THE CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT
In the United States (and to a lesser extent in Great Britain) the so-called 'Charismatic Movement' has grown in influence. Sometimes within established churches, sometimes related to Pentecostalism, on occasions entirely independent, but a new emphasis on worship formed a sometimes uneasy, but nevertheless common bond, between many who were involved.

The emphasis within the charismatic movement has been upon  "Openness to the Holy Spirit". As such it has precariously negotiated some of the same traps that plagued the earliest Charismatics of the First Century.

The growth of Contemporary Music, Seeker Services, Audio Visual experiences in worship etc…many of those involved in such innovations would look to the charismatic movement as their roots.

The movement presents to those concerned with Liturgy the challenge of creating worship services that allow for freedom in worship, the introduction of contemporary elements (including audio and visuals), yet remaining consistent with the past.

As the twentieth first century has dawned there are many large congregations seeking to worship in what maybe uncharted waters. Churches such as Willow Creek, and the Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church are developing resources and patterns of ministry that are a far cry from Clements Eastern Rite, Johnathan Edwards 'sinners in the Hand of an Angry God' and the average small Presbyterian churches diet of weekly worship.

Which brings us around full circle to the question we started with.

"So why do we have bulletins in the Presbyterian Church?"
The Presbyterian Church (USA) seeks to be a church that is true to its historic roots. As we have traced the development of Christianity we have seen that liturgy has always played an important part. In particular the two-fold pattern of  'The Ministry of the Word' and 'The Ministry of the Upper Room' has been embraced throughout the Christian world.

We also see the importance of the Christian Year. That we are people of habit living in a world that keeps turning. So though not defined by the Lectionary, it does help us see the big picture of Gods Word and saves us from concentrating only on the bits of the Bible we personally like!

We believe that certain elements are appropriate in a service of worship. Confession of Sin. Prayers of Intercession. Hymns and Psalms. The Preaching of the Word. The Celebration of the Sacraments.

We are not tied or limited by a bulletin. On the contrary it is just one tool amongst many that helps us keep our focus on God as we worship. Our Book of Order (particularly the section titled Directory for Worship)  offers much guidance as to how Presbyterians understand worship.

The task ahead concerns how we should develop our worship in the future. As we consider the challenge presented both by the liturgical movement and the emerging worship of new churches, we should seek to be faithful to the traditions that have shaped the church since it first came into being.

As we swim in the stream of Reformed Theology and practice we do the whole church a service by bringing the particular insights of the particular tradition that has nurtured us to bear on our perception of the future. If we lose what we have, we no longer have anything unique to share.

CONCLUSIONS

One thing is clear. It is our response to God that shapes our worship. Bulletin or no Bulletin. Choir or no choir. Contemporary or Traditional, 500 seater auditorium wired for techno-overload or little sanctuary out in a field.