in their turn led to the reinvigoration of the traditional Morning Prayer as a service for all the family, Sunday School again running alongside. Both of these were indicative of the local church trying to engage families in worship leading to the rise in popularity of Family Communion and Family Service. However it is fair to say that from the 1970’s onwards family life was undergoing rapid change and churches became increasingly aware that many people, both children and adults, did not live in traditional nuclear families. It was in order to include those from non-nuclear families, those from broken families and those who were single as well as those whose families had grown up and left that the Family Service became All Age Worship. It is necessary constantly to remind ourselves that All Age Worship is, as it says, to engage the adult as well as the child, the committed believer as well as the casual visitor. It is NOT children’s worship but worship for all ages. The service pattern set down for non-Eucharistic worship is a Service of the Word. This is, as Common Worship states, “unusual for an authorized Church of England service” since it “consists almost entirely of notes and directions” allowing a common structure to develop as is best suited for local practice. This is a single session lasting 2 hours including time for coffee and will consider: Ways in which all elements of the service can be developed for an All-Age congregationThe four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faithWays in which all ages and spiritual styles can be included in worshipParticipants’ PreparationParticipants will be asked to bring an example of a recent All Age Worship which they attended and to make some notes on their experience. It would be helpful for your preparation to have a similar situation prepared. They will be asked to consider the following questions: What was your reaction? What was engaging? What was difficult or tedious?What do you think are the main challenges for All-Age Worship? What are the opportunities?You may need to consider the reasons that many stay away from All Age Worship. What do they fear? What are the fears of the adults? How does the leader help all to feel included and for all to find a time when they can encounter God’s presence. There will be opportunity to draw on their Preparation during the session. Some may not have done it – please don’t embarrass them if this is the case! They are encouraged to do it, but not all will choose to for a number of reasons.Participant’s ReflectionParticipants are also encouraged to complete a Reflection after the session to help consolidate and deepen their learning. This is not essential, but is good educational practice. Those working towards an Equipping God’s People Award can use this session as one of their sessions if they choose. Those training to become Lay Leaders of Worship (LLW) are required to do the Reflection. There is also an attendance sheet which must be signed for those wanting an Award or training as LLWsGuidelines for leading a sessionThe facilitator’s roleA reasonably detailed outline of the content of this session is provided with suggested ways in which the material can be covered, giving possible answers and indications of timing. There is much to get through and group learning situations are encouraged so it is important that the facilitator keeps the group focussed on the learning outcomes covering the breadth of material. Participants have an outline of the session with space to make notes.People learn in different ways so there is opportunity for discussion in pairs, small groups and whole group; for input directed by the facilitator and for a range of different media. It is important to remember that as the facilitator that you are not expected to have all the answers; in fact one of the hallmarks of a good facilitator is the continued openness to learn. Often there is no “right answer” but part of the facilitator’s preparation is to have a reasonable list of possible answers so as to extend people’s thinking further. Practicalities Coffee: There should be time within the 2 hours for coffee and refreshments. It is worth filling vacuum flasks with coffee or hot water for people to help themselves as they arrive. There is a lot of material to cover in the session and maximum use of time should be made. Resources: Each participant should bring with them, if they can, an example of a recent All Age service sheet or booklet. Equipment: A flipchart or magic whiteboard and pens, laptop and digital projector will be useful, though not essential. Hand outs: Master copies of handouts are provided as is a PowerPoint if digital technology is available. Handouts will need to be photocopied for the participants.The session has been written by Revd Ruth Pyke, Children’s Work Adviser in the Diocese of St Albans, August 2014, and adapted by Margaret Pritchard Houston, Children’s Mission Enabler in the Diocese of St Albans, August 2016.FacilitatorsSession notes: Leading All Age WorshipParticipants’ PreparationTo help you to prepare for this session, jot down a few thoughts below to the following questions. Bring this with you to the session.We will refer to the black Common Worship book in this session, so you may wish to bring it – however, most of the information from it is repeated in the presentation.Reflect on the last service described as All Age that you attended. What was your reaction to it? What did you find particularly engaging, what was difficult or tedious?What do you think are the main challenges for All Age Worship? What are the opportunities?Please bring along an order of service for the one you experienced if possible or for another All Age service you have attended. -76200340995AIM: To develop ways of