ABOUT 747

Each week 747 is different, but some themes tend to persist from week to week. We almost always try to tie everything around one topic, scripture passage, or theme. We usually have time for discussion open for anyone to share their thoughts or questions related to the topic of the day. We always pray and read scripture. We always welcome EVERYONE and try to make sure that no one is lost in what is going on. Students are always involved in the planning and leading of worship.

We want you to know that it is OK to wrestle with faith, and we are quite willing to be with you as you struggle with whatever life is throwing your way. Especially, please let us know if you have questions about worship. We'll always try to answer your questions! We don't have all the answers -- and we won't pretend that we do!

Music is always part of the 747 experience, usually in the form of singing together. At this point, you might be wondering "what kind of songs do you sing?" Our songbook includes a variety of music, including traditional and modern hymns, contemplative music or chants, contemporary songs, and some stuff that's a little bit trickier to categorize.

We almost always share Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. Everyone is invited to share in this meal, but participation is optional. (We use non-alcoholic wine.) We know that everyone experiences God differently. We hope you join in our songs, prayers, and activities, but we aren't going to force or guilt you to do anything.

Examples of other things we've done include: experimenting with diffent kinds of prayer such as a drum circle prayer, watching a short film, reciting various statements of faith, "migrating" around the room, sitting in silence, letting joy bubble over, eating, and playing with legos, playdough, and balloons.

We have carefully and prayerfully tried to design each gathering to be fully participatory and open to drawing on the variety of gifts that each person might bring to the table. Everyone has something to offer, and we hope that this manifests in ways that we couldn't begin to predict. Therefore, our worship is "liturgical" by definition, meaning "a work of the people."