Worship at Canada Youth 2006 featured a lot more than a stately organ and a gowned choir. Each two-hour service was packed with lively music, compelling sermons, dance and drama. Organized by Rev. Bob Geddes of South Gate Church, Hamilton, and Rev. Susan Kerr, the worship times featured participants and collaborators from across the country.
The house band, The Witnesses, was made up of six young people from congregations in the Hamilton area. They led worship on most days. The Lost Pilgrims are comprised of ministers, elders, members and the principal clerk of the General Assembly. Their bluegrass sound had the youth shouting and singing along. The band also played at CY03. Glen Soderholm and David White opened each evening with a quieter sound of acoustic guitars and percussion, acting as the call to worship. Soderholm is well known among the Presbyterian Church as he is an ordained minister, but now manages his music ministry, A Moveable Feast.
A girls’ dance group performed two numbers. Known as D-ROCC (Dancers Relying on Christ Completely), they are based in Trinity Church in Oro, Ont. They are led by Deb Grant, and are an active part of Trinity’s worship program. A mime and drama group called ACTS made two stirring performances; one being a two-man dramatic interpretation of the story of Zacchaeus. The group was also at CY00 and is from Toronto Chinese Presbyterian Church. Their leader is Howard Eng. A drama group replaced a regular sermon on the second-last day of CY06, acting out a creative and contemplative rendition of the Good Samaritan story. The five actors are members of South Gate Church, Hamilton. Their director was Anne Cheeseman, the church’s secretary. – AM
