Participants in the first IWPC meeting in Geneva. Photo: LWF/P. Mumia
Articulating Assembly Theme in Bible Studies, Prayers and Hymns
(LWI) – The International Worship Planning Committee (IWPC) for the Twelfth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has begun exploring how worship and prayer life will be organized at the next LWF assembly, to be held, 10-17 May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The eight-person team of liturgists, church musicians and pastors representing each of the seven LWF regions, two consultants and LWF staff, held their first meeting in Geneva, 2-6 March.
They discussed how the assembly theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace” and its sub-themes would be articulated in worship services, Bible studies and devotions, prayers and hymns throughout the eight-day meeting hosted by the three Lutheran churches in Namibia. The committee identified Bible texts and possible songs from different regions.
As the assembly year coincides with the commemoration of the 500 years of the Reformation, the team also began to envision worship around the anniversary.
The IWPC was appointed by the LWF Council in June 2014. It is chaired by Canadian pastor Rev. Dr Stephen Larson, who also served at the English-speaking congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva (ELCG), and in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Other members are Rev. Sonia Skupch, General Secretary of the Evangelical Church of the River Plate (IERP) in Argentina; Prof. Jochen Arnold, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover (Germany); Rev. Lilla Molnàr, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary; Ms Karin Runow, Church of Sweden; Michelle Mu Le Wong, Basel Christian Church of Malaysia; Rev. Seth Mesiaki Ole Sululu, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania; and Rev. Dr Martin Nelumbu, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN).
It includes two consultants, ELCG music and choir director Rev. Dr Terry MacArthur, and Dr Sakari Löytty, a consultant for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, who previously worked with the ELCIN in developing new “African” liturgy.
The IWPC will present its draft report to the LWF Council in June this year.
Photo Essay: Planning 2017 Assembly Worship Life in Namibia
At its first meeting in Geneva, 2-6 March, the International Worship Planning Committee (IWPC) for the Twelfth LWF Assembly began planning worship and prayer life for the next assembly, to be held, 10-17 May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia.
Meet the liturgists, church musicians and pastors representing the seven LWF regions, and hear some views about their own contexts and expectations on the assembly worship life in Namibia and its theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace.”
6 March 2015
Photos: LWF/P. Mumia
Rev. Dr Stephen Larson (Canada)
In the Geneva congregation, we lived an inter-Lutheran, ecumenical and international context. We celebrated music, ethnic and linguistic diversity alongside liturgical resources, while supporting the LWF and World Council of Churches worship life.
The assembly theme sings the history of Namibian churches. A sorrowful lament during times of oppression now confidently proclaims liberation, independence and hope.
Rev. Sonia Skupch (Argentina)
In my context, worship is a balance between tradition, new dynamics and liturgical proposals. We also have deep respect for traditions inherited from the Reformation. This healthy balance is important as we organize the LWF assembly.
The theme speaks about Creation’s deep longing. We need and wait for liberation as we celebrate that we are already liberated by God's grace through Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
Rev. Seth Mesiaki Ole Sululu (Tanzania)
As a conductor, singer, percussionist and music lecturer, my skills and knowledge of African culture can enrich the development of worship materials for 500 years of Reformation on the continent.
Liberation by God’s grace is a central theme. We are saved by God’s grace, not by the merit of our work. With today’s commercialization of the gospel, the theme speaks to all Christians.
Ms Karin Runow, Church of Sweden
As a church musician involved in daily worship, I hope to contribute in many styles including new liturgical music and songs for children. Besides, I see myself as a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, where every piece, connected to the other, will help put together the whole picture.
We are not just liberated ‘from’. We are liberated to serve, to do good work, and express our joy of being God’s beloved daughters and sons.
Prof. Dr Jochen Arnold (Germany)
With my experience in events like the Kirchentag, I can help in liturgical and musical planning. I look forward to the enchantment of singing.
The theme asks “Where is salvation for me, for church, humanity and our world?” We are called to answer this question! Liberated by God to a new life – this gives me strength in all situations. It is a unique message in these days of war and persecution.
Ms Michelle Mu Le Wong (Malaysia)
I grew up in Malaysia, lived in China, United Kingdom and now in Germany, where I’m studying church music. I’m happy to contribute to the assembly where people from different countries and languages will worship together.
"Liberated by God's Grace" is what I am, it’s shaping my life. Because Jesus Christ overcame death for my life, I am worthy in God's eyes, and because of God's grace, I can live in true freedom.
Rev. Dr Martin Nelumbu (Namibia)
As a pastor and theology lecturer, I can help the committee understand the local theological perceptions, culture and worship. My first knowledge of the country and local church helps us plan better.
The theme reminds me that we suffered under colonial oppression, but God heard our cry and liberated us in 1990. My ancestors and I were enslaved by sin and unbelief, but God has set us free through Jesus Christ.
Rev. Lilla Molnàr (Hungary)
As a young pastor in a congregation, I craft alternative liturgies for the youth, who welcome new contemporary elements that are closer to everyday life.
In the theme, I am touched by the distinction of being liberated from certain things and being liberated to act. However, the biggest "slavery" of our time is fear: of not being good enough and many expectations. The theme tells me, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Dr Sakari Löytty (Finland)
I want to offer my skills in drums, percussion, guitar and voice for building unity in diversity and connecting the local with the global. In the assembly worship life we can breathe God’s Spirit and gather daily around the altar.
The theme is a very strong, meaningful and sweet message; through God’s mercy I am accepted as I am. It calls us to be free and creative and invites us to apply the same mercy to our neighbors.
