Acts
From SUMC Wiki
[edit] Why was the name Acts II chosen?
In Acts 2(1-21) the apostles are able to speak so that everyone can hear the good news in his or her own language. During the Acts II service at Shen, the pastors engage those attending in the message through multiple means including video clips, contemporary music, small group discussions (for those who choose) and other means of interactive contemplation. These varied ways truly do allow for the folks attending the Acts II service to hear the message in their “own language”.
[edit] What makes this service different from the traditional services? Are there any similarities to the traditional services?
These emergent services can vary greatly from week to week. Instead of organ (and other) music that may be heard in a traditional service, contemporary (and at times secular) music is used during the service. Music is often brought to the group in a manner that combines visual media with music. Requests for prayer are shared by those who choose, as are joys, with the group. Sometimes contemplation occurs in multisensory means; for instance, through sculpting, writing, drawing or weaving. Interaction with the other attendees (for those who to participate in various small groups) is an aspect of the service that many attendees of the Acts II service find most meaningful.
[edit] Who plans the services?
The pastors, along with a worship planning team, prepare the services to be interactive and uplifting. Those interested in working with this team are welcome to join in.
[edit] Who can I contact for more information?
Donna Rischbieter via e-mail at dlrisch at nycap.rr.com Jennifer Pettis via e-mail at jpettis at nycap.rr.com
[edit] Are there Acts II services on holidays such as Easter and Christmas Eve?
The Acts II service on Easter in 2009 was a wonderful celebration for those in attendance. During the Lenten season, with the involvement of the youth of the church, there were many contemporary worship opportunities. The pastors and the Acts II worship team have much more planned for holiday seasons to come.
[edit] Why is it described as a coffeehouse style setting?
The Hearth Room at the church is used for the Acts II service. The attendees are seated at small tables or on comfy sofas. They are welcome to enjoy a beverage while worshipping and have opportunities during service to interact with those around them. It’s a comfortable, casual, welcoming setting.
[edit] What happens at Acts II for the kids?
There is a children’s story for the kids in attendance; kids often enjoy the service a great deal because of the interactive, multimedia nature.
[edit] Here's what people who attend Acts II are saying:
[edit] What makes Acts II special for you?
• Small group discussions. Making gospel applicable to everyday life. Pastor Alan’s gift for interpreting gospels.
• I like the small size. Also the coffee table set-up makes it easier to greet and mix with other people worshiping.
• It is less formal; more spirit-led time to enter into God’s presence. That it is a small group makes it more personal and special.
• The informal, casual setting is comfortable and welcoming. Sitting around coffee-house style tables promotes interaction with others. The small setting lends to the attendees feeling that the pastor is speaking directly to them. The messages are always meaningful for both adults and children. The music is wonderful!
• I like the more interactive casual service. I especially like when prayers of concern can be spoken and not just written on a prayer card.
• The music sounds current or is current. I like the informality (I can sit on the couch, the floor, wherever). The service is less “tradition” and is more about a relationship with God than keeping religious tradition.
[edit] How does the different format of the Acts II worship service enrich your personal relationship with God?
• I love both traditional and contemporary – sometimes I just listen better when I am not in a routine setting.
• I feel more connected to the others who are worshipping with me, feeling a presence of God within them.
• In the few times I have come, I have had more “God” moments than the six years in regular church services.
• When prayer requests for joys and concerns are shared it is often extremely moving and those in attendance are truly sharing in each others sadness or joy. Recently, my husband shared a concern with tears in his eyes – I have never seen this happen for him in a formal church service – at that moment, I felt more than ever that Acts II was where we were connecting with God.
• It makes it difficult to hear from God when sitting in a pew and a format is being strictly followed. Each receives as he prepares himself to receive. With Acts II, each is free to worship as he is led and this is how I worship at home. It is somehow more freeing.
• The Acts II worship seems to really praise God and give some insight to how to live your daily life without being preached at. It makes you think and interact more about how to be a better Christian, than just hearing it.
