The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTERLink to > CouncilAgenda20250710 > CouncilMinutes20250710
Worship Committee Report to Church Council July 2025
- Date of Meeting: 9 July 2025
1. Combined Worship Service at 10 am
The group reflected positively on the combined 10 am service. Attendees from the discontinued 8:30 am service are attending well, with some continuing fellowship before worship. The current structure—greeting, notices, Bible procession, prayers, children’s time—is appreciated for its familiarity and flexibility. There was general satisfaction with the pattern and an openness to creativity within it. No changes were recommended at this time.
2. Music and Hymns
There is broad support for the current mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs. Participants noted that repeating band songs is helping build familiarity. Theological depth and musical accessibility were discussed. Some desire was expressed to identify a list of beloved hymns for more regular use. The idea of occasional “song services” and including more psalm refrains was well received. The current approach to music selection, which includes input from musicians and theme planning, was affirmed.
3. Responses and Screen Use
The group discussed the use of congregational responses and screens. Feedback highlighted the need for clearer cues when spoken responses are expected and smoother transitions—particularly into the Lord’s Prayer. There was interest adding a window of the prayer leader to the screen layouts to reduce visual shifts for worshippers and make participation more intuitive.
4. The Lord’s Prayer
The regular inclusion of the Lord’s Prayer was valued, both for its communal familiarity and spiritual rhythm. There was openness to exploring alternative versions—including sung and Aboriginal paraphrases—while maintaining the traditional version regularly. Smooth integration into surrounding prayers was emphasised as important.
5. Lay and Intergenerational Participation
It was encouraging to note growing involvement of young people and others in worship through readings, prayers, communion, and tech support. There is interest in broadening this further, particularly with the “Prayers for Others.” Some attendees reported being unintentionally removed from rosters and suggested improved communication around volunteer roles.
6. Livestream Engagement
The group reaffirmed a desire to connect more meaningfully with online worshippers. Ideas included inviting them to submit pre-recorded Bible readings or prayers for inclusion in services. The COVID-19 experience of remote participation was seen as a useful precedent.
7. Indigenous Acknowledgement and Story
There is growing interest in learning more about the traditional custodians of the local area and integrating this knowledge into worship meaningfully. It was noted that wider UCA goals align with this aspiration, and that connections with local Indigenous leaders are being explored.
8. Reflections on Festival Worship
Lent and Easter: The installations and creative elements (including the Good Friday service and visual displays) were praised as deeply engaging. The Maundy Thursday shared meal was found less effective for livestream viewers.
Pentecost and UCA Anniversary: These were joyful occasions, with music and visual celebration noted as highlights. The use of large musical ensembles for festival services was seen as a successful model.
9. Planning Ahead
The group agreed to focus on the Season of Creation in September, using both ecological and Indigenous theological lenses. There was consensus that this aligns well with the congregation’s values.
For Advent and Christmas, there will one Christmas Day service and a reordering of the multicultural and children's services. Interest was expressed in creating a visual installation or community arts element for Advent. Plans to come up with a theme for Advent were put in place.
10. Other Reflections
Communion practices could benefit from more guidance for newcomers and online participants.
There is ongoing interest in ensuring inclusive and accessible language in worship, particularly considering those for whom English is not a first language.
Reflections on collaborative leadership and shared liturgical roles between Ian and Chris were positive, noting that their different styles have complemented each other well.
Creative planning processes for Lent and Easter were seen as fruitful and worth replicating for other seasons.