wfn.org | ‘Worship wars' topic of lecture series

["Disciples Off. of Communication"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: September 29, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99a-64

By Don Lanier, Director of Public Relations, Phillips Theological Seminary 

	TULSA (DNS) - - Peace is possible in the worship wars some congregations 
are facing but it won't come fast and it probably won't be easy, according 
to one authority.  Author and minister O.I. "Cricket" Harrison, of Twin 
Falls, Idaho, made that prediction recently at Phillips Theological 
Seminary in Tulsa, Okla. 

	She was the featured speaker at the annual Oreon E. Scott lectures hosted 
by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) - related seminary. The 
theme, "Beyond the Worship Wars" focused on the turmoil many congregations 
are in as some members cling to traditional worship forms while others 
press for contemporary variations. 

	Harrison said the controversy could be a blessing if it causes the 
congregation to study what worship is.  She urges congregations to ask 
"who is God, and what does God want of us in this place and in this 
time?"

	The minister of the congregation, she suggested, should invite the 
musicians of the church, the elders and deacons to explore what is 
authentic worship for them.  She also proposes a series of evenings when 
people in the congregations could tell what music touches their souls and 
why. 

	"It makes a difference," she said, " if this particular hymn or 
contemporary song means a lot to you.  It may not be my music, but if it 
speaks to your soul - - and you tell me why it does - - then I am more 
likely to try to appreciate it." 

	Harrison also described worship as "a habitat," which she admitted is a 
new concept she is still refining. "Worship," she said, "is a habitat in 
which God and the congregation dwell. It is where people experience God's 
presence."  It is in this habitat that people discover who they are and 
who they are to be. 

	Christian worship can occur in various forms, she noted. She believes 
experimentation could be a good idea if it follows careful study and 
preparation by the congregation. "Worship is the response of the people to 
the goodness of God. It can take many forms, and can be expressed in many 
ways," she said.  But changes should be made for the right reasons, which 
will likely become clear after serious theological reflection and a period 
of listening and learning from one another. 

	The Rev. Cricket Harrison, in addition to being pastor of Valley 
Christian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho, helped create the Chalice Hymnal 
and is co-editor of Chalice Worship. She is pursuing a Ph.D. degree at 
Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology.

	The lecture series is endowed by the Oreon E. Scott Foundation, which is 
administered by the Christian Church Foundation. 

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