It has become a summer tradition at First Presbyterian Church to engage in worship during the weekly Vine modern worship service in a different manner. For three weeks in July, we will be experiencing worship in the round, with seating directing worshippers to face one another rather than the stage.
“Having our service in the round helps catch our attention and refocus our hearts,” says Jennifer Voigt, Modern Worship Arts Director. “When we are in the round, we have a different perspective. We see each other more easily while we are worshipping, and it reminds us that we are not alone. We are a family.”
“I commend Dr. Jennifer Voigt and her team for the creative approach with Vine in the Round,” says Rev. Dr. John Fullerton, FPC Senior Pastor. “They wanted to give the congregation a greater sense of the nearness of God and closeness of each other.”
The Vine modern worship service meets each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Loudon Hall. The service features a live worship band.
“The band is smaller during Vine in the Round, closer together, and closer to the congregation, so we feel that sense of fellowship, too,” Voigt continues. “This sort of change every now and then helps fight the tendency of our hearts to fall into a consumer mentality.”
Fullerton says, “In the Round, I was closer to the people and nearly at eye level, which was nice. Plus, I really liked seeing them see each other throughout the service. It created a heightened sense of connectedness.”
“We don’t consume worship,” Voigt says. “We are active participants.”
“It’s not for our own gratification,” she continues, “but for the encouragement of our brothers and sisters and for the glory of the one who loves us fiercely. It’s something the band always looks forward to, and we can’t wait to do it again in July.”
All are invited to join us for worship, in both Vine and Classic services.