July 26th, 2007 - Meeting with Happy Valley Holy Family Episcopal Community

In the August newsletter Pastor Dayle talked about the fire of the Holy Spirit being in our midst, moving us to celebrate a joint worship service with Holy Family Episcopal Community.

This was basically another planning session for that worship.

Reverend Julie Smith brought a draft of the Sunday Evening Family worship and Meghan brought two prints each of two striking posters she designed for the event.

The group worked easily together at the meeting. There were suggestions for the right music and word. The sources for the worship were varied, Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist and the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer.

I appreciated the excited energy of the meeting. I was fascinated by the fresh perspectives. When we examined the sanctuary we found the placement of the altar, how the cross might be used, and where the sermon would be given (to cite a few examples), were all new decisions.

There was a graciousness too that impressed me, a deference to what our different denominational beliefs would consider important. Good sign pointing to what should be a special worship service.