From: Danny Giffen [mailto:dgiffen@covpres.com]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2012 3:50 PM
To: AC Frese; Peggy Frese; Lucy Anderson; Michael Latta; Paul Loyless; Daniel Murray; Eva Shank; Bill Bennett; Barbara Finch; Dave Traylor; Jim Marlar; Brian Beckett; Fred Blackmon; Bryan Balogh; Lee Baker; Dory Baker; Grace Padgett; Julie Tapscott; Terri Yates; Tom Marvin; Carol Cartus; Bill Cartus Yahoo; Finch Barbara; Brian Oaks; Martin, Russell; Mark Midyette; Cary Murray; Stephen Fitts; Rebekah Fitts; Lauren Hayes; paula Midyette; John Steakley; Charlie Israel
Cc: Charles Giffen; Martha Boyd
Subject: Agenda for Congregational Meeting on Worship
Fellow Members of Covenant,
As we look forward to our meeting together on Tuesday, February 21, the Session wants you to have the agenda prior to the meeting for your review. Our goals for the meeting are to provide a brief report regarding recent sessional discussion about worship at Covenant, and to have extended time to hear from you on this same topic.
Below is a framework for discussion, greatly informed by topics congregants have mentioned to members of the Staff and Session. Together, during the past few months, we have been studying the nature and format of worship from biblical, historical and practical bases. Our report stems from this ongoing work and our hope is that such will enhance your ability to ask questions and provide commentary.
Certainly issues pertaining to worship that are not on the agenda are welcomed. The Session has focused its attention up to now on those listed below.
The guidelines for discussion should provide for broad participation within an irenic environment. It may be possible to speak more than once, but only after others have had ample opportunity.
Thankfully, many of us are passionate about worship and approach the opportunity for congregational dialogue with fervor and gratitude. Therefore, let us continually pray that "the unity of the Spirit" we have "in the bond of peace" will be evident and enhanced by our discourse.
The grace of Christ be yours,
Earl W. (Sandy) Stradtman, Jr.
Clerk for the Session
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Agenda for February 21, 2012 Congregational Meeting on Worship
6:30 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks - Bob Schaffeld
Election of a Moderator
6:45 p.m. "The Gospel of God" - Bill Boyd
7:00 p.m. Report from Sessional Discussion of Worship – Charlie Logan
Recent Topics:
· Presbyterian vs. Anglican/Episcopal style of worship
· Scripture - use of lectionary
· Gender - role of women in gathered worship
· Sermon citations - non-PCA sources
· Communion
o Frequency
o Form (coming forward)
o Fencing the Table
o Reflection (silence, music, singing)
o Words of institution
o Blessing of young congregants and non-congregants
· Passing of the Peace
7:15 p.m. Question & Answer Time from Congregation
Goals: Edification of Body and Glorifying to Christ
Guidelines:
· Please use provided comment cards or ask questions via floor microphones
· 3 minute time limit (can be extended if approved)
· Civil discourse addressing issues not people—not intended to be a debate
· Refrain from applause or commentary from the floor
· Moderator reserves the right to cut-off an argument or uncivil comments
· May be possible to speak more than once, but only after others have had ample opportunity
8:25 p.m. Closing Remarks
8:30 p.m. Adjournment with Prayer
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