Creative Liturgy seminars attract more than 150 people

Tuesday October 27th 2009

Bishop Alan, the Rev Ken Houston, the Rev Denise Acheson and the Rev Peter McDowell with members of Ballyclare and Dunmurry parishes at one of the seminars. Connor Diocese recently held four seminars across the diocese outlining ways to be creative in the use of liturgy.

The Rev Peter McDowell (Diocesan Liturgical Officer) supported by Bishop Alan Abernethy delivered the seminars to more than 150 clergy, lay readers, parish readers and others involved in the delivery of worship.

Mr McDowell put forward a model of excellence, encouraging all to take time to prepare, be authentic, Some of those who attended the Creative Liturgy seminars. collaborative, relevant, inclusive, and in all things be prayerful. He outlined a range of resources available to help support the ‘Service of the Word’. He encouraged those present to try new things through letting the congregation know what changes are coming and also being prepared to admit if new things don’t work.

Bishop Alan outlined the biblical heritage of liturgy and how it is relevant to us today. He wanted to encourage creative liturgy with the structure of the prayer book. There was some lively discussion at each seminar and those who attended appreciated the opportunity to discuss the subject.

Connor Diocesan Training Council hopes to organise further events around worship in the future.