The Worldmaking Worship Series serves the people of the UMC Iowa Conference.

All clergy and laity are welcome. Register here!

Click HERE for a printable PDF brochure.




Participants said:


"Worldmaking Worship was a helpful way of getting a new perspective on how we do what is so familiar."



"You have created a space for each of us to be both faithful and filled. Thank you!"


Quotes are from participants of other Worldmaking Worship events.


What is this?

Worldmaking Worship is a series of six Friday-Saturday events in 2010-2012. 

It's purpose: to inspire and encourage leaders like you for worship renewal.

Three different sites spanning the breadth of the state make the events equally accessible to Iowans: Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque; American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls; Creighton Retreat Center in Griswold.

Each event will include information for your head, grounding worship experiences for your heart, solitude for integration and small group work for practical application in the local church.

Free teleconference calls provide connection for the community between events.


Why This, Why Now?


Amid anxiety in the world at large, there are great possibilities for renewal of faith. But there are so many changes happening right now in our communities; you may have questions about direction, and desire a creative place to explore what it all means. If possible, without pressure. If possible, with other people who are passionate about worship life.


Goals for Participants

  • Increase your confidence in engaging the congregation
  • Develop an effective, transformative and enjoyable way to design worship services in your context
  • Renew your passion for worship
  • Develop a holistic approach to congregational spirituality
  • Get your worship team and church staff on the same theological page


Overarching values held and taught

  • Worship is a subversive activity for an "alternative" community
  • Worship is spiritual formation
  • Worship is experiential, multi-sensory, multi-dimentional community-centered
  • Worship design is best done in community


Resources

  • A diverse array of music, images, worship materials, small group resources, and models for worship design
  • Teleconference calls to facilitate integration of the material.
  • Leadership by Richard and Trish Bruxvoort-Colligan: spiritual directors, composers, worship leaders of the post-modern-era church



Participants said:


"We, as a team, will walk away closer to one another and with more direction for planning worship."



"Worldmaking Worship gave us the tools and opportunities to plan authentic worship. An abundance of ideas to take back!"



Quotes are from participants of other Worldmaking Worship events.



F. A. Q. 


Who is this for?

Preachers, musicians, liturgists, worship planners, powerpoint-makers, artists, and anyone with a passion for community worship. 


Is this for individuals or church groups?

For best potency, come as a worship team. Gather your circle and say “Yes” to growing together over the next two years.


But can I come alone?

Sure. We’ll set you up with a small group to make the most of the experience.


Is this about a particular style of worship?

Nope. Content of worship will be emphasized over style. We’ll explore faithful worship, whether your church calls it “traditional,” “contemporary,” “emergent,” or “post-modern.”


Do I need to do all six events?

No, you can pick and choose. However, we'd love you to be a part of all of the whole series, and we're confident you will be nourished by the community that will develop over the course of our two years. Consider the material and the relationships part of a truly transformative season in your life.


What’s this “Worldmaking” thing about?

The term “Worldmaking” applied to worship is explored by Sigmund Mowinckel and Walter Brueggemann as a way to describe the transformative and constitutive nature of community worship. But you already knew that. It's also Richard's favorite way to approach worship as spiritual formation.


Where did this come from?

The Iowa BOD is offering this as a vibrant source of renewal and continuing education for its spiritual leaders. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan led a similar a few years ago for districts in the eastern part of the state. He is now directing this series in consultation with Rev. Linda Butler, Worship Advocate and Assistant Minister at Collegiate UMC and Wesley Student Center in Ames, IA.


What will I get?

Juice for worship renewal: new songs, a structure for designing worship with a creative team, support from other worship leaders who know what you’re going through, experiences of worship (you know, for your own spiritual life?), workshops in a relaxed retreat setting. A mix of theology for the head and spirituality for the heart.


Will this be enjoyable and fulfilling? Or a complete waste of my time, energy and funds?

We’re aiming for the former. Consider it an investment in your congregation’s worship life for the next decade as well as your personal renewal of call.


Okay. How much?

$117.00 per person for each event. That includes lodging and meals.

Early-bird discount: $107.00 per person if you make the deadline.

Save $10 for each additional person from your church. Such a deal.

Register now!