Short Description: We have several examples of video utilized in traditional worship.

Long Description:

We are experimenting with a number of things in our traditional worship services here at CFUMC.  We have two services and they are both traditional (the early service does not have a choir, we do not use robes and it is a little less formal, but same sermon, often use more familiar hymns and special music).  From May through August we have a Lake service which is campmeeting style.  And each August, all of our services are campmeeting style.    We also have a Wednesday noon communion service each week, although with special services throughout the year on Special days (the usual services like Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Memorial Day, July 4th, etc. )

(1)     We prepare a prelude video each week, which is shown on the front screens in the Sanctuary during the Prelude.   The video usually features the text of one of more of the Biblical texts used in the sermon that day along with images (still or moving) that highlight the themes of the sermon during  the worship service.    These prelude videos are played on the 2 screens on each side of the front wall and on the back wall in the balcony (for the choir and for those who in the balcony who are in seats that have sight line issues).

(2)     We have a video presentation on most Sundays at both services.  This video is prepared in house and we generally use one of two kinds of videos:    a)  a Ministry Moment running 2 to 3 minutes featuring a particular ministry or event in the church (this keeps people informed about ministries of their church, promotes participation in special events like the Women’s Retreat, mission trips, the One Great Day of Service, etc.)  and b)  special videos that run about 5 minutes.  These videos have included “witness” videos we used during our Stewardship campaign this year (faith stories of members of a range of ages but this first series had a little more focus on older members;  a series of conversations about the experience of prayer by participates in our Intercessory Prayer ministry which we are using during our 7 week sermon series on prayer, etc.    All of these videos are posted on our website and can be viewed by members and visitors through accessing our website,
www.cfumcga.com

(3)     As a response to our focus on the 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations, we are experimenting with the use of our screens to show the words of hymns during the singing of all of our hymns (we had previously used them just for hymns from TFWS and hymns not in the hymnbooks found in our pews).    Some people still use their hymnbooks, but we’ve been surprised at the almost unanimous affirmation of this practice by long time members, our guest, and our new members.   

(4)     During the past year, for 20 or so Sundays, we have used a Study Guide in conjunction with the sermons (usually during Sermon Series on a particular topic or during special seasons of the year).  This is a 3 sided handout-  on one side is the sermon text along with related Biblical texts, and on the other side are questions or helpful quotes about the sermon theme.   The Study Guide is emailed during the week to members and is inserted in the Order of Worship at our worship services.  Some of the SS classes used the Study Guide for their SS lesson during these Sermon series.

Several other comments on ideas used by CFUMC in area of video:

We have produced (with PRUMC) a series of videos, including "Why Pray"  in VHS form only and "What is Worship" as a DVD.
        The "What is Worship" is an instructional type of video that seeks to explain many of the things we do in worship.  We have played this in worship and make it available to Sunday school classes, Bible study groups and others for use in their classes.  (There are also DVS on Christian Conversation, Study and a proposed and filmed but not yet edited DVD on Service).  

At CFUMC, we have also produced two additional videos for use by families in two different settings:   1) For every family that joins the church they are given a 5 minute DVD on "Prayers, Presence, Gifts and Service"  explaining what each of these commitments mean. We ask them to view the DVD as a family.   2)   Also, we have a 5 minute DVD explaining the Methodist view of baptism and we send this to every family before they have their child baptized and ask that they view it and get back to us with any questions.   These two videos should also be available on our website for those who have questions about either of these subjects .       

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