Preparing for Session Six

Reading from A New Christianity for a New World—
	Chapter 12: The Ecclesia of Tomorrow (pages 201–17)
Chapter 13: Why Does it Matter? (pages 219–31)
Chapter 14: The Courage to Move into the Future (pages 233–46)

Supplementary reading—
	Rather than focus on more biblical texts in preparation for the final session, you might review some selected contemporary religious songs that offer alternative expressions of faith and mission. 
	Most church hymnals have at least a few of these songs, and some have extensive collections.
	Some contemporary songs consciously draw on traditional imagery—or even do little more than put Scripture verses to music. However, others seem to make an effort to find new ways to express our faith, and our understanding of our mission as Christian people.
	In reviewing some of the more recent compositions available in your hymn book collection, try to identify why some appeal to you more than others.

Reflection task—
Like our songs, the texts prepared for use in public worship provide words to express our thoughts as well as channeling our thoughts along certain lines.
You may wish to review the liturgical texts that are most commonly used in your own tradition, to identify their dominant theological themes and motifs.