August 19th, 2007 - What happens when Lutherans and Episcopalians Meet?

We found out at our worship, potluck and dessert Sunday evening; we share common ground and, as Pastor Dayle said:

We eat, we worship, we pray, we laugh, we sing, we create community. It was very cool!

There was a rehearsal for the musicians at 4:00 PM. I arrived then and the preparation for the service was already underway. The musicians were David, Kelly and me, together with Tom and Leanne from Holy Family. The rehearsal went well, a quick run through of the music, an agreement on who would sing or play what parts for the rounds and descants.

The potluck was enjoyable and the food was great. The tables, for the most part, had a mix of Lutherans and Episcopalians getting to know one another. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

This carried into the service. The sources for the worship were varied, as I have mentioned in the blog before, Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist and the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer. However varied the sources, the structure of the service felt familiar except for the Gospel reading and sermon coming after communion. That was unique to this service so that the children could be present at communion but did not need to stay through readings and the sermon.

The worship was unique and kept us in the space where we were mindful of God's gifts to all of us and the faith that we share.

Reverend Julie gave a meaningful sermon centered on the Gospel reading: Luke 12:49-56. She focused on Jesus' words which can comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

The food and conversation afterwards provided more connection and there was a definite excitement about the energy felt in this joint effort.