Mom was beaming today. Her regular pew, the pew at Bethel Lutheran Church in which the Crowthers have sat as long as the pew has been a pew, was once again full of Crowthers. All the boys were home and at worship. Even the pastor commented about this in his announcements. The congregation laughed. My folks were proud.
It is odd to go home again. Jesus discovered this. It is never the same...not as one remembers home. Problem was, at Bethel everything was the same.
I decided to turn this morning's worship into a bit of an experiment, attending as a visitor. But not just any visitor. This morning I attempted to worship as someone who had never before worshipped in a Christian church. Sometimes we call these visitors the "unchurched." I've never really cared for this term. Sounds a little like a retro soda commercial. I resonate more with a term used in some of my current reading, i.e. the "sought." This morning I was one of the sought, one to whom God's heart is particularly inclined.
As one of the sought I quickly noticed how difficult the bulletin was to understand and navigate. Even I was a bit uncertain as to what the page references indicated in this new cranberry hymnal (but 10 credit points for having the new hymnal). Worship was staid...but familiar. The head dude up front in the funny white robe seemed to run the show. (As his colleague and son of this congregation I know him as a pastor...as one of the sought I see his garb as cultic and strange). I listened to music from an instrument I hear nowhere else, except Kauffman Stadium. I notice that the children (and myself) are fidgeting and parents are fighting to keep their attention focused towards the front. As soon as the show is over, they literally explode with energy and run out the doors. But during the service, they just fidget. I don't understand the symbolism or the purposes for many of the actions of those around me, and I feel uncomfortable and unusually self-conscious.
As a member of this group's extended tribe I am comfortable with all that took place this morning. As one of the sought, there is little that happens that is comprehensible to me. And if anyone from Bethel is following this blog, fret not. I am describing most any mainline Protestant congregation these days. Don't take this personally.
But it is time for all of us to take this seriously. If God endeavors to seek the sought (and if you have doubt about this pull out your New Testament again), then it would behoove the church and benefit the kingdom for each of us to visit our home congregations again for the first time.
I am thrilled at how many folks seem to be following along with these ruminations. Thank you. We spend much of tomorrow in the air and at airports. This is good as I get my best reading done there...and today I managed none. As we travel from Greensboro to Portland, Maine please send along your prayers.
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3 comments:
I know in the past that you have said you listen to Atonement Sermons on the internet when you are not able to be with us. If you have yet to listen to June 22nd's sermon you are in for a treat.
It was definately a sock checker. Afterwords, I checked and mine were gone! Then again, I have always told you I love to be hit right between the eyes, even if it makes me uncomfortable at times. She did you proud, and "Dr. Philled" us in true Pastor Joe style.
As always, I am sad when you are not there to guide us. However, this last Sunday it was a little easier because she did such a wonderful job.
So, I guess I was fidgetting with you, but for a different reason.
I don't know how hooked into the prayer chain you are, while away. Just to update you, my pneumonia is now totally gone, and we are working at getting my newly discovered Asthma under control. Today, marks the begining of my thrid week at home, in order to regain my strength. I will likely be back at work next week, if only half days to start.
At least I am able to get some reading in too. Thankfuly it is much lighter than the tomes you are digesting! Right now I am trying to get through the 7th and final Harry Potter book before the ending is spoiled for me by the media.
My prayers go with you and your family as you travel, relax, and study. You have truly earned this time to regroup and renew. I can not, however, keep from being selfish and look forward to your return.
We wanted to add our comments about a recent visit to another Lutheran church's service. We also observed as two of the "sought".
We participated in the ritual, but did not receive guidance except for the bulletin instructions. Everyone else seemed to know what to do when. Some of the (ELW) music was hard to sing.
There was no chance to ask any questions about the service or the faith presented there. The worship service is apparently not a place where someone new was expected.
We know, as life-long Lutherans, there is value in rehearing the history of God's people. There is community in repeated rituals. It's just hard to see how the repeat community and the sought can both be filled at the same worship experience.
BTW, the recent Global MIssion Event was a clear reminder of the largeness of the Lutheran church ["66 Million Lutherans DO make a difference."]. The church deals with immigrants, refugees, the needy, and the sought in many countries. Unfortunately there was not much about being in mission in North America.
Pat has ordered the Wheatley book from the college, and we will begin reading it (in-between sessions with Harry Potter).
Peace & joy,
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