Worship at UNCSW 57

As a liturgy geek and addict, whenever I attend a faith related conference, I am always excited for the opportunity to worship with a new group of people; to become a part of a temporary worshiping community, concerned with the issues of the particular gathering. Each person brings their own worship traditions with them as gifts and skills they offer, but I have found there is always a more willing suspension of 'the usual' in these contexts and people are willing to lay down their liturgical baggage for the sake of coming together as a community for this short time. There is also an effort to make conference worship special and thus people bring their best to the table. In the ecumenical context of UNCSW, this produces varied and moving worship in which there is enthusiastic participation. 

Another unique feature of worship at CSW is that it is almost entirely planned and lead by women. For many Church goers, even in contexts where women are the majority of the congregation (that is most Churches) or where women are able to be ordained, they are still often in the minority in planning and leadership roles. In addition, the worship itself is explicitly concerned with the lives and experiences of women - another less frequent part of Christian worship. It makes me think that this might be what it's like to worship with nuns - and I think nuns are swell. This is mostly because in the context of the Catholic Church, by virtue of being women, communities of nuns operate outside the Church hierarchy (because they are excluded from it which is a real shame for the Church), yet in an explicitly Church related context. They are both opting in and opting out at the same time. I am probably not explaining the paradox all that clearly, but hopefully you get what I am saying. In any case, worshiping in this context can be really cool.

Below are some images from worship over the past two weeks along with brief explanations in a few cases. I hope they help folks to see what it is like to worship in this context.

A collection of objects on the altar in the Chapel, some were added over the course of some of the services whereas others remained there for the duration of the conference.

Gathering for worship in the Chapel at the UN Church Center

Women from a variety of countries and traditions shared their stories and had an opportunity to lead worship.

Out of the shadows art project in the background on the Chapel walls.

Who says Anglicans don't sit in the front pew? This pew has many of the delegates from the International Anglican Women's Network.

Dance and movement are incorporated into prayer and music during worship.

Worship is lead mainly in English, but often includes readings, prayers or stories in other languages that are then translated.

Biblical reflection done in dialogue form between two women.

Movement around the Chapel is a regular feature of worship at UNCSW

Walking and dancing around the Chapel.

An Officer from the Salvation Army leads the congregation in song.

Salvation Army Timbrel Dancing

Anglican Women lead worship.

Musical support for worship provided by local musicians