leading All Age Worship that engages people of all ages.By the end of the session you will have:Identified ways in which all elements of the service can be developed for an All-Age congregation (LO1)Identified the four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faith (LO2)Compiled a list of ways in which all ages and spiritual styles can be included in worship (LO3)00AIM: To develop ways of leading All Age Worship that engages people of all ages.By the end of the session you will have:Identified ways in which all elements of the service can be developed for an All-Age congregation (LO1)Identified the four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faith (LO2)Compiled a list of ways in which all ages and spiritual styles can be included in worship (LO3)-76200342900AIM: To develop ways of leading All Age Worship that engages people of all ages.By the end of the session you will have: Identified the four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faith. (Learning Objective 1)Compiled a list of ways in which all ages can contribute and participate in worship. (LO2)Shown how Bible readings/liturgy might be developed for an all age congregation (LO3)00AIM: To develop ways of leading All Age Worship that engages people of all ages.By the end of the session you will have: Identified the four spiritual styles which enable all ages to deepen and express their faith. (Learning Objective 1)Compiled a list of ways in which all ages can contribute and participate in worship. (LO2)Shown how Bible readings/liturgy might be developed for an all age congregation (LO3)Prayer and Reflection (20 minutes)If this is a ‘stand alone’ session, welcome participants, outline the session and allow participants briefly to introduce themselves (name and where they have come from).Open with a brief prayer.In groups of 3 or 4, ask participants to consider the following two questions and quote, then ask the groups to share their thoughts.What does it mean for a service to be All-Age?What, if anything, makes it different from a “normal” service?“If there have to be children there for it to work, by definition, it’s not an All-Age Service.” – Rev. Mary Hawes, National Children’s Work Advisor to the Archbishop’s Council. Agree? Disagree? A bit of both?Going Through the Service (45 minutes)Building on the discussion from the previous questions, identify that All-Age Services are often good opportunities to make worship accessible to people who are not familiar with church culture. They may be more interactive than normal services, may include prayer stations, drama, commentary on what we’re doing and why, etc. However, “All-Age” isn’t a style of worship – All-Age services can match whatever style of worship your church normally does.Present the following and ask for thoughts/comments, referring also to the points raised in the earlier group discussion: All-Age Services should:Introduce children in an age-appropriate way to what happens in church, providing them with an experience of enculturation.Be recognisable to adults who regularly worship at your church as not fundamentally different from “normal” church.Take children’s spirituality seriously and not talk down to them.Not require children to “perform cuteness” for adult approval.Include real spiritual nourishment, not junk food.Keep it simple. “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be told.”Go through each of the elements of the service as listed in the Black Common Worship book and share ideas for making them accessible to all ages.Throughout, think of how people of all ages are being ministered to and how they are ministering to others.Welcome and GreetingWhen was the last time you went somewhere new and unfamiliar? How did it feel? What helped/didn’t help you feel welcome?Consider the usefulness of children’s corners/pew bags in integrating families into worship. What makes a children’s corner spiritual as opposed to secular space?Simple handouts for newcomers, on What Happens At Church, are available from: (Handout 1)How do people enter the space? Are children and young people included in the procession? Is their artwork included in the service? Does that enhance the worship experience of the adults? Do toddlers need something to do with their hands?Should children sit at the front?Prayers of PenitenceAuthorised forms must be used, but could they be supplemented?Could the congregation, including children, add specific items? (Not things they’ve done, but things humanity does, e.g. saying hurtful things, polluting, etc.) You could do this by sharing with a neighbour, writing something down as you enter – all kinds of ways.A visual aide – for example, a mural showing the children’s representation of what’s wrong with the world – bullying, war, murder, etc. Behind it they’ve drawn their vision of how God wants the world to be. One gives way to the other at the absolution.What parts of the confession could a child lead?ReadingsThere are various ways of making readings interactive. Congregations can be divided into two or more groups and the reading printed out for different sections to read. (Handout 2)They can be dramatized: Download the reading from Bible Gateway which provides NIV and The Message, of which the latter is especially useful for All Age Worship, or Oremus which provides NRSV. Then arrange the reading as a dramatic reading for two or more people. An adult reader could also narrate while helping children and young people act out the story.A small group of different ages could perform the story with one or two short rehearsals – Candlemas is especially appropriate for this.Those who enjoy reading and who read well can be asked to do readings: choose a suitable version dependent on the reader as well as the listeners. E.g. Children’s