October 21st, 2007 - Episcopal / Lutheran Evening Service


I’ll bet have had the feeling or been in this mood. This was my third worship service of the day. There was a by-the-numbers quality to it that I wasn't feeling comfortable with at all. The same music was planned with a different liturgy and sermon than the morning services. Still it was our sophomore outing. The service did not begin with that ”What will happen?” question that was in most people’s mind the first time we worshipped together.

I was preoccupied by work which I had just completed. It was not a state for good worship. Then Reverend Julie, bless her, asked us to add a song that we hadn’t had a chance to practice for the Children’s Time and for the Sending called David's Song.

The musicians and congegation were still warming to the spirit of the song, that had a feel of Jewish celebration music to it and Reverend Julie began dancing when the lyrics of the song described dancing. She played the tambourine and the whole energy of the service lifted to another place for me.

It moved me out of my previous state of mind and I was able to listen the Pastor Dayle’s new sermon for the evening. She preached using the same gospel but offered different stories and examples. She was being cognizant of inclusion as she spoke about the widow and the unjust judge.

I appreciated what Pastor Dayle preached. She asked about justice for undocumented immigrants, for gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. To the latter she noted Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson’s voice was heard near and far. A gay priest in a committed relationship is now a bishop and how it has caused waves throughout the whole Anglican world.

"Justice usually causes waves!" she remarked and then gave an example of the ELCA, last summer taking a baby step when our bishops were counseled to refrain from disciplining gay and lesbian clergy who are in committed relationships. She pointed out that there are many voices crying out for justice. Sometimes we are those voices and sometimes we are the unjust judge who does not want to take the time to hear,

As the service concluded I wondered what the next steps are in our joint journey with Holy Family. The next activity with them is the Harvest Festival.

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.

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.