Preview Worship Service Joy-Filled

New Worship Band at Brighton First.

On July 24, Brighton First previewed its new band-led worship service. Ninety-five worshipers attended the 11:00 a.m. service. Mike Tooman, worship leader for the new worship service led the congregation in singing and prayer, Suzanne Everett was our worship host and Pastor Sherry brought the sermon.

At the end of worship, the congregation was asked to answer one question: When, during worship, was God present for you? Responses were very encouraging. Congregation members were inspired by the music and by the prayer time. Several commented that they were moved by the enthusiasm and joy of the musicians.

Michael Tooman, worship leader for the new service, has been practicing with the band since May. They introduced three songs with energy and great harmonies. While the sermon was the same that was delivered at both the 8:00 and 9:30 traditional worship services, the scripture reading was placed within the sermon. Prayer followed the sermon, with an invitation to pray with hands open in a gesture of giving and receiving.

There are a few things that will be adjusted based on early evaluation of the worship service, including sound issues and order of worship. However, the overall experience was very promising for what is ahead.

Our next preview worship service will be on Sunday, August 21. The new worship service is scheduled to begin meeting regularly on Sunday, September 11. If you would like to be a part of the band-led email list in order to receive the most up-to-date news about the new worship service contact Pastor Sherry.

Preview Worship Service Joy-Filled

New Worship Band at Brighton First.

On July 24, Brighton First previewed its new band-led worship service. Ninety-five worshipers attended the 11:00 a.m. service. Mike Tooman, worship leader for the new worship service led the congregation in singing and prayer, Suzanne Everett was our worship host and Pastor Sherry brought the sermon.

At the end of worship, the congregation was asked to answer one question: When, during worship, was God present for you? Responses were very encouraging. Congregation members were inspired by the music and by the prayer time. Several commented that they were moved by the enthusiasm and joy of the musicians.

Michael Tooman, worship leader for the new service, has been practicing with the band since May. They introduced three songs with energy and great harmonies. While the sermon was the same that was delivered at both the 8:00 and 9:30 traditional worship services, the scripture reading was placed within the sermon. Prayer followed the sermon, with an invitation to pray with hands open in a gesture of giving and receiving.

There are a few things that will be adjusted based on early evaluation of the worship service, including sound issues and order of worship. However, the overall experience was very promising for what is ahead.

Our next preview worship service will be on Sunday, August 21. The new worship service is scheduled to begin meeting regularly on Sunday, September 11. If you would like to be a part of the band-led email list in order to receive the most up-to-date news about the new worship service contact Pastor Sherry.

Worship Hosts Meet to Review Role in Worship

Beginning in 2015, we moved from having clergy lead the majority of our worship services to congregation members in leadership. We call these volunteers Liturgists (read prayers and scripture) and Worship Hosts. Each Sunday, volunteers open worship, share announcements and offer prayer. Our opening prayers and offering prayers are written by church staff members (clergy and Susan Snow, Music Director), and our Congregational Prayers are written by the Worship Hosts.

At a recent gathering of Worship Hosts, we discussed worship leadership responsibilities and ways that we can improve the worship experience. It is the goal of our Worship Team to create worship that is relevant, transformative and transcendent.

Bruce Stark serves as a
Brighton First Worship Host.

The group determined that Liturgists, who read scripture each week, could be invited to write opening prayers and offering prayers that reflected their study of the scripture. I agreed to set a date for a prayer writing workshop for all who are interested. (The term liturgist is an ancient word that refers to the person in a worship service who leads the congregation in the regular prayers of worship and reads scripture.)

The Worship Hosts also talked about the movement of worship, the most effective way to share announcements, the introduction of worship leaders at the beginning of the worship service and prayer content. After discussing the format of the new band-led worship service that will begin in the fall, the group decided that Worship Hosts will not volunteer to lead in all three worship services on one Sunday. They will either host 8:00 and 9:30 worship or host 11:00 worship.

The group was excited to welcome our newest Worship Host, a high school freshman. We plan to grow the ranks of our Liturgists and Worship Hosts in the coming months and to offer training. Recently, six members of the newly formed 11:00 band led congregation expressed interest in serving as worship hosts.

Brighton First has had rich, effective ministry through the years
because the congregation values service. It is a blessing to have talented, committed people of faith offering service to God through worship leadership.

