Program

We wrote this welcome letter during Epiphany, remembering how the star of Bethlehem drew the Maji to the place where the Christ child lay. They came from the Middle East, possibly from Iraq, and they traveled to Bethlehem–troubled spots then and still now, occupied territories with terrible violence. They were looking for the newborn King, not knowing whom they were seeking, but following the star. We pray that each of you also came to seek the light of Christ, to offer him your gifts of praise, returning to Christ the gifts already received–in preaching, music, drama, visual arts, and hospitality. Whatever gifts God has given you, we pray that the light of Christ will illumine and develop them in you during this Symposium.

Our time together is so short. When it is time for you to return to your home churches and worshiping communities, we pray that the light of Christ will burn ever more brightly in your lives, and that we all become bright bearers of that light in and beyond the walls of our churches.

A pastor cannot not lead us into God's presence. Nor can a worship leader or a Christian artist, or a song, or singing. Not even worship can lead us into God's presence. Only Jesus can, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This seminar will explore the wonderful truth that when we gather, our living Lord is present and active in our midst--empowering, perfecting and leading our worship. We will see that behind all true worship, regardless of its form or style, is the present mediating ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.