How We Worship

What Worship Means

Worship is central for faith. It is where we come together within our lives and consciously seek to encounter the God who created us and loves us. We worship to bring our whole selves before God in thanksgiving, petition, and praise. Worship is a challenge that helps us to grow in our faith and our service to the world.  Worship comforts us, bringing us together as the Body of Christ in the familiar embrace of God and our brothers and sisters. Worship is a celebration. Through it, we are reminded who and whose we are in faith, pointing us toward God and toward one another in love..

With this in mind, we worship in many ways and with many voices. At times, we sing our praises. At times, we wait for God to speak into the silence. We hear from one another, both with prepared thoughts from the pulpit, and in spontaneous response from the congregation. The role of preaching is shared with all who have gifting and interest in bringing a word from God. Response and reflection is encouraged in worship, so as to open ourselves to the discernment of many voices, not just one. We make assertions and we ask questions together, like: What it means to have faith? What does the life of faith requires of us? What it means to 'love God with heart, mind and soul… and our neighbors as ourselves'?  Our faith is a journey, and we take it together.

What is the Flavor of Worship at Shalom?

• Atmosphere: Sunday worship is an open, accepting space to bring ideas and questions. While we firmly value our Anabaptist identity, we strive to create a safe environment that celebrates the diverse traditions and voices inherent in an urban context. Dress is casual and comfortable.
• Style: While our tone is usually informal, the "feel" can range from celebratory and free-flowing, to traditional, or to more contemplative. Worship leaders enjoy the freedom to innovate or to remain on a more familiar path.
• Leadership: A healthy mix of our members regularly take turns leading the services, planned in conjunction with the morning speaker.
• Preaching: The pastor delivers the morning message slightly over half the time, drawing from the Revised Common Lectionary or series themes. Other Sundays, members might share stories or personal reflections from their own lives.
• Music: Shalom sings a wide variety of songs from three different songbooks and one digital collection (projected). Many musicians contribute to our rich tapestry of music, from four part unaccompanied hymns to spirited ethnic rhythms.
• Time for Reflection: A regular feature most Sundays is a communal space for spoken response or contemplative silence. The Word comes to us in many ways!
• Transition: As with many urban congregations, turnover is a fact of life. We are always eager for new attenders to join in as speakers, worship leaders, song leaders, or accompanists.