Resources from Tuesday, September 29th
What is the Merge Worship?
This special night of worship was planned by and for young people who are longing for worship that connects more deeply to their lives. It is designed to reflect the voice of a younger generation that is often absent from our churches today. The evening will consist of a time of worship, followed by a time of conversation around tables about what makes worship meaningful.
What kind of worship should I expect?
Our theme song for the night will be U2’s “Yahweh”. We will explore the ways God is present in our everyday lives… and the way the sacred and secular often come together. The environment for the evening will be casual. Our hope is to create an open space where all feel welcome, where they do not feel judged, where they can come as they are, and share openly and honestly about their experience. The event will take place in the Wexner Arts Center, a secular space that we hope will feel quite sacred by the end of the evening!
Who should come to the Merge?
Everyone is invited. We especially hope that young people will attend, as well as clergy and laity from local churches. Young adults will find a space where they can share their honest thoughts without fear. Church folks will find they will learn a great deal from hearing about the experiences of young people and will have opportunity to share their own experiences as well!
Is there a cost?
There is no cost to attend The Merge. There will be a basket at the entrance to the café, if anyone in attendance wishes to make a donation.
Where are the young people in our churches? What kind of worship is meaningful to them?
Thoughtful clergy and laity have been asking these questions for quite some time. What if you could begin to wrestle with these questions with the very young people you are hoping to reach out to? The Merge Worship is a unique worship experience planned and executed by young adults who are seeking spiritual encounters with God and to grow in their faith. Many of them are struggling to experience meaningful worship in the places where they find themselves. Come and experience the unique worship they have prepared for you. Then, stay for a conversation with them about what makes worship meaningful. It will likely prove to be a transformational evening for all.
Who is sponsoring this event?
While the event is open to all people, regardless of religious background, this event is sponsored by the Capitol Area North District of the United Methodist Church, in partnership with Summit UMC students. This is part of an effort to learn more about the needs of the Next Generation and create opportunities for “church folk” to be in dialogue with young adults outside of the church