Worship Hosts Meet to Review Role in Worship

Beginning in 2015, we moved from having clergy lead the majority of our worship services to congregation members in leadership. We call these volunteers Liturgists (read prayers and scripture) and Worship Hosts. Each Sunday, volunteers open worship, share announcements and offer prayer. Our opening prayers and offering prayers are written by church staff members (clergy and Susan Snow, Music Director), and our Congregational Prayers are written by the Worship Hosts.

At a recent gathering of Worship Hosts, we discussed worship leadership responsibilities and ways that we can improve the worship experience. It is the goal of our Worship Team to create worship that is relevant, transformative and transcendent.

Bruce Stark serves as a
Brighton First Worship Host.

The group determined that Liturgists, who read scripture each week, could be invited to write opening prayers and offering prayers that reflected their study of the scripture. I agreed to set a date for a prayer writing workshop for all who are interested. (The term liturgist is an ancient word that refers to the person in a worship service who leads the congregation in the regular prayers of worship and reads scripture.)

The Worship Hosts also talked about the movement of worship, the most effective way to share announcements, the introduction of worship leaders at the beginning of the worship service and prayer content. After discussing the format of the new band-led worship service that will begin in the fall, the group decided that Worship Hosts will not volunteer to lead in all three worship services on one Sunday. They will either host 8:00 and 9:30 worship or host 11:00 worship.

The group was excited to welcome our newest Worship Host, a high school freshman. We plan to grow the ranks of our Liturgists and Worship Hosts in the coming months and to offer training. Recently, six members of the newly formed 11:00 band led congregation expressed interest in serving as worship hosts.

Brighton First has had rich, effective ministry through the years
because the congregation values service. It is a blessing to have talented, committed people of faith offering service to God through worship leadership.

Launching Congregation Meets for First Time

On June 19, over 60 people interested in the launch of our new 11:00 worship service attended a breakfast gathering. At that gathering 28 people committed to attending the 11:00 worship service regularly when it begins in September.  In addition, 10 people agreed to attend as "missionaries" from other worship services for 3 to 6 months. Six others who attended the event indicated that they are prayerfully considering whether or not to commit to attending the new worship service. 

If you intend to support the new worship service with your attendance, and you have not yet made that commitment, please contact me HERE.

As we move forward in planning for the worship service, I give thanks to God for the people who are stepping up to form the core of this new congregation. I have never started a worship service from "scratch" nor been a part of a new congregation. I am very excited about the possibilities ahead.

There is much to do this summer and I encourage you to take part in some way in the development and creation of the 11:00 worship service and its congregation.

• Continue to pray for the new congregation and its leaders

• Encourage musicians to contact Mike Tooman at mike@brightonfumc.org. This includes musicians who are not connected with our church, but would love to play in a band.

• Actively seek to invite friends and neighbors to come to a preview of the worship service on Sunday, July 24 or August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

• Attend Worship Launch Gatherings on July 17 and August 7 at 10:45 for more information.

Launching Congregation Meets for First Time

On June 19, over 60 people interested in the launch of our new 11:00 worship service attended a breakfast gathering. At that gathering 28 people committed to attending the 11:00 worship service regularly when it begins in September.  In addition, 10 people agreed to attend as "missionaries" from other worship services for 3 to 6 months. Six others who attended the event indicated that they are prayerfully considering whether or not to commit to attending the new worship service. 

If you intend to support the new worship service with your attendance, and you have not yet made that commitment, please contact me HERE.

As we move forward in planning for the worship service, I give thanks to God for the people who are stepping up to form the core of this new congregation. I have never started a worship service from "scratch" nor been a part of a new congregation. I am very excited about the possibilities ahead.

There is much to do this summer and I encourage you to take part in some way in the development and creation of the 11:00 worship service and its congregation.

• Continue to pray for the new congregation and its leaders

• Encourage musicians to contact Mike Tooman at mike@brightonfumc.org. This includes musicians who are not connected with our church, but would love to play in a band.

• Actively seek to invite friends and neighbors to come to a preview of the worship service on Sunday, July 24 or August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

• Attend Worship Launch Gatherings on July 17 and August 7 at 10:45 for more information.

Sunday Breakfast for New Launch Congregation

On Sunday, June 19, Brighton First will host a breakfast for the Launching Congregation of our upcoming band-led worship. The breakfast will begin at 10:30 am, directly after the 9:30 worship service. All those interested in hearing more about our new 11:00 worship service are welcome to attend.

The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Report (find a PDF of the consultation report in the "documents" link at the top of the right column of this blog page) directed Brighton First to act in specific ways to improve worship. By adopting the consultation report, we agreed to take these actions.

