Dynamic worship style debuts at King of Glory Lutheran
At King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin, Monday is the new Saturday, and that's not all that's new.
On June 9, the congregation debuted a worship service called The Refuge, a project with somewhat of a unique style, especially among the conservative-leaning Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
At The Refuge, you can get fellowship and refreshments before the service.
Music is contemporary, of course, often even more so than the praise songs the church is already used to.
Video and audio clips segue into group interaction, and there is no sermon, and no liturgy.
King of Glory had a "contemporary" Saturday night service for years, but it was looking a lot like Sunday's 8:15 a.m. traditional service, said Pastor Keith Perry.
The 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday is contemporary also, but not so much as Monday.
Saturday attendance was down to fewer than a couple dozen worshipers, so "a few months ago I began to think maybe that service has served its purpose, and we need to move on and do something different," Perry said.
"And if we're going to do something different, we might as well make it quite different."
The first thing he wanted was to move the congregation's third service away from the weekend so weekend travelers could still be in church.
"We changed up the time and date, and the format is informal and relaxed and meditative," he said, "more than anything we've done before."
Weekly themes will be introduced in a variety of ways.
At the inaugural service, Perry showed a video about a father reassuring his young son that he would get him safely home in spite of a scary mountain storm.
The pastor followed that up with reflection questions and invited feedback from those who felt comfortable contributing.
Between the video and the verbal give-and-take, no sermon was even necessary; the message was received.
"The storms of life always come," Perry said.
"The focus was on trusting God to see you through."
Some weeks he'll use audio clips, he said, or zoom in on the lyrics of a secular song with spiritual implications.
"We're going to mix it up," Perry said.
"The Gospel message will still be there; it's the approach that is different."
The half-hour of fellowship preceding the service is an important piece, he said.
People can snack on cookies and lemonade while they mingle and get to know their fellow worshipers better.
Perry said most of the 54 who attended the first Monday night service took advantage of this time.
The Refuge is so-named to set it apart from Sunday services.
"We brainstormed a number of names," Perry said.
"We decided on 'The Refuge' because it's biblically based on Psalm 46, which says God is our refuge and strength."
Check it out.
Fellowship time for The Refuge begins at 6:30 p.m., and the service opens at 7 p.m.
King of Glory is located in Elgin on Hopps Road where it intersects with Randall.
Here's a fun idea for Saturday supper: "The Taste of Epworth UMC," with taste-size portions of brats, hot dogs, corn, watermelon, chicken and beef kebabs, nachos and homemade ice cream.
Funds raised from the taste festival will go toward mission and ministry at Epworth United Methodist Church, in Elgin at Highland and Randall roads.
Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, and everyone is welcome!
Singer Holly McNeill will showcase songs from her new CD, "Hope," in concert this Sunday, 4 p.m., at West Dundee's First United Methodist Church.
"Hope" features a collection of inspirational songs with styles ranging from Broadway to Gospel and contemporary Christian to cabaret.
Part of the proceeds from CD sales will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Concert tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12; get 'em while they last by calling (847) 426-3761.
The church is located at 318 W. Main St., West Dundee.
What's going on at your church or synagogue? Do you have an interesting program, new staff, big plans? Someone who deserves recognition or something a little out of the ordinary? Contact "In the Spirit" at cmchojnacki@yahoo.com.
-30-