All-Age Worship

All-Age Worship

We call ourselves a Church family or the Body of Christ. Yet, in our worship we divide the family up rather than deal with the whole. Or we concentrate on doing things, going places for God, or watching for sin; without considering the monster it would be if it were only hands, or feet or eyes. Where is Jesus’ command of open and accepting love?
In her book All-Age Worship Lucy Moore sets worship in the context of community using the icon we call Rublev’s Trinity - three people, interpreted as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, sitting in a circle, attending to one another, aware of one another, at one in their understanding and action. There is a space inviting us into this community, assuring us of love, understanding and acceptance. This suggests a Church glorying in intimate fellowship, but open and welcoming to outsiders, people who have a lot in common but who remain distinct from each other, a community which draws from the past but looks to the future.
An all-age Church, she says, shows the richness and diversity of God, with worship and working together which allows members to develop and use their gifts. She challenges us to look at why we worship and points out that if we exclude any age group or people ‘not like us’ we are missing out on the richness God wants for us all. Churches should be places of healing on all levels and safe places where everyone can come close to God.
Lucy gives us examples of different ways of learning, using word and story, drama, senses and emotions. She urges us to keep it simple and to be real in our love, faith and sharing. All age worship is difficult and challenging and much depends on the attitudes of leaders because it is not just what we do that matters but the way we do it. If all age worship is to be successful there will be change but she offers ways of coping with this, and advice on planning an all age act of worship.
All-Age worship is about something much more profound than a form of worship which appeals to all ages. It is about what the Church is, and how we go about being the Church, the people of God. It is not a new and trendy idea but the rediscovery of an ancient skill. The icon shows us three different people at ease together, acting and loving as one, and that is the Church we aim to portray. A united Church knowing where it is going, open to and using the gifts and ideas of a wide range of people.
Yes All-Age worship is difficult. Yes, it is scary. Yes, it involves a lot of work. But, if you are really interested and think this is way, then this book of Lucy Moore’s is a must. She gives compelling reasons why the Church should worship together, is honest about the problems of achieving this and gives practical advice as to how to overcome these and achieve the vision of the family of God worshiping together in a way that allows everyone to come into God's presence and feel his love.

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