In the fall of 2015 we hired worship consultant, Rev. Cathy Townley. With her direction we have been working to improve all of our worship services. Brighton First also agreed to re-invent our third worship service. On May 22, the 11:00 worship service was closed. Over the summer we have begun to develop a new worship format with the help of newly hired worship leader Mike Tooman.

The breakfast on June 19 is an opportunity for those who will be attending the new worship service to get to know each other. In addition Mike Tooman, Director of Discipleship Bob Fuchs and myself will cast a vision for the new worshiping congregation of the band-led worship service.

The agenda for Sunday includes: "get-acquainted" conversations around the tables as we share a meal, singing led by Mike Tooman and presentations from church leaders. The breakfast meeting will end with a challenge to attendees to commit to different ministries that will support the new congregation.

This is an exciting time in the life of Brighton First and I look forward to what God has in store for this new venture in ministry. If you plan to attend the breakfast on Sunday, June 19 at 10:30 please RSVP HERE.

Sunday Breakfast for New Launch Congregation

On Sunday, June 19, Brighton First will host a breakfast for the Launching Congregation of our upcoming band-led worship. The breakfast will begin at 10:30 am, directly after the 9:30 worship service. All those interested in hearing more about our new 11:00 worship service are welcome to attend.

The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Report (find a PDF of the consultation report in the "documents" link at the top of the right column of this blog page) directed Brighton First to act in specific ways to improve worship. By adopting the consultation report, we agreed to take these actions.

In the fall of 2015 we hired worship consultant, Rev. Cathy Townley. With her direction we have been working to improve all of our worship services. Brighton First also agreed to re-invent our third worship service. On May 22, the 11:00 worship service was closed. Over the summer we have begun to develop a new worship format with the help of newly hired worship leader Mike Tooman.

The breakfast on June 19 is an opportunity for those who will be attending the new worship service to get to know each other. In addition Mike Tooman, Director of Discipleship Bob Fuchs and myself will cast a vision for the new worshiping congregation of the band-led worship service.

The agenda for Sunday includes: "get-acquainted" conversations around the tables as we share a meal, singing led by Mike Tooman and presentations from church leaders. The breakfast meeting will end with a challenge to attendees to commit to different ministries that will support the new congregation.

This is an exciting time in the life of Brighton First and I look forward to what God has in store for this new venture in ministry. If you plan to attend the breakfast on Sunday, June 19 at 10:30 please RSVP HERE.

Dates Set for Band Led Worship Events

We will launch at new band-led worship service in the fall. Brighton First is preparing for to welcome the new worship service and a new worshipping community with events this summer.

Launch Team Party, Sunday, June 19, 10:45 am - 12:00 pm

We are planning a launch team party for all those who have committed to being a part of the worshipping congregation at our band-led worship service. This includes those who will leave another worship service for a time to be "missionaries" to the new service. Mike Tooman, our worship leader, Bob Fuchs, director of discipleship, and I will cast the vision for what is ahead. And there will be food!

Previews of New Band-Led Worship, July 24, 11:00 am and August 21, 11:00 am

We will preview the band-led worship service twice during the summer. On those dates, members of the launch team will be invited to worship at 11:00 am. Following the worship services, there will be an opportunity for evaluation.

Leadership and Learning Opportunities (Watch for upcoming dates!)

Throughout the summer we will be training teams needed to successfully launch the new worship service. The teams will include Prayer, Worship Hosts, Hospitality, Ushers/Greeters, Children's Ministry, Small Group Leaders and Marketing. In addition, all launch team members will have the opportunity to learn about best practices for inviting and welcoming guests and to participate in pilot small group discussions.

"Soft Launch" of Band-Led Worship, September 11, 11:00 am

Weekly band-led worship at 11:00 am will begin the 2nd Sunday in September. Teams who have been preparing for the launch will begin regular responsibilities.

"Big Launch" of Band-Led Worship, October

While the date has not been set, our plan is to launch our service with through two main efforts, invitations given by congregation members and local marketing. 

Where Do I Start?

Whether you are a congregation member who will be part of the band-led worship service or you plan to support but attend one of our other worship services, please start to pray for this effort. Please pray for the leaders of this worship service as they prepare to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Brighton in a new way. Also, pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts of friends and family to accept your invitation to join this new worship service in the fall.

Dates Set for Band Led Worship Events

We will launch at new band-led worship service in the fall. Brighton First is preparing for to welcome the new worship service and a new worshipping community with events this summer.

