Assumptions

A number of assumptions support and shape a comprehensive effort like Renewing Worship. Because of their broad implications, three are noted here.

• Central things—The Use of the Means of Grace (UMG) is the sacramental practices statement of the ELCA. In that UMG was adopted by the ELCA in Churchwide Assembly (1997), it is authoritative for this church on matters related to worship. It is therefore foundational to Renewing Worship, which seeks to bring to fuller expression and wider understanding, convictions related to word and sacrament as central to worship. Attention to central things draws the ELCA into a broader ecumenical conversation about worship renewal. While Principles for Worship contributes to the shape and content of provisional resources being developed, Principles for Worship is itself provisional (a study document) and does not have standing as a statement of the church.
  

• Lutheran identity—as an initiative of the ELCA, Renewing Worship values Lutheran tradition and identity. As a relatively young church, we are still learning what it means to be together. Increasingly it means acknowledging our differences and discovering that differences are often more blessing than burden.

The variety of worship practices in the ELCA reflects different patterns and pieties within Lutheranism, as well as different ethnic backgrounds and experiences that include the gifts of newer immigrant communities. It also reflects the influences of non-Lutheran worship practices and materials, both good and bad. In other words, there is a complexity to the variety that goes well beyond local tastes. Renewing Worship is intent on honoring both the Lutheran instinct for freedom in the ways we worship, and the value of worshiping in ways that are consistent with Lutheran confessional and historical identity.

• Wide participation—worship renewal is by nature participatory. Since worship is the work of the people, so also worship renewal is the work of the people. All the people. In addition to the many who are directly involved with resource development, (consultants, editorial teams, development panels), the entire effort depends on the involvement and investment of people from across the whole church. Renewing Worship is designed to flow out of and back into local worshiping assemblies.

Participation requires accessibility. A dedicated Renewing Worship website (www. renewingworship.org) provides up-to-date information about the project as it continues to unfold. Feedback is encouraged. Contents of the Renewing Worship series (with the exception of some copyrighted material, mostly music)are available for free download. Published volumes are also available for purchase and include a form for evaluation and response. Churchwide notices invite contact by mail or telephone. In addition to the planned Renewing Worship days, presentations are made in a variety of settings.

The insights and influences of recognized liturgical scholars and of local worship leaders are important to churchwide renewal. Still, Renewing Worship assumes that members of every worshiping assembly have a stake in the outcome, and should have the opportunity to be heard even as they take responsibility for sharing in the work.

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