Thank you for accepting the invitation to design a worship service in Marquand Chapel! We look forward to what you have to share. Here are a few prompts and FAQs to help guide you as you prepare to lead worship:
1. What are the variables?
- Is there a preacher?
- Is there communion?
- Is there a fixed theme, or other guiding principle?
- Is it denominationally specific, or not?
- Do I have a “blank sheet” or not?
2. What denomination, genre or style is represented in this service?
- What are the characteristics of that tradition?
- How can I give an authentic taste of that in 30 minutes
- I am the point-person, curator, playmaster…
- Who else needs to be involved and when?
- Never, ever forget : talk to the Director of Music! Early, and often.
- Who are my best advisors for this service?
- Have I checked in with the Dean of Chapel?
- Am I creating community through this service? – include, but also go beyond friendship and affiliation groups .
- How do I communicate with all these people?
- How do I advertize the service?
- Sermon?
- Season/theme?
- Reading?
- Space?
- Music?
- Something else?
- Space - decoration
- Chairs - what format?
- Service bulletin, screen, paperless?
- Script for participants
- Communion elements, linens
- What materials for creative prayer, etc?
(-10 days or more ) discuss with Director of Music by: ________________________
(-10 days) run my plan past the Dean of Chapel by:_____________________
(Weds of previous week) submit all materials for printing to emilie.casey@yale.edu
(-48 hrs) send a final communication to participants by:______________________
PLANNING A STUDENT PREACHING SERVICE
1. MEET AND COLLABORATE
Here are some helpful questions to ask the preacher, so you can choose the elements of the service sympathetically.
- What is your denomination and style?
- Do you work to a lectionary or choose your own reading?
- Will you preach to a scripture, or a hymn or some other theme?
- Are there hymns you would particularly like?
- Is there a style of music you would particularly like (e.g. choral, traditional hymnody, gospel, contemporary, Taizé, Celtic, etc…)
- Are there certain people you hope to include? (note – Chapel Minister should check that these people have not already been asked for another service)
- What style of prayers do you prefer? (e.g., pre-written, responsorial, extempore, sung, embodied…
- Are there other considerations you have in mind (e.g. use of space, use of the arts, etc.)
- Are there elements you are especially concerned NOT to include?
2. CREATE THE SERVICE
When you have all the variables,
- create a service order
- visit the Director of Music to discuss music
- send invitations to suitable participants to pray, read, etc.
3. KEEP IN TOUCH!
Inform the preacher as you carry out the plan you have made together. Keep them in touch so their own preparation can be smooth and unstressed!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Is there anything I should not do?
* Don’t book a preacher without consulting with the Dean of Chapel. All preachers are booked by the Dean of Chapel and/or Marquand Advisory Committee.
* Don’t book any visitors from outside YDS without consulting with the Dean of Chapel. a) expenses need proper attention, and b) we limit the number of visitors per year so as not to overwhelm the sense of a home community.
* Don’t advertise services and events in a way that make them seem like a stand-alone events. Instead, make it clear that Marquand services are are one united program. If you put it on your Facebook, link to the Marquand and YDS faceebook,. Do use phrases like “Marquand Chapel invites…” or “The Marquand Team invites you to…”. Don’t say “YBS/DivOut/YDS Lutheran students/etc invite you to…” or “John Doe’s preaching service will be on…” or “My” service…