Moving Liturgy [Hardcover]

What does it mean to be a visual aid in worship? Moving Liturgy: Dance in Christian Worship provides readers with powerful ideas to bring prayers, parables, hymns, and scripture passages to life in the most direct way--storytelling in dance and movement through the body--the best visual aid! This book offers practical and artistic information for anyone interested in learning about, or re-affirming, the use of dance and movement in worship. Jane Wellford has worked extensively in the arts of liturgical dance and drama in collaboration with clergy, musicians, conductors, visual artists, dancers, and entire congregations. Successful ideas for worship, as well as creative possibilities, are all included in this book. I believe that worship should be made multi-sensory, exciting, and as connected to real life experiences as possible. The more senses that are involved in worship, the more likely the message will be received. When we hear the word of God shared through words or music, see it come to life through dance, drama, or other visual arts, experience it through speaking the prayers, confessions, or creeds, and sing it through hymns or chants, we are more actively engaged in the experience of worship. Learning 'The Lord's Prayer' from Jane confirmed my calling as a liturgical and sacred dancer. That was 1997 at a Sacred Dance Festival. Now in 2016, this dance is the signature piece of the Sacred Dance Ensemble of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jane is an inspirational teacher, choreographer, and dancer. The liturgical world will be enriched by her book. --Vicky Nichols Wilder, Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist; Artistic Director, Sacred Dance Ensemble of Fredericksburg InMoving Liturgy, Jane Wellford presents a rich history of liturgical dance and offers practical and creative ways to involve movement and dance in worship. Her passion for liturgical dance and vast experience in many congregations makes this a tremendous resource and guide for worship commitl£x