Worship Committee

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
General Purpose
To nurture the corporate worship life of OUC as inspiring, celebrative, and centered on the faithful preaching of the word of God and the celebration of the sacraments.  
Composition
The committee shall consist of the ministers, the music director, one member of Council who shall serve as chair, and at least two other members of the congregation (who liaise with other groups responsible for aspects of the worship ministry).   An effort is made to ensure the committee is representative of the makeup of the congregation in terms of gender, age, ethnic balance.   Anyone from the congregation who has a desire for meaningful worship, is committed to seeing worship come alive and has a genuine interest in worship and music is invited to participate in the committee. The term of service is indefinite and may be for several months or several years depending on interest and availability.  
Meetings
On a regular basis, usually the first Tuesday evening of each month except July and August.  
General Duties
To plan worship services that are theologically sound and spiritually uplifting as follows:
  • Plan the broad schedule of services for the year and each season within it
  • Respond sensitively to immediate situations that affect the life of the congregation and requests for special services and outside group participation. These shall include non-Sunday services such as services of prayer, praise, etc
  • Develop creative ideas for worship, including themes and arts
  • Plan and coordinate other related aspects such as the visual and dramatic elements in worship 
To arrange for pulpit supply as needed.
To make reports and recommendations, as necessary, to Council.
To make budget recommendations to the finance committee.
To review and resolve issues regarding worship brought forth by members of the congregation.
To reflect on the effectiveness of worship services.
To invite members of the congregation to contribute their gifts to the worship life of the congregation.
To coordinate with other groups & key persons on matters affecting worship services.
To be involved in an on-going basis in learning about worship in order to carry out the committee’s mandate intelligently and in an informed manner.  
Other Worship Related Groups:
Music subcommittee assists the director of music in selecting, scheduling and evaluating all dimensions of the music ministry.
Visual arts group provides attractive and appropriate banners, paraments, visual symbols, and other artwork. 
Worship environment group prepares the sanctuary each week providing candles, flowers, table coverings, other seasonal decorations as decided by Worship Committee; cleans brass candlesticks and pews.  
Lay readers group reads scripture as requested by the ministers.  

Drama group develops or adapts dramas, readings, & tableaux based on Scripture, coaches participants and presents dramas in worship. (Ad hoc so far)

Revised April 2004