Oct. 22: As we prepare to receive a new hymnal and explore new worship options, I thought it might be a good time to visit a little about "liturgy,"  which is what we do each Sunday during worship.  The word "liturgy" means "the work of the people."  What happens each Sunday is more than just a "spectator sport" for folks to "view and critique."  All too often that's what happens because it's easier to just sit and critique and, besides, that's the habit we've gotten into. But everytime the congregation has a response, in the readings or to the prayers, it is a way for the congregation to add their affirmation to what has been said.  The word "Amen" means "Yes, it shall be so," thereby adding congregational support to the requests. 

 

 In scripture we are told that our "work" is to believe in the One who was sent; one way we show our faith, our belief, is in regular worship and participation in the worship service.  We lend our voices in praising and honoring God; in making requests for peace and justice; in offering of our time, talent and treasure to the work of His kingdom; in offering thanks for the blessings of our lives and making intercession on behalf of brothers and sisters throughout the world.  Part of our "work" as Christians takes place on Sunday morning as we worship together with other Christians at home and across the world. 

 

We worship, in our time, a timeless God, so while the message of God's love and care for us and all of creation remains the same, the way we worship changes to meet our changing context of life.  Our new hymnal will have lots of options for worship and include many old favorite hymns as well as many new favorites.  I hope you are looking forward to "doing your job" in a new, yet familiar way, as we learn some new ways to "praise the Lord." 

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Carol