What is liturgy?
The Liturgy is the word we use in the church to describe the actual process of what we do together at church in our services. To help us do and say things together in an orderly way in worship, and to give God plenty of room to speak to us and act for us, the church has written 'orders of service'. It is made up of prayers, Bible readings, songs, hymns and special rituals. All these various parts of worship tend happen in a set pattern, with the same sort of content each time, but different music, Bible readings and prayers each time.
The Pastor leads
“The Liturgy” is the overall framework or pattern we use. We use different forms of this over the month, to provide variety and a change of styles. Some are more formal and others more informal. So it is a framework which we use flexibly.
The liturgy (used in it all its various styles and forms) is part of the oldest practice of the church in its worship, and we value it highly as the means through God actually acts and works in our lives. The liturgy consists of words and actions spoken and done by God for us (the minister usually takes these parts) and words and actions by the congregation in response.
The congregation responds
The Liturgy provides a consistent biblical focus to our worship, and keeps us on track God declares his forgiveness of our sins through the confession and absolution. God also comes to us through Word and Holy Communion (the Eucharist), using his Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, to strengthen our faith. So it is more than just human ceremonies; it enacts or “performs” God’s love in our lives. The word “Liturgy” means the service that our God does for us and then also our response to him in prayer and praise.
Liturgical settings
We use a monthly cycle of communion liturgies. Each uses standard forms for the words, with different musical settings.
| Week | Ringwood | Knox |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modern order, with band | Service with Communion from the Lutheran hymnal with supplement |
| 2 | Service - alternate form from the Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement | Music by John Ylvisaker and Robin Mann |
| 3 | Rejoice order, with Kid's Band |
Chataway setting from This is the Feast |
| 4 | Supplement order | Music by Sue Westhorp and by Francine Schultz and Tanya Pohl from This is the Feast |