Bible, The Message or the Good News Bible. There is no reason why occasionally a secular reading might not be included alongside a reading from Scripture. Readings can be shared between people of different ages; for example a grandparent and grandchild, a teenager and a child. If visual accompaniment is possible then a picture of the story can be used as the reading is done. There are also lectionary based readings arranged by Bob Hartmann, (Bible Stories Through the Year: Lectionary Readings For Year A, Retold For Maximum Effect Bob Hartman (Author) ISBN-13: 978-0857213297. Sometimes words can be cued to have an accompanying action. Godly Play styles of story can be used (there are several You Tube clips available) or Beulah Land feltboard and scripts are available to borrow from the Diocesan Offices at Holywell Lodge. These can also be used as a Response to the Word.Bibliologue can also be used – the reader can pause at different points during the story and wonder what different characters were thinking and feeling at that timeVideos can be used if the church has the capacity, such as the Jesus Storybook Bible DVDs.Responding to the WordWhen led by a LLW this replaces the talk or the sermon. It can be done as an interview, as group discussions, as a quiz, as an audio visual presentation. If using group discussion there are two possibilities:A) to have specific groups for children and young people and further groups for adults B) (and perhaps preferably) to have all age discussion groups.In the case of B there will need to be carefully worded questions to include topics and situations which are inclusive of children. Godly Play wondering questions.Could children or young people lead the talk? What preparation would they need?Monologue in the voice of a character from the story.Sometimes it may be appropriate to produce a piece of artwork or craft as a response to the word and in this case it may be advisable to have something prepared for those who find movement or detailed work more difficult (possibly elderly people with limited mobility or arthritic hands). Affirmation of FaithAn authorised Creed or Affirmation of Faith must be included for the principal service on Sundays. Affirmations of Faith are shorter and more interactive than many of the versions of the Creed. Invite the group to consider how they might be led by different age groups. (Common Worship pages 144-148.)There is a Beulah Land story to the words of the Apostle’s Creed, creating a visual focus point. (Handout 3)You could do a short affirmation of faith and sing a longer creed (Worship Workshop: “We Believe in God the Father”)PrayersPrayers may include prayer stations – for traditional congregations, find the places when they’re already getting up and moving around, and include prayer stations there.Prayers can be written and/or read by a group of different ages together.Flame Creative Kids blog has great All-Age prayer ideas.If you have a Sunday School, do the children pray there? What are the ways of praying they’ll find familiar? How can you introduce them to the wider congregation?Music can help break up the “talkiness” of prayer for those who find sitting still and listening to be difficult – you could insert a chant or chorus between each set of petitions. (Handout 4 – Prayer ideas)Going OutThere needs to be a clear end and dismissal to the service.Is there a “take-home” item or sheet, related to the themes of the service?Do you have a way of getting contact details for newcomers?After the service, is there time, and a space, for children to run around and shout? Are there seats for elderly Food and “getting to know you” time – make sure there are child-friendly drinks and food choices.Who will talk to newcomers?The Four Spiritual Styles (15 minutes)Participants should have read the Roots article prior to the session. In groups of 3 or 4, have them discuss the four spiritual styles:Which one or two of the spiritual styles felt like it was describing you?Does your normal worship allow space for this spiritual style?Take a poll of the room at the end of the discussion – which spiritual styles are represented in the room? Which spiritual styles does your worship allow space for? Do the answers match? If not, what needs changing?Planning with the Four Spiritual Styles in Mind (30 minutes)Present the readings for Mothering Sunday (Handout 5) and give participants 15 minutes, with their groups, to choose 1-2 elements of the service (Welcome and Greeting / Prayers of Penitence / Readings / Responding to the Word / Affirmation of Faith / Prayers / Going Out) and plan how they would do them in an All-Age context, planning for all 4 spiritual styles. Consider:What can only adults do? What can adults and children do together? What can children do on their own?What preparation would be needed?For the final fifteen minutes of this section, go through the service elements one by one and have the small groups share their ideas with the whole group.Some thoughts, if groups need inspiration:Word: details about Egypt, about slavery, about symbolism of Moses’s name (drawn out of the water), hymns/songs with carefully chosen words, link between Miriam and her later role in crossing the Red Sea, and Moses drawing the Israelites through the water. Connections between the two readings – the pain of letting go, the risk of loving children in a dangerous world, the different people who played the protective, loving role of a mother in these stories. Groups of different ages writing prayers together.Emotion: Song, music to sing or to accompany prayers. Pictures which express the feelings and emotions of the story. The curation of the environment – art, light and darkness, colours, installations, etc. Inclusion of music/candles/etc in prayer time.Symbol: