UCC Studies: Worship and Music

Updated Course Description and Outline Coming Soon

(Course Description and Outline From Jan 2023)

PURPOSE:

One of the most powerful ways a community of faith expresses its call from God and identity in the world is through its liturgical practice. A congregation’s articulation of the vision of God’s purpose for its communal life is mediated through its liturgy. Strong, theologically rooted worship supports robust relationships and powerful ministry.

The identity of the United Church of Canada is rooted in the reformed tradition and also in the contextually relevant (and therefore diverse) ways our people know and praise God. Evident in United Church worship and spiritual practice are both respect for the tradition that has formed us and also commitment to renewal of that tradition with creative expression that is inclusive and accessible.

In this course we will supplement students’ understanding of the foundations of liturgy by exploring worship traditions and practice within the United Church of Canada. The course will prepare students for worship leadership with a combination of hands-on practice, planning and preparation of liturgy, as well as reflection on the theological currents that undergird our choices of language, music, gesture and aesthetics in worship leadership.

PREREQUISITES:

There are no course prerequisites although LS 500 Introduction to Christian Worship (or similar) is advisable. It is strongly recommended that students are currently rooted in a United Church worshipping community for the purpose of observation, reflection and practice of worship leadership.

In person only (no Zoom)