Writing a DailyPrayer for Peace for possible selection was one of the many activities offered at the Temple event.

A Holistic Model: Integration of Worship, Formation, and Living Our Mission

See the Fire. Feel the Fire.
Hear the Fire. Kindle the Fire!

On May 31, nearly eight hundred people experienced the Temple coming to life in a four-hour event of worship, formation, and living our mission. With the challenge to “Find the Fire,” participants were encouraged to journey through the Temple complex and interact with characters who told of the fire they felt when encountering the Holy Spirit.

Moses, Emma Smith, John the Baptist, the Metal Refiner, and the Keeper of the Eternal Flame captured audiences through fervent testimonies (worship), teaching of God’s presence (formation), and through the call for continued transformation in response to the fire of the Holy Spirit (living our mission).

The Holy Spirit as wind and flames was seen, heard, and felt as Peter stood on the balcony above the gathered congregation to tell the story of the first Pentecost. Each participant then selected a small-group experience to focus on Acts 2. Different learning styles were used. Choices included scripture study, vocal and rhythmic music, role playing, and the word through film. Other small groups participated in applying Acts 2 to our world, or creating Acts 2-inspired art. The music and art from these sessions provided elements of the closing experience.

After a lunch break filled with the fellowship of old and new friends, the congregation journeyed up the Worshiper’s Path. Along the way members reconnected with the “Find the Fire” characters and were called to reverence by the compelling music of the marimba. The first floor of the Sanctuary was filled when Apostles Stassi Cramm and Dale Luffman, along with Shawnee Drive, Kansas, Pastor Kat Hnatyshyn, offered the Daily Prayer for Peace.

President Steve Veazey’s challenge to “Kindle the Fire!” highlighted the closing experience with the congregation responding in a rousing peace prayer promise. After leaving through the bronze peace doors, the congregation saw the Holy Spirit while they spiraled around a fire that burned all day on the World Plaza.

Voices joined in singing “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning” as a commitment to keep the fire blazing.

One chatroom participant noted, “The day wasn’t exactly what I expected—though I don’t know what I expected. But it was more than I expected.” Another wrote, “The emphasis on the ‘fire’ (Spirit) was especially meaningful, and experiencing it within a larger body was wonderful.”

All responses have been reviewed and are guiding refinement of this Temple event for its repeat August 30. see www.CofChrist.org/events/mayaug09.asp.

Following that event, information will be available for those interested in incorporating integrated worship, formation, and living our mission experiences in their mission centers and congregations.

—May/August Temple Event
Implementation Team reporting