THERE'S a new style emerging from Blackwood Uniting Church - one that combines worship with jazz.

"Black Wood Jazz" is the brainchild of congregation member Sarah Agnew. Sarah said the idea grew out of her involvement with Nightlife at NCYC and also her dissatisfaction with tradition-style church services.

"I was concerned there are a lot of people like me, in their 20s and 30s, who are looking for something different from traditional worship and big youth rallies," she said.

"I was looking for a more conversational style of church. I started thinking about the Jazz Lounge at NCYC, which was the most popular evening venue, and the concept of Black Wood Jazz emerged.

"The beauty of it is that jazz reaches across all age groups and everybody who has come to a service loves what we're doing."

So far Sarah has organised four of the informal jazz based services at Blackwood and each has been different. However each service has included good jazz musicians, hymns that 'swing' and lively table discussions.

"On Easter Sunday we had soup, toast and Communion and sang 'Amazing Grace' to the tune of 'House of the Rising Sun'," she said.

"We're planning a 'Cool August Night' which will involve a fireside theme and lots of candles and we'll be exploring the links between poetry and jazz.

"In November we're holding a 'Sunset Jazz' on the lawns at Nunyara Conference Centre. It'll be a great event for a family picnic."

Sarah is currently in a period of discernment, studying for a Certificate in Ministry at Parkin Wesley College.

She is also attending an alternative worship gathering in Melbourne in October with the assistance of a Uniting Foundation Leadership Development Grant.

People wanting to know more about the Black Wood Jazz events can phone the Blackwood Uniting Church office, 8278 7699.