16. Worship Observations/Reflections

12/1, 11:30a
On the way home in the car
Dawn and Amy

No right angles in sanctuary
Cinder block walls but still classy
Lots of light
Good acoustics
Chairs cushioned
60 chairs in semi circle, three rows
Music with electronic keyboard (well done, didn't sound cheesy)
Drums in the room but weren't used
Fred wore a collar but didn't vest
Bright banner on one end
Table/altar in middle

Enter through short passageway
One of the hospitality men (residents) was there to give us hymnal, greet us, etc.
35-40 worshipers
60% traditional undergrad student age
Five couples that have graduated
Pastor's wife and mother-in-law
Member of the board
Keyboard playing as we entered
Fred entered through a different door but also from the narthex (no sacristy)
Felt informal but we used the green book
No microphones (good acoustics and small enough)
Started with announcements
Tuesday Bible Study canceled
Wednesday Bible Study is at 9:00
Alpha starting soon (told them about the grant and the program)
Asked if he forgot any announcements
Fred explained about the page numbers
Called hymns songs
Explained the advent wreath
Had someone else read lessons, psalm and prayer
Looked around at everyone during sermon
Sermon very relevant and also intellectual
Knows that everyone in room is somewhat educated
Passing of the peace
Fred encouraged everyone to start with someone they didn't know
Some walked around to pass the peace with more people
Time was allowed for people to add prayers of the church, but only Fred did (a lay person had started the prayers)

Communion in a circle
Fred served everyone bread (good bread!)
A lay couple helped with wine and cups
All hold hands for the benediction
Everyone put their hymnal back on a cart that also had many other types of hymnals
Only one main exit door
Most talked to Fred on way out
Many stayed to eat cookies and brownies in the narthex but it was more of a hallway (not much room)
People very friendly to us!