Ways of Worship (WOW)

A Middle School Program That Combines Creative Arts & Social Action

Ann Willever, MRE
First Parish
Concord, MA ( 2003–2005)

The Ways of Worship (WOW) program was designed to provide creative arts programming, a tradition for middle school youth at First Parish, Concord, MA, through a process that culminates in a full-worship service, designed and created by youth. The program, accomplished during one-hour religious education sessions for half of the church year, focuses on the development of a theme through creative endeavors. It provides a manageable time commitment for adults and youth and flexible programming that is shaped by the interests and passions of program participants.

The goals of the program for youth are:

• keep youth excited about coming to church by offering a format that is different from regular RE
• help youth connect with one another
• offer opportunities to explore, create, and take risks within a safe and nurturing environment
• allow youth a chance to shine, to be seen, to have their voices heard
• maintain a spiritual component and connection to First Parish.

The goals of the program for adults and the wider congregation are:

• allow adults to share their passions for the arts and social action with young people, and to express their own creative spirits
• develop an understanding of worship theory and format
• offer the congregation a meaningful worship experience.

How it worked

Prior to launching Ways of Worship, we recruited leaders for different arts-based workshops. The interests and talents of the leaders shaped what was offered to youth. Teams of two volunteers to lead each workshop were identified, as was another team to be the overall WOW coordinators. In addition, I arranged logistics (space) for each workshop and the date for the culminating worship service.

Ways of Worship was introduced in September to the 7th and 8th graders. During the first two weeks, community building activities were offered to the whole group. Early in the process, the senior minister met with the young people to discuss with them the differences between performance and worship leadership. Next, leaders worked with the youth to choose a theme for the worship service in December. Youth raised several ideas and leaders guided discussions. For example, at one point youth were interested in “ Hawaii ” as a theme. Discussion leaders explored with the group what aspects of Hawaii was interesting and generated ideas for themes that might include Hawaii but provide a larger avenue for breadth and depth—like paradise or islands. The themes were discussed and voted on.

After a brief introduction from each workshop leader, youth chose from several workshop options. They met in their respective workshops each week during the fall to explore and create ideas related to the chosen theme. The specific programming of the workshops was up to the individual workshop leader teams. During the last two weeks, each workshop focused more intentionally on their part in the culminating worship service.

Workshops were offered in visual arts, drama, instrumental music, dance, and social action. In visual arts there was initially time spent experimenting with various media. Later there was more focused preparation of materials, including props and backdrops for use in the worship service. The drama workshop used improvisation and storytelling exercises to explore the theme. The instrumental music workshop began by learning the hymn “Spirit of Life,” which is part of the prayer offering every week. Then the group decided what other pieces they would like to play. The biggest challenges for the leaders were to meld instruments that wouldn't ordinarily be found in a musical combo together, and to accommodate diverse levels of playing ability. The dance workshop was open to those with or without previous dance experience. There were opportunities for creative expression and also to learn two choreographed pieces. In the social action workshop, youth were asked to bring their own ideas of how they could be of service. Some chose to clean up the neighboring river, which proved to be a wonderful opportunity for community building and sharing. Others learned about and raised money for a hunger-relief project.

The Final Worship Service

The final worship service was stunning. The sanctuary was decorated with an array of beautiful artwork created by the visual arts workshop. The service included two performance pieces and several readings by the drama workshop. There was a slide presentation of the river cleanup project, set to music, and narrated by participants. The instrumental music combo did the prelude and postlude and accompanied congregational singing. The dancers danced and our youth Gospel choir of middle- and high school students added special music! The whole congregation appreciated the gifts and talents that the youth shared during the worship service, and watching the older ones enthralled the younger children. In addition, the 8th graders gained a valuable experience in shaping a worship service—a task they will perform again as part of the high school youth program.

Feedback from youth and adult participants was quite positive. Youth enjoyed the chance to learn more about how a worship service is created. Several found their voice and were able to speak into a microphone before a large congregation for the very first time. Adults spoke of both the challenge and joy of working with young people through the creative process.