The church leaders of today are often faced with the huge and wonderful challenge of designing a church service that appeals to all ages. Can our differing needs ever be met in the same hour?
All Church of England priests taking up a parish appointment are asked at their installation to affirm that they will ‘proclaim afresh in each generation’ the faith that they have inherited. This inheritance reflects statements of belief agreed at the Reformation and recorded as the Thirty-nine Articles, which still stand today as the bedrock of Anglican doctrine:
It is not necessary that Traditions and Ceremonies be in all places one, and utterly like; they may be changed according to the diversities of countries, times, and manners.
In Bowdon we are eager to foster a diversity of styles of worship and hold a wide range of services. In our services specifically designed for all ages (weekly in Zone2, monthly in St Luke’s and St Mary’s) we too commit to proclaiming afresh the gospel to our newest digital generation of active learners. We use accessible language, affirm their contributions and give outlet to their desire to give and serve, whilst loving, teaching, guiding and enjoying their company.
Of course there is occasional joyful chaos, although not nearly as much as you might expect. At times they humble and surprise us: one by one the whole room of 30 children, including the babies, fell silent at 11am during the Remembrance Day service in Zone2.
And for the adults? Deep truth expressed simply is of lasting value to old and young alike, and was often the way that Jesus taught. We have much to learn from him.
Julia Dow, Parish Development