wfn.org | Plans Nearly Complete for Global Worship Service on Satellite TV

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17-September-1996 
 
 
96355    Plans Nearly Complete for Global Worship Service 
                         on Satellite TV 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Through the wonders of satellite technology and the work 
of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, Christians on three continents will 
worship together on October 6 -- World Communion Sunday. 
 
     The innovative "interactive global Communion worship experience" will 
orginate from four worship sites: Hawkeye Carver Arena on the campus of the 
University of Iowa in Iowa City (hosted by East Iowa Presbytery); First 
Presbyterian Church in Neenah, Wis., in Winnebago Presbytery; Iglesia 
Presbiteriana "Principe de Paz," an inner-city church in Caracas, Venezuela 
(a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Venezuela; and Bridgetown 
Presbyterian Church in Cape Town, South Africa, a congregation of the 
Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. 
 
     "This is a historic event that will allow Presbyterians within the 
Synod of Lakes and Prairies to participate interactively in a special World 
Communion Sunday worship experience with Presbyterians in Caracas and Cape 
Town," Sandra K. Wagener, associate synod executive for mission and 
stewardship, told "Presbyterian Life & Times," the synod's newsletter.  "We 
hope people will gain an increased appreciation of the diversity of worship 
styles in different cultures while recognizing each is in a connected 
Presbyterian context." 
 
     In addition to the two U.S.-based uplink sites in Iowa and Wisconsin, 
the synod is providing funds for one downlink facility in each presbytery 
within the synod. 
 
     Jose Villarreal, the synod's associate executive for communication and 
video production, explained the technical basics: "We will have uplink 
sites in Caracas and Cape Town, as well as Neenah and Iowa City.  This is 
where the worship will originate.  At the many planned downlink sites, 
Presbyterians can gather together and participate interactively in the 
worship service through music, liturgy and the sacrament of Holy 
Communion." 
 
     Wagener and Villarreal traveled to Venezuela and South Africa in May 
to lay the groundwork for the simulcast. 
 
     The synod is also providing the opportunity for each presbytery to 
have a "Mission to the U.S.A." colleague from Latin America on hand at each 
downlink site to help interpret the events of the day and to kick off the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) "Year with Latin Americans" emphasis. 
 
     Funding for the day's events comes from a Bicentennial Fund grant and 
a partnership between the synod and the Worldwide Ministries Division in 
Louisville. 
 
(Information for this story furnished by Roxann Miller, editor of 
"Presbyterian Life & Times") 

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