Volume 03, Number 02 Nov 1973

The Language of Worship

Henry R Sefton

This is a paper read to the Dunkeld Fellowship in 1972. The unsuitability of language and concepts often encountered today has led to a poorer devotional life. The writer's earlier distinction made made between private and public prayer is now called in question. Renewal of the language of worship concerns much more than individual issues such as whether to use 'thee' or 'you'. Beauty of language can become an end in itself. If the language used today in worship often seems banal, is the language of The Book of Common Order found to be obscure by many? However, 'obscure' language may point to a fullness of faith and if we cannot aspire to this it guards against dilution of faith. This is not an age for definitive liturgy; we cannot live merely on the worship experience of past generations; new and old must be held together.

How shall we picture the Kingdom?

J McIntyre

A sermon based on Mark 4:30 ' How shall we picture the Kingdom?', divided into four sections. 1. The picture is the indispensable medium of communication. It is important to allow these to speak and not conceptualise them into a theology. 2. The picture is power; Communion is cited, and the story of David in the Cave of Adullam. 3. The picture is motivation. The Good Samaritan is not something you conceptualise but something you do. 4. The picture is the message, where we often seek a hidden message.

Some Theological, Pastoral and Liturgical Reflections on the New Rite of Infant Baptism

Peter J Jagger

This refers to a new Church of England liturgy. The paper divides into the categories of the title. Theological: there is a move from an Augustinian emphasis on the cleansing from sin to the Cyprianic on baptism as the entry into the church. Also, it is beginning of a process. Pastoral: the need for the involvement of the local church; the parents are expected to profess and practice the faith; preparation is needed; there should be no extra-parochial baptisms. Liturgical: baptisms should be on Sunday, and at parish communion.

Recent Developments in Public Worship and Aids to Devotion - Presbyterian Church of England

Norman Leak

It is noted that the Presbyterians had now united with the Congregationalists to make the United Reformed Church. The book in question had been published in 1968. Since then, much discussion, around the circulation of papers, co-incidentally taking place inspired by the Uppsala Report on worship in both constituent parts of the church, was taking place. Significant developments were: a growing observance of the Christian Year, the writing of new creeds, experimentation in worship, more frequent and varied celebration of the Lord's Supper. There was a strong desire for change in church music.