Alternate Worship Workshop -An Introduction to Sacred Space

We've had some comments on the Garden Sacred Space so I thought I'd put in a blog about where the original idea came from.

   

 One early, Saturday, August morning saw Jenny, Julie and Sue, together with Gregor Newton*, load up the boot and head over to Griffith.

First light over the paddock at Hillston

We attended the Riverina Presbytery NW sector meeting to pick up some ideas on Alternate forms of worship and find out about the Camden Theological Library (CTLA) It was a freezing day but the welcome was warm as we met up with others who travelled in from Merriwagga, Coleambally and Griffith. The day started with devotions and then a phone link with the very helpful and friendly Librarian, during which we discovered about books available and how to join and borrow. This library is available for all members of the Uniting Church to borrow from.

The friendly library staff at CTLA-Adele, 2nd from right, assisted us that day by phone link.

Gregor then led us in the Alternate Worship workshop, starting with a worship time in the Church on the theme of nature and creation.

Table setting -Interactive display

He explained what we were about to experience and then we entered the church to find 4 small tables set up around the altar, each covered with a black cloth.


From the altar a long piece of calico, covered in writings about faith, fell down over the steps to the floor.On top of the altar a dark cloth was set with a table setting for three.


Each table carried a different display. On the first a bunch of wild flowers, on the second a bowl of dirt, then a grouping of fresh produce and finally a bowl of water.

Bible verses for meditation

We were encouraged to read the bible verses and instructions as we wandered individually around the tables. 

We could write our names on the plates set out for us on the altar as a sign of participating in God’s family.

 Each table gave an insight into the theme and food for thought. We could sit and pray or keep looking and moving around.

After a time we left that space and re-entered the hall where Gregor explained the concept further and gave more examples.

AlternateWorship forms can create some interesting and meaningful experiences

We were left with plenty to think about and as a group wondered how we might use this form of worship in our churches and communities. If you want to know more, leave a comment on the blog and we can contact you and pass on information and ideas.

*Gregor now lives in Hillston but has worked as a Youth Worker in Sydney and was involved there leading Alternate Worship and writing a resource folder called “Sacred Space”available in PDF form.