A Worshipping People
Gretchen S. Jordan, Christian Education Director

Worship is central to our faith. We gather each Sunday, and often times in between, as a community of believers to give praise, lift thanksgiving, confess our sins, and petition God for help in our lives and the lives of others. It is a critical part of being the Church. Most of us learned the act of worship through participation. Some of us received instruction at some point along our journeys which may have helped us to experience God in new and different ways perhaps even more fully. The Chapel of the Cross has recognized the importance of both instruction and participation. Most Sundays, while many are gathered in the church for worship, our 2, 3, 4, and 5 year-olds are also gathered in a sacred space for worship.

These children engage in the very same acts of worship—praise, thanksgiving, confession, prayer, and experience with scripture. They recognize the change in the liturgical seasons, both in the liturgical colors and through the mood that is set. Children have their first opportunity to serve as acolytes by processing with the Crucifer, the Cross, and the Bible as they enter the Chapel. The children respond to "Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit" and "The Lord be with you." They gather around the organ to sing the gloria in excelsis, sanctus, and hymns. In a circle beneath the altar, they share their joys and their concerns, gathering them all up in prayer to God. There is time to sit in the quiet of the chapel and listen. It is holy, and mystery surrounds them.

This year we are taking a new leadership approach. Gale Yeager has coordinated and led this wonderful program for most of a 20- year period. As she moves toward retirement, Gale will work with newly recruited volunteers in training and support. We give thanks to God for Gale, her dedication and spirit shared with our youngest over the years. Many of you have reaped the benefits of her leadership either for yourselves or your children. You are invited to shower Gale with notes of thanks.

Leadership this year will include Jean Anlucken, Greg Bell, Hazel Shepherd, Kesslyn Tench, Julia Teasly, Janine Edmundson, Joy Gattis, and Gretchen Jordan. A new program for third, fourth, and fifth graders will soon be introduced for them to serve as assistants in the Children’s Chapel program. Additional adult leadership is needed. If you have interest or willingness in working in this program, contact Gretchen Jordan.