On May 31, 2015 our traditional and contemporary worship services were combined, and we came together as one body to experience our first blended worship service. The reasons for combining were many: attendance for both services had been steadily declining, there were numerous logistical issues with holding two simultaneous services, and despite the belt-tightening and budget cuts that all areas of the church were undergoing, our financial resources were being stretched to the point where the added expense of two services– whether simultaneous or at different times– had become unsustainable. We had little choice; some big changes were going to have to be made.
As we came together and blended the two different styles of worship, adjustments and concessions were made by those from both services. However, many positive things happened with the change as well. Much like a marriage bringing two families together, coming together into one worship service allowed us to go from being two groups worshiping God in the same building to becoming one unified church family. Many of us got to know others in the church that had been there for years, but we had never before had a chance to meet. There were now more people available to serve as Elders, Deacons, and greeters each Sunday. Our children and youth were able to enjoy a new sense of unity with each other as they came together to learn and grow in love and worship of Jesus.
This last year has been a time of adjustment, compromise, learning, and growing for us all, and the Worship Team continues to work together with the Elders, Pastors, and others involved in the worship service to improve our blended service and make it something we all look forward to each week. We know many in the congregation have concerns, thoughts, and ideas about our service. Our plan is to make the W.O.W. article a regular in the newsletter. It will be a place where we can address those concerns, answer your questions, and let you know why we do what we do, and why we do things the way we do.
In order to make the most of this opportunity, we need to hear from you! If you have something you would like us to address, jot it down, stick it in an envelope marked “Worship Team,” and place it in the offering plate on Sunday. You can also feel free to email hazelwoodchurch@gmail.com, call Stefanie in the church office at (765) 282-5969, or mail it in to us addressed to: Worship Team at Hazelwood, 1400 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47303. We look forward to hearing from you!!
