Visiting different churches - Evangelical part 3

The same day as I went to the family mass at St Tee's I also went to their '7 @ St Tees' service. This was very clearly designed as a fresh expression of worship for students and young adults such as myself. As such it really appealed to me.
To begin with there were coffee and cakes on offer as you entered the Church and everyone was happy and very welcoming.

The Church was lit by stage lighting to provide ambience throughout

At about 5 to 7 a 5 minute countdown came on the projectors accompanied by fly through of areas of natural beauty. It also had dramatic countdown music as you would associate with news programmes or such like. It was a good display, much like I used to use as a starter for lessons to help bring people's attention to the front and prepare for what's to come.
The projectors and computer were used to good effect throughout the service. From showing a video to make you think about taking time to think about God.; showing a selection of images taken from the news to help focus prayers during the intercessions; to highlighting aspects of the sermon. It is definitely a tool I will look into utilising in future ministry.

You won't see these here

The songs were again modern, but powerful in the same way classic hymns can rouse your spirit. It heightened my wish to see my tradition married with this more modern form of worship, perhaps a fresh expression I could start myself some day.
There was no communion in this service, the focus was on worship through song and through scripture.

Relax in the presence of God

It was all about being comfortable in your worship. As well as the normal chairs there were bean bags and cushions by a prayer tree so you could lie down for your worship should you want to. No-one did so this time, though the temptation was definitely there!
I will be returning to this service regularly I think. I've found another aspect of worship I enjoy participating in and would like to explore it more fully.

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