Liturgy of Emerging Faith

Liturgy of the Journey of Emerging Faith

“Worship” is the process we adopt to incorporate faith into the reality of our lives. “Worship service” is an intentional time by which the elements of our “Worship” are remembered and examined.

Elements of Worship and/or Worship service:

Reverence

Joyfulness

Discernment

Commitment

Rejuvenation

Mystery

Sacraments Associated Primarily With the Elements

Reverence – candles, darkness, quiet, incense

Joyfulness – angels, art (or artifacts)

Discernment – Bible, stories of faith

Commitment – Offering, sacrifice

Rejuvenation – feast, Sabbath,

Mystery – Cross, Communion, Resurrection

Orthodoxy Related to the Elements

Reverence – We believe in one God, who is the Creator, who is personally in relationship with us, and whose operating ethic, process and force is Love. We are in awe of God and his Presence, and acknowledge His primordial leadership and model for all people.

Joyfulness – We believe that we are blessed and beloved and strive to share in the experience of God’s Goodness and Bounty with everyone.

Discernment – We believe that God is revealed by prayer, critical thinking, discussion and education; God is obscured by ignorance.

Commitment – We believe that our meaning and purpose is in the service of others. Orthopraxy is the most important element of orthodoxy.

Rejuvenation – We believe that health and self-improvement are mandated by God.

Mystery – We believe that God actively participates in our world in tangible ways beyond our comprehension and/or understanding.

Activities, Enactment of the Elements

Reverence - Primarily Prayer
Head – Mantra, Quietness, Reflection, Meditation, Yoga, Consideration beyond consciousness
Heart – Respect, Submissiveness, Connectedness, Awe, Calm, Warmth
Body - Prayer, Stillness, Breath, Openness

Joyfulness – Primarily Creative Expression (as in art)
Head – Analogy, Perceptiveness, Inquisitiveness
Heart – Happiness, Appreciation, Expression, Celebration
Body – Singing, Dancing, Painting, Writing, Playing, Watching and Listening

Discernment – Primarily Bible Study/Journey style
Head – Critical Thought, Observation, Research, Verification
Heart – Affirmation, Mutual Respect, Safety
Body – Discussion, Reading, Observing, Participating

Commitment – Primarily Service
Head – Social consciousness, Consciousness of the environment, Marshalling resources
Heart – Sharing, Concern, Inclusiveness, Love (in emotional sense, perhaps)
Body – Tithing, Participation in service to others, Joining

Rejuvenation - Primarily rest and “time off”
Head – Relaxation, Playfulness, Frivolity
Heart – Relief, Calm, Happy
Body – Rest, exercise at play, healthy habits

Mystery – Primarily Patience
Head – Openness, Belief in unknown, Humility
Heart – Hope, Acceptance, Anticipation
Body – Healing, Intuition, Prophecy, Inspiration

Liturgical Cycles – Seasons of the Elements

Reverence – i.e. Fall (i.e. Beauty and death of dying leaves)

Joyfulness – i.e. Christmas

Discernment – i.e. Winter

Commitment – i.e. Spring

Rejuvenation – i.e. Summer vacation

Mystery – i.e. Easter, Halloween