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Volume 21, Issue 7  July 2008

AT THE DOOR

The Door to July opens to an educational experience for worshippers at Redeemer.

    As a response to some of you regarding the question, "Why do we worship the way we do? What reasons are there for placing the scripture readings here, the Lord's Prayer there or the Prayer of the Day in that particular slot?"

 Many folks have been asking these sorts of questions throughout the years, not just at Redeemer, but throughout the Lutheran Church. The meaning of the words, the importance of the actions and the value of the music all work together for one reason: The architecture is all designed to draw human beings closer to God. Let's face it. Unless we understand with our hearts and minds why we do what we do on Sunday mornings, worship could end being boring. If we can help it, we will not let that happen!

     At the request of many who desire more knowledge regarding this issue, the months of July and August (seven Sundays) will be devoted to exploring our liturgy (in the Greek, "people-work") during Sunday morning worship. Questions will be answered regarding what the good news of Jesus Christ has to say to us as we worship. Does God initiate worship by moving us to faith?

 This "people-work" in which we participate brings all individuals into a larger Group; the universal ("catholic") group of all time, space, ethnic tradition and language. We are absorbed into something larger and extremely beautiful; no boundaries. Being members of the mystical body of Christ, we find ourselves members of more than a congregation, ministerium, synod, even denominational body. After all, this truth is in the words we hear," And so, with the Church on earth and the heaven, we praise your name and, join their unending hymn…. "

     Be ready, my friends, to be re-acquainted with the fact that our liturgy and worship is a gift of the Holy Spirit, tested through time and faith, springing from all that is good.  

Yes, it is true that what we do is ritual, for it reflects our inner beliefs. Tucking our children into bed. getting out the electric knife to cut the Thanksgiving Ham, letting the dog out for the last time before bed, kissing my spouse before going to sleep, all these things are ritual. but they reflect real love and values. Worship reflects values. As we worship. so we believe -as we believe. so we worship. May I hold the door for you?

See you on Sunday!

 Pastor Housewright  - give me a call