Reimagining Worship
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Over the last several years, church council and members of the staff have been monitoring various aspects of community life such as worship attendance trends, the desire for many to worship virtually, and declining rates of volunteerism. Attention to trends was heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to be church now.
Our church leaders have been in a season of listening as they have learned about shifts in generations, volunteerism, and how other congregations are adapting. The council has sought to address these changes by reimagining worship and considering how we gather in our ever-changing world. Various church meetings, conversations with youth and families, brainstorming sessions with staff, and meetings with individuals have been taking place over the course of this year to better understand the needs and realities of our congregation. You can find notes from these congregational conversations at the bottom of this page. The plan for the 2024-2025 program year can be found by clicking on the button 2024-2025 WORSHIP AND EDUCATION SCHEDULE with more details below. A word of thanks from the Church council for all of your engagement, work, and support as we plan for the future. |
Worship & Education Schedule Updated Proposal: Approved June 11, 2024
As members of the Church council and congregation listened to the diverse experiences and ideas within St. Michael's, it became clear how these conversations expand beyond the worship service to encompass greater community engagement, around how we gather as community and create meaningful connections. Visitors, new members, and long-time members shared their experiences, bringing a deeper awareness to how essential worship, education, and service opportunities are to relationship-building and community life.
Taking all of the stories and experiences into account, various draft proposals for worship and education were created; one version was developed and modified to include further feedback from committees, congregants, and staff. The church council reviewed and discussed the modified proposal when they met on June 11th. The council voted unanimously to approve the presented proposal for the 2024-2025 program year, with the proposal to be assessed at the end of the program year. The church leadership also wants to emphasize that the curiosity of changing worship/education is not motivated by financial stress or staffing concerns but are a response to the desire to build on the vibrancy and connection of the congregation, attendance trends, and volunteerism.
Taking all of the stories and experiences into account, various draft proposals for worship and education were created; one version was developed and modified to include further feedback from committees, congregants, and staff. The church council reviewed and discussed the modified proposal when they met on June 11th. The council voted unanimously to approve the presented proposal for the 2024-2025 program year, with the proposal to be assessed at the end of the program year. The church leadership also wants to emphasize that the curiosity of changing worship/education is not motivated by financial stress or staffing concerns but are a response to the desire to build on the vibrancy and connection of the congregation, attendance trends, and volunteerism.
An Overview & Notes from Congregational Conversations
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Throughout the Lenten soup suppers, attendees were invited to reflect and discuss their worship experiences and the significance of those experiences on their faith and sense of community. Then on March 3rd, the congregation was invited to a conversation regarding what vibrant worship means to them. They reflected and responded to worship attendance trends. They also shared joys and challenges to staying connected as a congregation. Comments and questions from that conversation are available below.
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On April 21st & 28th, families of children and youth were invited to a facilitated conversation around their experiences in worship, education, and community life. They also shared their experiences of connection within the congregation. Earlier in March, youth and confirmation students discussed their experiences and ideas for worship. Comments and questions from those conversations are available below.
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On May 5th, the congregation was invited to attend facilitated small group discussions. These conversations focused on the current worship and education schedule and sought ideas for possible changes. Church leadership prepared one worship and education schedule alongside the current model for small groups to respond to. That proposal was based on feedback generated on March 3rd, April 21st, and April 28th. Comments and questions from those conversations are available below.
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St. Michael's Lutheran Church
1660 West County Road B Roseville, MN 55113 651-631-1510 Worship Service Times September through May: Sunday 10:00 a.m. & Wednesday 6:10 pm. (7:00 p.m. in Lent) June through August: Sunday 10:00 a.m. & Monday 7:00 p.m. (except holidays) |
