Convocational
worship leader workshops are underway
The Diocese of Western Louisiana is conducting Worship Leader training workshops in all five convocations of the diocese. The first was held Saturday, April 26, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Alexandria with more than 50 people in attendance.
"Those who should attend are persons who are already serving as worship leaders, as Eucharistic ministers, Eucharistic visitors, and those who are considering these types of service in the future," said Canon Jim Boyd, VGEC, who along with Mary Richard and Reece Middleton, were instructors at the workshop. Canon Boyd is well qualified in this area, having been a worship leader and Eucharistic minister for more than 25 years. The first licensed verger in the diocese,
Canon Boyd also serves as the chairman of the Vergers Guild in the diocese. He is currently director of the Diocesan Institute of Lay Ministry and chairman of the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music. That commission plans and executes all liturgical services for which the diocese is responsible.
These workshops are being held at the request of Bishop MacPherson, who often receives requests from worship leaders anxious to improve their skills and knowledge. "Our hope is that these gatherings will both improve skills and help create a little more uniformity in the way liturgy is done in the diocese," Boyd added.
Participants can expect demonstrations, Power Point presentations, and discussion. "We hope for lots of discussion and networking," he said. "We would like to see our worship leaders start conversing with each other as we equip and strengthen each other for ministry. The whole point of well done liturgy is to provide a better experience as we all seek to worship the Lord Jesus Christ."
"The other workshops will be held toward the end of summer in four different locations," Boyd said.
Those who attended the session in Alexandria are now eligible for a three-year license upon recommendation by their priest to Bishop MacPherson.
Worship leaders, eucharistic ministers, and eucharistic visitors must attend one of these training sessions to be eligible for licensure. Attendees can cross convocational boundaries to attend the upcoming session most convenient.
Provisions for lunch will be made
for all who register to attend. To register, please contact Canon Boyd at
jdbgyn@aol.com.
| The four remaining sessions of the Worship Leaders workshop | ||
| Date | Location | Hours |
| Sunday, August 24, 2008 | St. Barnabas, Lafayette | 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday,
September 6, 2008 |
Grace Church, Monroe | 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. |
| Saturday,
September 27, 2008 |
St.
Mark's Cathedral, Shreveport |
10:00 a,n, — 2:00 p.m. |