2011 Pullen Worship Council
Worship Council Mission The Pullen Worship Council promotes intentional spiritual reflection and enrichment, the support of our music programs, and the nurturing of our worship community.
Meet the Worship Council
Worship Council Members Karen Kelly, 2011 Chair Larry Schultz, Staff representative Mary Beth Hall, CC representative Steve Edwards Sylvia Edwards Bob Vaillancourt BH Baek
Schedule The Pullen Worship Council meets every second Sunday, from 2:30 to 4 pm, in the Pullen Library.
Committees Reporting to the WC Wedding / Union (Nancy Petty) Funeral (Nancy Petty) Sanctuary (Allison Dahle) Ushering (Derrick Davis)
Ad-Hoc Groups Reporting to the Worship Council Spirit Movers (Ginny Going) Visual Imagery Group (Cheryl Stallings)
Past Worship Council Projects Worked with staff to plan themes for Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas Supported the Spirit Movers in planning Worship in the Round services Recorded worship services to CD for one year for archive purposes and explored the need for CD recordings for homebound members Supported Visual Imagery group in hosting Catherine Kapikian in Sept 2010 to share with congregation her artwork proposal ideas for the side sanctuary walls Held two listening sessions for the visual imagery project in Oct/Nov 2010 Participated in the Oct ministry fair Developed a “Seasons of Worship” brochure for visitors, newcomers, Pullen 101 attendees and members that provides a summary overview of worship experiences at Pullen throughout the liturgical year; developed “Bible insert” introducing the Worship experience at Pullen for newcomers.
Seasons of Worship
Worship Council Goals 2011 Develop themes, reflections for Lent and Easter and share with staff and congregation Initiate opportunities for congregation to gather to discuss what the worship experience means to them, what they bring to the worship experience, its meaning and purpose in their lives. Venue TBD.
Worship Council Goals 2011 Develop themes, reflections for Advent and Christmas and share with staff and congregation. Support music ministry by engaging in worship planning. Invite subcommittee leaders to present yearly updates to the WC and hear requests/feedback.
Worship Council Goals 2011 Support Spirit Movers in March 30 Worship in the Round experience and Sunday services on 3/20 and 4/3. Act as sounding board for congregation’s issues and concerns regarding worship services. Support Visual Imagery group in applying for Calvin Institute of Worship grant.
Theme for Lent 2011 Creating space for God
Lenten Focus: Meditation and Prayer Meditation might be particularly attractive to Pullenites, given its transcendent nature, one that enhances many belief systems and religious traditions. Simply put, it is the practice of clearing the mind of all distractions in order to focus on either our breathing or on a single object. Awareness of current experience grows as the most meaningful (sacred) elements of life begin to fill our consciousness. This state of mind lends itself to Paul’s admonition that we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5: 17). Our state of mind, elevated through meditation practice, allows us to see God’s world more clearly, in its awesome creation, with all life as sacred, and others as worthy of our love. Some consider that making room for God in this way, through this state of constant reverence, is the highest form of prayer. —Bob Vaillancourt, for the Worship Council
Lenten Focus: Reconciliation As a sign of our reconciliation with God and each other, we greet each other by passing the peace. Reconciliation could be considered a way of actively “passing the peace.” That may sometimes require contrition, confession, and atonement. But we worship a joyful God who embraces us and reaches out to us with grace for all. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, but giving us the word of reconciliation.” (II Cor. 5:19). Reconciliation is more like making up— figuring out how to create positive solutions, reaching out to the marginalized as we have sometimes been marginalized ourselves. God keeps reaching out to us with love and inclusion. This week, stay open to possibilities as you create space for God. Consider whom you are leaving out or closing out. Reach out to someone outside your comfortable space, remembering we are all made in the image of God. —Mary Beth Hall, for the Worship Council
Contact the Worship Council Questions or concerns for the Worship Council? E-mail Karen Kelly at:
The Pullen Worship Council promotes intentional spiritual reflection and enrichment, the support of our music programs, and the nurturing of our worship community.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS OF WORSHIP Please see Pullen website under For Pullenites to find information about Visual Imagery Group and Catherine Kapikian proposal and cost estimate. Visual imagery conversation has been taking place for at least 25 years. We are inclusive in many ways but this is not reflected in the sanctuary as there is very little feminine imagery. This is a very emotional topic for people in the congregation. May benefit congregation to get more information about the visual imagery project.
