This morning was the periodic Lord's Supper service at church. In our denomination, we don't participate every Sunday, as some denominations do. In the past, I've often thought of the other churches that take the Lord's Supper (or communion) every week. I've been glad that we don't take it every week, because it doesn't become routine. Even when we only took it once a quarter, we always took it in the same way, which became routine for me, but merely a once-a-quarter routine as opposed to the once-a-week routine. Now, I go to the 11:11 service, and they try to do the service creatively, which I appreciate. Now, everytime we take the bread and the cup, it's different. I typically know of it in advance, and can prepare myself for the service.
Today was no different, preparation-wise. The creativity in presenting the Lord's Supper was beautiful. The lights were used to contrast the darkness of walking in sin, and the light of walking in The Light. The part that interested me the most, though, was the individual and corporate confession, and how it was presented. It was presented almost liturgically. In the individual confession, the pastor would say something, and the congregation would repeat it. In the corporate confession, the congregation as a whole said the words together.
I've always been curious about liturgical denominations. My friend Jacque was a pastor's wife (and incredible spiritual mentor to me), and her husband's congregation (Church of Christ) was very liturgical. (Can you tell I just like the word "liturgical"?) Anyways, I'd always been "on the fence" about the liturgical thing. I've always liked my Baptist faith, because I can talk to God at any time, and not have to only say what's printed.
Today was different. The focus of our Lord's Service today, was focused on confession. I am not good at confession. I tend to lean towards the "God already knows what I've done" method of rationalizing non-confession. Most of the time, it's because I don't know what to say. The thing that got me about today's service, was that I didn't have to figure out what to say. Someone already did that for me. I just had to humble myself before God, repeat what they said, and mean it. It was very meaningful for me.
In the end of the service, when it came time to take the bread and the cup, the whole congregation stood in a circle and took the elements together. It was amazing. I stood next to the mom of one of my eighth graders, and a high school junior that's a really neat kid. It made me appreciate the idea of a small congregation.
Jennnifer,
ReplyDeleteI love how you are growing and questioning things that aren't working for you. You continue to amaze me at the depth of your faith and how it is shows up in your life. I too am questioning why I do what I do in corp. worship. My conversations with God are stronger outside of the church walls. WIERD.
I know you are loving your new position. I think of you so very often!!!
Love ya,
Jacquie