Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Church Council of Kreuzkirche Bellville has recently taken an important step in the life of our congregation by deciding to formalise three distinct divine service settings: the Formal (Ancient) Setting, the Semi-Formal (Modern) Setting, and the Informal Setting.
As a starting point, the focus will be on the Formal (Ancient) Setting, which will be shared with the congregation in due course. The intention is that this setting will serve as our foundation. Once it has been well established and received, we will then move on to the development of the Semi-Formal Setting and the Informal Setting. For context, the Semi-Formal Setting will be a shorter and more simplified version of the formal order—closer to what we are accustomed to in our current services—while the Informal Setting will remain flexible and without chanted elements.
The Formal (Ancient) Setting that has been prepared is based on the 1976 Altar Book of UELCSA. It makes use of the familiar chanting sheets used in our congregations, while also incorporating the traditional “Our Father” and the ELCSA “Amen” following the benediction, as is known, for example, in the Strandstraat congregation. As we prepare to introduce this setting, I would like to sincerely ask for the support and patience of the entire congregation.
It has become evident that many of us find it challenging to transition from the German liturgical forms to the English language. In particular, one of the main challenges lies in fitting the English wording naturally onto the existing chant notation, as the original melodies were structured around the rhythm and flow of the German text. The English equivalents, therefore, do not always align easily. For this reason, it is important that we practise the English liturgy together as a congregation.
Through repetition, attentive listening, and mutual encouragement, we can gradually become more familiar with how the text and melody work together. This process will take time, but it will help us grow in confidence and unity in our worship.
If we approach this journey with patience and willingness, we trust that the Formal Setting will, in time, become well established among us. Thereafter, we will be in a good position to proceed with the development of the SemiFormal Setting and the Informal Setting.
Let us move forward together in this journey of worship, supporting one another as we grow in Christ.
In Christ’s love, Thaniël Jay Frans.
