Mosaic

By Eileen Gathman

What a thrill it has been developing Central's Worship Arts Ministry. I've enjoyed getting to know a broad range of our congregation and working with them to bring God fragrant offerings of worship. Even more so, I've been blessed in watching God's Holy Spirit move through our worship services, from the behind-the-scenes planning to the actual experience of His people gathered. Our God is amazingly creative and He delights in us giving Him the glory due His name with excellence and zeal.

God has been using the same creativity, if not more, to inspire artists to minister hope and healing to the lives of the broken and lost people in our communities and our world. Music, drama, visual arts, dance have all been used to change lives, from Parkville to Guatemala. I believe it is our responsibility to create an environment where God is glorified and exalted, where His Word is read and taught, and where we have the opportunity to respond to Jesus' invitation to follow him, all in fresh and creative ways.

On September 11th, the current First Light and EPIC worship teams and planning efforts will combine to create a brand new service called Mosaic that strives to be that creative environment where broken people express an ancient faith in today's language. Together, in the context of a community, we are engaged in creative, multi-generational, and diverse worship exalting the Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. We are, as 1 Peter 2:5 says, "like living stones being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Our desire is to gather these living stones, these people of all ages, races, and expressions of life, recognizing our brokenness and our need for God's Truth to direct our steps, and allow God to piece us together into a beautiful mosaic.

As I've observed and had conversations with many folks in the planning process and from the congregation, unifying the services seems a timely effort. For those who are involved on the worship teams, it aligns with Central's vision to encourage disciples to serve in their "sweet-spot" ~ that place where passion and giftedness come together to bless God and His people. For those in the congregation, it gives people the opportunity to worship more freely, not bound by limitations of style.

In all of this, I understand that some of you might be saying, "I liked the way things were," or perhaps some of you still don't quite understand what's happening. If you have questions like these or feel that you need to express concerns, I have several suggestions. First, come to the first service on September 11th and experience for yourself some of what Mosaic will be. Remember, you can come to either 8:15 or 11:30 and have an identical experience. Second, I invite you to come to me. I'd prefer to spend time helping people understand the heart behind this change rather than to hear from others that "people are talking." Third, Rob Smith is offering his time as a Session member to also help folks through this transition. Last, Pastor John invites you to come to him.

Please know that much prayer and counsel have gone into this decision and that we've sought God's leading every step of the way. It is an honor to serve you, the congregation, in leading a team of passionate artists who desire to see God alone glorified in our worship.