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Here
is one person's impression
of Open to God:
"The
service is more like an
organised gathering of
people. It was extremely
powerful. The worship team
stand at the front in the
centre and there are rows of
chairs in groups of five or
six, arranged in a
semi-circular shape with
wider gaps between the rows
so that people can move
freely. It starts with some
songs and then people begin to lead
in prayer. The evening was
all about moving into God's
presence just as we are -
even with all our baggage
and as undeserving as we
are. It was also about
allowing God to move within
us as a group and move us as
he saw fit. There were more
songs and then one of the
worship team did a talk. We
had communion which was
served more openly in that
we could go up and get the
bread and wine and take it
where we wished, or groups
could go to corners of the
room where there were bread
and wine stations so that
they could serve each other
if they wished. Then more
songs and prayers. At times
it got quite passionate,
with people crying out to
God and saying things with
lots of fervour and emotion. It was an
amazing evening that forged
stronger bonds between all
those who were present - in
fact creating the 'Ecclesia'
that we had spoken about in
one of our
prayer
retreats last year. I
can't wait for the next
one."
What goes on?
Open to God
includes elements of
worship, prayer, and sharing from God's word.
There are also opportunities
to share with each other the
things we are hearing from
God for ourselves, or that
we believe he is saying to
his people at WBC. We may
share communion together.
There may be times of
ministry to each other,
using the gifts God has
given us. There is plenty of
space around us to kneel or
bow down in God's presence
if he prompts us to do so.
There are quiet periods for
individual and personal
reflection, and other times
of lively collective worship
or prayer.
All in all, it's hard to
define or describe. Each
Open to God is
different. It's something to
be experienced.
Who is it for?
Open to God is
primarily aimed at the WBC
church family - but everyone
is welcome. We are open to
Christians from other
churches joining with us,
and also to those who are
not Christians but want to
see what goes on.
Where can I find out more?
See
below
for more details of the next
Open to God and also
some of the encouragements
we have received at Open
to God previously.
Alternatively, if you
would prefer to join us for
our regular church services,
the details can be found
here.
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