rushes to build a basket, water feature and pebbles to focus on, space for silence to reflect on the different emotions experienced by the main characters-Miriam, Mother, daughter of the Pharaoh. The connection between the symbols of Mary’s motherhood at Christmas (swaddling clothes, manger) and Mary’s motherhood at Christ’s death (grave bands, tomb).Action: all of the above plus topics relating to today and need for prayer, i.e. modern trafficking, refugees, abandoned children, foster parents (both Pharaoh’s daughter and the Mary/John relationship), violence and persecution which affects children. Opportunities for making a difference, supporting charities which help children in need. Reflection on all the people who have played a mother’s role in our own lives, and how we can show our love for them.Ending the SessionFinish with a few notes on elements of worship that are in addition to what’s listed in the Common Worship Black Book:Hymns and the Peace. Hymns can be chosen which all ages can easily learn - a choice of traditional and contemporary assist both Word based and Emotion based spiritual styles. All age musicians can contribute to the music, some on organ/piano and some with a music group. Children and beginners can provide percussion accompaniment as well as simple arrangements. If percussion instruments are given out, it may be wise to collect the instruments after the particular song has ended to reduce noise and possible irritation! Percussion can be used to add sound effects to Bible readings or as a cue for prayer - a soft tambourine shake can introduce a moment of silence. Instruments could also be used at certain key words during a reading or during a service, E.g. “Alleluia” during Eastertide. Instruments could accompany a simple “gospel” procession with the Bible processed around the church. The Peace gives further possibility for movement and whilst it is led by the LLW, children or a child/young person or group of people can act as the “deacon” and say “Let us offer one another a sign of peace.” Silence. Help those unused to silence to enter it by telling people how long the silence will last; suggest topics/prayers for people to think about. Use something to manipulate manually - playdough for example or have a symbol such as a heart shape or a pebble to hold and act as a visual focus. If digital screens are used a picture might help. Different lengths of sand timer are available and sometimes children will appreciate watching the sand trickle through or watching a candle flame for a short time.Summarise briefly, highlighting the following key points to remember when leading All Age Worship. (NB these are on their sheet.) Hand out resource list (Handout 6)Use simple language to convey deep truths.Credit people of all ages with their own life experiences and their ability to reflect on feelings and emotions. Include movement in services, e.g. prayer stations, informal “gospel” procession, suitable hymns might indicate movement (We are marching in the light of God; The Spirit lives to set us free, walk, walk in the light). Take note of different spiritual styles.Be involved in the planning of the worship if possible.Be conscious of what each age group will take way from the service.Beware the idea of “entertaining” children – we are all at worship to encounter God. Think carefully about applause. Is it just for children and when is it suitable? Refer back to the possibilities in A Service of the Word and use them imaginatively. Remind them of the Reflection.Ensure the attendance record is signed.Handout 1 – Welcoming Sheetsleft6096000 What Happens at ChurchYounger childrenWe come together. We read from the Bible. We think or talk about what we’ve heard. We pray.We say “peace.”We share.We have bread and wine or a special blessing.We say thank you to God.We go out.Artwork: Revd. Ally Barrett, Gretchen Wolff Pritchard, Gertrud Mueller Nelson, Cerezo Barredo-411480000 What Happens at ChurchOlder children and adults Usually we STAND to sing, SIT to listen, and KNEEL to pray. You may join these actions if you want to, and if you are able, but you don’t have to. There is one reading we usually stand for – the one about Jesus’s life, called the GOSPEL.We gather in God’s name.We say a prayer asking God to forgive what we’ve done wrong and help us to want and do good things.We read from the Bible. There are usually three readings, and a sung poem called a Psalm.We think or talk about what we’ve heard. Someone may give a talk called a sermon.We pray. Often, we kneel to pray. You may want to fold your hands together or hold your hands up. We share “peace” by shaking hands.If we can, we give some money to help the church do its work. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give.Bread and wine are brought to the table.We have bread and wine. This is a sign of Jesus’s body and blood. Jesus is with us here.If you aren’t yet ready for the bread and wine, you can still get a blessing.There may be a place to light a candle after you have bread and wine. You don’t have to do this, but some people find it helps them pray.We say thank you to God.We go out. There may be tea or coffee to share together after the service. Ask the vicar if you’re not sure where to go.Artwork: Revd. Ally Barrett, Gretchen Wolff Pritchard, Gertrud Mueller Nelson, Cerezo BarredoHandout 2 – Interactive Bible readingReading from ROOTS Reading Isaiah 49.13-19 Divide the congregation into two parts:A: the voice of the prophet, and B: the cry of the people. A: Sing heavens, shout for joy, earth!Let the mountains burst into song!The Lord will comfort his people,he will have pity on his suffering people. B: The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.A: Can a woman forget her own baby,and not love the child she