Study Notes on Reformed Worship in the Twentieth Century

Change in Worship Patterns: Extensive development and change in Reformed churches' worship throughout the twentieth century.
- Response to various factors, including:
- Social Mobility: Increased social mobility and interchurch marriages leading to the appropriation of worship patterns from other traditions.
- Shift in Church's Role: Transition from the church being central in community life to Sunday worship being the primary (or only) community contact.
- Education and Nurture: Unlike the early 20th century, Sunday worship often took on roles of Christian nurture and education.
- Understanding of Christian Symbols: Decreased assumption that Christian symbols and language were universally understood by congregants by century’s end.

Service of the Word to Sacrament:
- Early 20th century worship primarily consisted of the service of the word.
- By the end of the century, celebration of the Lord's Supper increased, with the service of the word often viewed as ante-communion.
- This change responded to movements of biblical and liturgical renewal transcending denominational boundaries.
Recognition of Jewish Roots: Increased appreciation for the Jewish roots of Christian worship.
Ecumenical Influence: Movement towards ecumenical relationships, sharing cultural hymns and symbols from newly established Reformed churches worldwide (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Caribbean).
- Resulted in new expressions and experiences in Reformed worship.
Imagination in Liturgies: Enhanced emphasis on creativity in liturgy, moving away from earlier starkness and simplicity.
Children in Worship: Shift from children remaining silent during services to active participation and communion in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in some churches.

Social Factors: Changes in societal structure influenced worship practices.
Biblical Insights: Understanding shaped by advancements in biblical studies.
Liturgical Movement's Impact: Engagement with the liturgical movement enriched worship practices.
Ecumenical Dialogue Participation: Contributed to new theological understandings, particularly regarding the Lord's Supper.

Generally modest role of theology in the evolution of worship patterns.
Evidence of fragmentation in theological curricula concerning worship as a practical activity.
- Theological and practical theology often treated as separate entities, affecting the depth of worship theology explored in academic settings.
Some non-Western theological institutions, particularly in Africa and Asia, have approached worship's theology more integratively.

Despite increased dialogue, diversity persists in worship practices among Reformed churches.
Difficulty in defining a uniquely Reformed perspective on worship.
- Contributions from theologians across Christian traditions have enriched discussions and understandings.

Historical Context: Conversation and exploration among liturgical scholars significantly influenced worship practices and understanding.
- Eugène Bersier emphasized the centrality of worship, advocating for a balanced focus on both the word and sacraments.
- Influenced by ongoing dialogues with other traditions and establishment of committees for exploring worship.
Impact on the Lord's Supper: Increased frequency of celebrating the Lord's Supper across Reformed and non-Reformed traditions.

Taizé Community: Founded during WWII, developed liturgical practices, music, and understanding of worship, influencing many churches.
Iona Community: Founded by Dr. George McLeod, emphasized church-society connection, fostering a disciplined worship life and producing hymns influential across many denominations.

Reformed historians and scholars have examined the writings of early Reformers, enhancing understanding of classic confessions and theological heritage.
- Influenced modern discussions on the frequency and significance of the Lord's Supper.

Scripture's Central Role: Reformed tradition emphasizes the study of Scripture as crucial for developing systematic theology and understanding worship.
Oscar Cullmann's Influence: His insights on early Christian worship and resurrection meals shaped understanding of the Lord's Supper.
Consequences of Biblical Studies:
- Discussions around passages like the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-53) emphasized the connection between word and sacrament.
- Questions on children participating in communion arose, correlating with discussions on the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-58).

Participation of Reformed churches in ecumenical dialogues enhanced understanding of worship and sacramental practices.
Evolution of Dialogue Methodology: Transitioned from comparative analysis to a convergence approach, summarizing insights for collective understanding.
- Major contributions led to the text on Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry adopted at the Lima Conference (1982).
Critical engagement with statements from ecumenical documents regarding the centrality of the Eucharist vis-à-vis word.

Sacrament Theology:
- Donald Baillie's theology emphasized a broader understanding of sacrament beyond the traditional “sign and seal” of the covenant, incorporating ideas of material elements as instruments of divine grace.
Anamnesis:
- Max Thurian explored the idea of memorial (anamnesis) in relation to Eucharistic actions, emphasizing continuity of past, present, and future deliverances in worship.
- Portrayed the communal dimensions of celebrations and how it reflects the Passover context to lead worshippers into an appreciative engagement of God’s promises.
Epiclesis:
- Emphasized the prayer invoking the Holy Spirit's action during Eucharist as critical to understanding Christ’s presence and community worship dynamics.
Intercession:
- The Reformed tradition’s emphasis on intercession reflected the church's participation in God’s intentions for humankind and its mission in society.

Throughout the twentieth century, Reformed theologians’ reflections on worship integrated social shifts, biblical insights, liturgical scholarship, and ecumenical dialogues.
Resulted in evolving worship rites, particularly regarding the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, affirming the interconnectedness of word and sacrament as a crucial theme in Reformed worship.