Liturgy!

Not my favourite subject, as you may know, but apparently, as an Anglican, I am defined not by a statement of faith as some denominations are, but by the liturgy my church uses. Not sure yet if this is a good thing. ‘I am not a number! I am a free man!’ As my more educated friend grumbles, ‘The Church has no say over the songs and hymns we use, and for most people, the theology they think about comes from what they sing, so why set such store by the liturgy?’
However! It’s worth getting to grips with it if it’s so important, and finding out more about it, so I was grateful to have the chance to meet Peter Moger of the Liturgical Commission, who kindly plied me with cake and bounced around the knotty questions of restrictions and freedoms for Anglicans in Fresh Expressions.
Something of a get-to-know-you session, which is very valuable for future conversations as trust is so important on both sides. Also some ideas about books and essays to read for ignoramuses like me to find out more about what liturgy is for; and some thoughts about the way we order buildings.
So I shall apply myself to some of these: 2007 Synod report; Together for a Season essays at the start; Freedoms and Frameworks in Common Worship; Mark Eary, Liturgical Worship; Richard Giles Repitching the Tent; Richard Giles, Creating Uncommon Worship.
Of course, another interesting question is how much established church is prepared to listen to what we’re all learning about liturgy with all ages and with non-churchy people in Messy Church, as well as how much we in Messy Church can learn from our heritage.