Vibrant Word Services Kick Off


Format brings generations together in interactive worship BY KATHY SCHMIED


On Sunday morning, October 20, almost 300 people gathered in Fellowship Hall to participate in an experience intended to engage all generations in worshipping and learning together as FPCA launched its inaugural Vibrant Word service.


Te Vibrant Word service was conceived out of a desire to intentionally involve all ages of our faith community in learning and worshipping together. We acknowledged that there are many ways in which this could be achieved and decided that we would conduct some experiments, believing that God and our First Presbyterian community would embrace our intentions and offer grace if we missed a mark!


We envision that each of the four Vibrant Word services to be held during this worship year will be unique. Every individual has a personal image of what worship looks, sounds, and feels like. For some, the atmosphere is reverent. For some, music heightens the worship experience. For others, a


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thought-provoking sermon is a must. Independent of these elements, most worshippers come seeking a personal connection with God and longing to hear God’s message to them.


Tis is the key principle around which Vibrant Word is designed—creating an experience that allows worshippers to be immersed in hearing God’s Word, identifying a personal response, and feeling compelled to living out that response in daily life. Worship should not only inform us and form us into God’s people, but also transform us to become new in Christ.


Because October 20 was the Sunday before Stewardship dedication, the Vibrant Word planning team wanted to allow worshippers to understand the many ways in which God has called each of us to be caretakers of God’s bountiful gifts. How could all ages be integral in meaningfully communicating that message? How could the message engage and provoke thinking in all ages? What experiences would help transform us?


For some worshippers on October 20, worship was powerful and transforming. For others, it provided a unique and interesting experience. Some worshippers felt that what they experienced wasn’t worship. Vibrant Word is not intended to be everything for all people; it is intended to allow people of all ages to enjoy a shared experience that honors God and provides the capacity for transformation.


Te next three Vibrant Word worship services will be nothing like the one on October 20. Nor will numbers three and four resemble number two! Each will stand alone, offering an opportunity to experience God and God’s Word to us all in a vibrant, enriched setting.


Te Vibrant Word service on Saturday, January 4, in Fellowship Hall, was designed to coincide with Epiphany, the day commemorating the Christ child being presented to the Magi. Attendees could stay and enjoy refreshments and fellowship afterward.


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