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WAREHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Ways of Worshipping

Dear Friends,

What is your favourite hymn? Mine is probably 'Be still for the
presence of the Lord, the holy one is here'. I expect you know it,
although it is not in 'Rejoice and Sing' but is included in the BBC
'Songs of Praise' hymn book. It is a hymn which encourages us to
take time, be quiet and be in awe of our God who is holy, whose
glory shines around us and whose power moves around us.

You might prefer a more lively hymn like 'We will go out with joy'
with its dancing upbeat rhythm. Or perhaps a reassuring hymn like
'Great is Thy faithfulness', or one like 'Just as I am', which speaks
to the human condition of sinfulness but responds to Jesus' call to
come to Him.

There are hymns for every taste, mood
and personality, as there are styles of
worship for every personality. Brought
up an Anglican, I was very familiar with
the 1662 Prayer Book, but was drawn
to the informality and diversity of URC
worship. We are blessed that in the
URC we have so many different voices
leading our worship. That is not to say that we will not miss our
Minister's leading worship when he goes, for we will.

Evangelical worship with its modern music settings and spontaneity
appeals to many people. When I watch an Evangelical service on
TV, I can't help feeling impressed by the congregation's
enthusiasm, but I personally feel more comfortable with a more
traditional style of worship.

All roads lead to the Lord it is true, but we have to be careful not to
get so stuck in our ways that we don't want to try something

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