Sound and Silence Worship Theme

HOOK: Have as much noise as possible in the space…tv, radio, fan, etc during the opening…it will be difficult for people to hear and this is the point…slowly turn things off, 1 by 1 as you are talking until there is silence.

THEME: Sound and Silence. This theme seeks to help persons understand that God maybe found both in the sound and silence of our lives and that both are needed. Can balance be sought?

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46.10; Psalm 98.4

EXPERIENCE: Once quiet, then lead centering prayer: “It seems that you must knock very loudly to catch my attention. Something else, someone else, anything else, anyone else has an easier time catching my ear. I am busy about many things when only one thing matters. Please knock again. Here in the silence of the morning/night I am listening. Speak, Divine, your servant is listening” (John Kirvan, God Hunger, 99).

Then for a period of time (30-45-60 minutes depending on length of service), sit in silence with a “break” every 10 minutes using a song or Scripture verse to intertwine both sound and silence in a sacred manner.

SENDING:
God of both sound and silence, fill us with a joyful noise when we are too silent and with your still small voice when life is too loud. Bless us this day and always with a way to find a balance of both sound and silence within our lives. Amen.

-By Becky Jones, Pastor