Worship Matters: A Study for Congregations

by Jane Rogers Vann

Overview

Sunday worship is the central act of the Christian faith, yet few people truly understand what is happening during the service, and why, and how. Based on numerous visits with congregations of many denominations, Jane Rogers Vann examines how we can eliminate the barrier between the preacher and the people in the pew and offers practical advice directed not just toward church leaders but to worship committees and church members—all who are yearning to be fully engaged in worship. Photographs of many of the churches she visited are included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664234164
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	02/01/2011
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Jane Rogers Vann is Rowe Professor of Christian Education Emerita at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She remains active in teaching, research, and writing about the relationship between worship and education in the congregation.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

1 Not Talking about Worship 1

2 The Symbolic Languages of Worship 15

3 Gathering God's People: A Place for Worship 31

4 Dressing the Space: Making the Unseen Visible through the Arts 49

5 Enacting Worship: Using Our Bodies in Worship 71

6 Timekeeping: Liturgical Days and Seasons 89

7 Proclaiming God's Praise: Liturgical Speech 105

8 Lifting Our Voices: Liturgical Song 121

Notes 133