Page 7 - Moravian Messenger January 2019

It was a motley crew of lay preachers and worship leaders that gathered together at Luther King House in Manchester on Friday 26th October for our biannual training weekend. Twenty of us were there this year for a programme mainly based on the Old Testament.
Sr Kathryn Woolford led us through some thoughts on preaching from the Old Testament in our first session on Friday evening while Br Peter Gubi introduced us to a study on Moravian worship on Saturday morning. However, and with great respect to both of these leaders, we all agreed that the high spot of the weekend were the two sessions on 'Temple Worship' led by Margaret Barker DD.
To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this. Old Testament theology is not one of my strengths and it promised little but boredom. How wrong I was!
Margaret not only knows her subject incredibly well, she has that rare ability to share her enthusiasm with her listeners. We were as entranced as we were educated. We were so pleased with her contribution that we have asked that she be invited back in two years time.
The work and study are, of course, only part of the weekend. Luther King House provides quality accommodation, good food and, not least in my requirements, a well-stocked bar!
There in the evenings we discussed theology, funerals, the organisation of the Moravian Church, family, theatre and
more. The fellowship at these weekends is special.
The weekend ended with our closing service led by Sr Woolford which included the Cup of Covenant. As I set off to drive back to Birmingham, I was thinking how lucky I am to be part of this fellowship, sharing experiences of following their calls to preach the word of Christ. As always I returned home energised by their energy, revitalised by their vitality and strengthened by their faith and witness.
If you lead worship, make sure you come to the next gathering in 2020. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
Br Blair Kesseler
Hall Green
Lay Preachers Training Weekend:
Reports from two attendees
As a 'newbie' to the training weekend I must admit to having a bit of a flutter beforehand attending as I was unsure if:
a) I would make the 'grade';
b) People would be welcoming;
c) The training would be beneficial.
On all counts I was to have no concerns.
The speakers arranged were interesting and informative; Br Peter Gubi - Moravian Worship and Margaret Barker - Temple Worship, gave greatly of their knowledge and experience. Br Peter reminded us of our Moravian roots and asked about their place in our current church. Margaret is a well renowned academic who still has the enthusiasm to wake up every
morning at 5am to continue her body of research.
There was plenty of time for group discussion and listening to new thoughts which on some levels were simply 'mind blowing'. These took time to process and made for some stimulating questions and conversations.
Sr Kathryn Woolford facilitated as well as leading us on the conference theme regarding 'Sermons using the Old Testament'. This led to much spirited debate both in and out of sessions as well as chances to use the excellent research facilities at Martin Luther King House and the opportunity to present new found information to all attendees.
This was 'homework' that I am sure all attendees did not find a chore.
The real joy of the weekend was to engage with other brothers and sisters from all walks of life, experiences, and ranges of age from a variety of provinces in fellowship - much laughter over food, wine and with good company. The weekend ending with all participants taking the cup of Covenant.
I came back refreshed in faith and ready to plan my next sermons with thoughts of my fellow worship leaders also feeding back into all their congregations with a new vigour and understanding.
Sr Penny Weir
Dukinfield
Lay preachers and worship leaders at Luther King House
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