Launch Team Party, Sunday, June 19, 10:45 am - 12:00 pm

We are planning a launch team party for all those who have committed to being a part of the worshipping congregation at our band-led worship service. This includes those who will leave another worship service for a time to be "missionaries" to the new service. Mike Tooman, our worship leader, Bob Fuchs, director of discipleship, and I will cast the vision for what is ahead. And there will be food!

Previews of New Band-Led Worship, July 24, 11:00 am and August 21, 11:00 am

We will preview the band-led worship service twice during the summer. On those dates, members of the launch team will be invited to worship at 11:00 am. Following the worship services, there will be an opportunity for evaluation.

Leadership and Learning Opportunities (Watch for upcoming dates!)

Throughout the summer we will be training teams needed to successfully launch the new worship service. The teams will include Prayer, Worship Hosts, Hospitality, Ushers/Greeters, Children's Ministry, Small Group Leaders and Marketing. In addition, all launch team members will have the opportunity to learn about best practices for inviting and welcoming guests and to participate in pilot small group discussions.

"Soft Launch" of Band-Led Worship, September 11, 11:00 am

Weekly band-led worship at 11:00 am will begin the 2nd Sunday in September. Teams who have been preparing for the launch will begin regular responsibilities.

"Big Launch" of Band-Led Worship, October

While the date has not been set, our plan is to launch our service with through two main efforts, invitations given by congregation members and local marketing. 

Where Do I Start?

Whether you are a congregation member who will be part of the band-led worship service or you plan to support but attend one of our other worship services, please start to pray for this effort. Please pray for the leaders of this worship service as they prepare to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Brighton in a new way. Also, pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts of friends and family to accept your invitation to join this new worship service in the fall.

Calendar for New Band-Led Worship Service Opening

The Brighton First worship team is currently developing a calendar for the opening of our new band-led worship service. We are working with worship consultant Cathy Townley in preparation for the launch. While dates have not be specifically set, these are some of the main goals and touch points ahead on the "launch calendar".

• May - a Prayer Team formed to pray for the development of our new band-led service and to pray for those who will worship in that service.
• May - the new worship band will begin rehearsals led by Mike Tooman
• May 22 - the current 11:00 worship service will close for the summer with a celebration of its impact on worshipers through the years
• Early June - we'll host a party for those committed to being part of the new worship service. This group will be called "The Launch Team". The goal is to have 75 people committed to supporting and attending the 11:00 band-led worship service.
• June - Launch Team members will attend other worship services in Livingston County and "debrief" about their experiences at area coffee shops
• June - August - Launch Team members will receive training in the areas of discipleship, small groups and hospitality.
• July and August - there will be a preview worship service once each month at 11:00 am
• August-September - congregation members in all worship services, along with the Launch Team, will make the commitment to pray for those who we will invite to worship with us
• September - All church sermon series on invitation and hospitality
• September - 11:00 band-led worship begins with a "soft launch" month
• October - Official launch of 11:00 band-led worship service

In the coming weeks a more specific calendar will be ready for congregation members. Please keep this process in prayer. Please also begin to pray for those who will come to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ through our band-led worship service.

Calendar for New Band-Led Worship Service Opening

The Brighton First worship team is currently developing a calendar for the opening of our new band-led worship service. We are working with worship consultant Cathy Townley in preparation for the launch. While dates have not be specifically set, these are some of the main goals and touch points ahead on the "launch calendar".

• May - a Prayer Team formed to pray for the development of our new band-led service and to pray for those who will worship in that service.
• May - the new worship band will begin rehearsals led by Mike Tooman
• May 22 - the current 11:00 worship service will close for the summer with a celebration of its impact on worshipers through the years
• Early June - we'll host a party for those committed to being part of the new worship service. This group will be called "The Launch Team". The goal is to have 75 people committed to supporting and attending the 11:00 band-led worship service.
• June - Launch Team members will attend other worship services in Livingston County and "debrief" about their experiences at area coffee shops
• June - August - Launch Team members will receive training in the areas of discipleship, small groups and hospitality.
• July and August - there will be a preview worship service once each month at 11:00 am
• August-September - congregation members in all worship services, along with the Launch Team, will make the commitment to pray for those who we will invite to worship with us
• September - All church sermon series on invitation and hospitality
• September - 11:00 band-led worship begins with a "soft launch" month
• October - Official launch of 11:00 band-led worship service

In the coming weeks a more specific calendar will be ready for congregation members. Please keep this process in prayer. Please also begin to pray for those who will come to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ through our band-led worship service.