bore?Even if a mother should forget her child,I will never forget you. B: The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us. A: Jerusalem, I can never forget you!I have written your name on the palms of my hands.B: The Lord has abandoned us! He has forgotten us. A: Those who will rebuild you are coming soon,and those who destroyed you will leave.Look around and see what is happening!Your people are assembling. They are coming home. Taken from the Good News Bible? Handout 3 – Beulah Land Apostle’s CreedHandout 4 – Prayer IdeasLines to use for breath prayers (of course, there are many more):Breathe inBreathe outLord Jesus ChristHave mercy on meGod made me.God loves me.O God, make speed to save usO Lord, make haste to help usSpirit of GodFall fresh on me.38100112966500-182880762000From flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.ukYou will need: One Lego or Duplo brick per personHold your brick.Pray for yourself. Thank God for the things he has given you. Ask Him to bless you and to help you to bless others.Count the bumps on your brick.For each bump on your brick, pray for a different person- friends or family members. Ask God to bless them this week.Find someone who has a different colour brick to you.Thank God for making each person special. Thank him for the things that are different but special about other people. Pray that we will learn how to celebrate and understand people who are different to us.Find someone with the same number of bumps on their brick as you.Thank God for families and friends and all who care for us. Pray that He will help us to be friends to those who are lonely.Swap your brick with someone.Thank God for the person you swapped with and ask God to bless them this week.Put all of the bricks together and build a structure or tower with them.Thank God for the church and the communities we live in. Pray that He will help us to include others and to help people know that they are loved and valued.left000From flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.ukGive each member of the congregation a piece of play dough.Make the play dough into a ball.Pray for the World. Thank God for creation. Pray for places where there is war and famine. Pray for people who care for the world. Make the play dough into a crossPray for the church. Pray for Christians who are persecuted. Pray for people who lead the church. Pray for your own church. Pray that people who don't know who Jesus is will come to know Him.Make the Play dough into a heart.Pray for people. Pray for families and friends. Pray for people who are ill and lonely. Pray that God will help you to bless people.Make the play dough into your name's initial letterPray for yourself. Ask God to bless you and to help you with the hard things. Thank God for the good things he has given you.Handout 5 – Readings for Mothering SundayExodus 2:1-10You may need to give some context for this story in an All-Age Service. The congregation may not know that the Hebrews at this time were slaves in Egypt and that Pharaoh had commanded that all Hebrew boys were to be killed at birth in order to prevent population growth and an uprising that would threaten his power.Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman.2?The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months.?3?When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river.?4?His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.5?The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it.?6?When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said.?7?Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”?8?Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother.?9?Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it.?10?When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses,[a]?“because,” she said, “I drew him out[b]?of the water.”John 19:25-27Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.Handout 6 – ResourcesWeb resources:The Diocesan blog: and our Twitter account: @stalbanscme and Pinterest boards: uk.margaret_pritchTo find us on Facebook, search for “Children’s Ministry St Albans Diocese”Email me: cme@stalbans. or email Julie (youthoffice@stalbans.) to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.Search Facebook for “All-Age Worship Leaders” ()Spiritual Child Network – the Facebook group and their website (spiritualchild.co.uk)Godly Play: godlyplay.ukAmy Fenton Lee (children with additional needs): theinclusivechurch.Worship Workshop: .ukFlame Creative Kids: flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.ukKaren Ware Jackson: Carolyn Carter Brown: worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.co.ukMustard Seed Kids (conflict of interest alert – my company): mustardseedkids.co.ukBooks:Worship Together and Festivals Together, by Sandra MillarThere is a Season, by Margaret Pritchard HoustonPray Sing Worship: a guide to holy communion, published by SPCKMission-Shaped Children, by Margaret WithersName………………………………..Reflection Session 6: Leading All Age WorshipTo help you to deepen your learning from the session, please reflect and make notes on the following questions.1. Name two things from the session that will make a difference to the way you plan, lead or engage with worship and explain your choices.2. What was completely new, surprising or challenging for you? What difference do you think discovering this will make to you?3. What did you learn (or were reminded) about yourself from the session? (e.g. your gifts, your personality, your points for growth, your view of God)4. Is there anything you would like to find out more about or have questions about? How will you do that?5. Is there anything else you want especially to remember? ................
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