Worship, 22 May 2011

Worship     22 May 2011         Easter 6   

(This is my first blog as a guest in another church.  It projects my impressions of being a guest and an observer, a new role for me.  My primary concern for the morning was:  how does this congregation welcome and engage a visitor, and how do I as a visitor find commonality with my hosts.  CW, 01 July 2011)

Many friends and family gather in the Narthex prior to worship; it is a lively place.  I am greeted at the door to the nave and given a bulletin, but no other special welcomes are given. 

Random thoughts: 
The pastor begins the service with a longer explanation of the events of the day.  In particular, he describes the cantata to be sung by the choir and its context within the day’s lectionary readings.  He also asks us to sing one stanza of the Lutheran chorale, Vater unser im Himmelreich.  He notes that later we will sing this chorale instead of reciting the Lord’s Prayer. 

This introduction is helpful and invites a sense of intimacy, by suggesting that we are all participating by hearing the cantata in the context of the Word proclaimed.  (Thus, no sermon today; but this seems like the sermon before the sermon.)  On the other hand, the introduction is too long and detracts from the activity at hand, which is worship.  There is too much self-awareness and analysis; I am ready to experience and participate worship rather than reflect upon and understand it.

This morning, the congregation uses portions of ELW Setting 8.  I find the singing of “Kyrie Eleison” with organ and choir to be authentic (in that everyone is singing and offering their best) but also incongruous with the situation.  The organ accompaniment does not provide the necessary bounce and joy to propel the syncopation of the melody.

We are invited to face the center aisle during the prayers, another act of intimacy.  I appreciate seeing the rest of the congregation and time is allowed for individual petitions.

Communion is celebrated around the altar.  We stand together in a circle, facing each other as the cup and bread circle through the group.  No rail separates us from the altar.  My son Quentin and I are somewhat uncertain about the procedure with the communion cups, but several congregational members step over to help us. 

On a whole, Quentin and I were welcomed into this community and several members made personal efforts to help us with some of the idiosyncrasies in this worship.  For the most part, the conversational element of the pastor’s explanations and introductions engendered familiarity and intimacy.  Even so, the worship itself maintained a sense of ritual that allowed me to feel an encounter with the holy God and also to recognize the routine.  This was a small group of worshipers, celebrating the age-old liturgy, with little concern for accommodating concerns for cultural relevance.  Worship was authentic (in that it involved and arose from the people), participatory, God directed, and satisfying.