LAC Worship

Two Sundays ago, the choir led Canaan in worship. This past Sunday, I was able to experience being part of the congregation as another choir led in worship. I attended LAC (Lake Avenue Church) in LA. The church has been focusing on the Advent season for the past month. The worship service started out with members of the choir (who were scattered among the congregation) singing the phrase "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The congregation then recited a prayer displayed on the screen. This was followed by another choir member singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," then followed by another congregational prayer. I liked how it made me feel part of the worship service and worship team instead of the usual congregation facing the worship team.

During offering, the LAC orchestra played and the choir sang "Soli deo Gloria." In front, a ballet dancer in bright lavendar and maroon performed along with the music. I thought that this was so appropriate for this Sunday's theme of Joy. It felt more like a celebration of God's joy and majesty that I was a part of rather than a performance. I guess it's a fine line to walk between performance and worship for those leading worship. This past Sunday was an example in which the focus on worship was pulled off quite well.