A moment in worship was surprising today during the first reading from Ezekiel. Eva is an exceptional reader partly because of her accent and nuanced delivery. She came to Ezekiel 18 verse 32: "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord. Turn, then and live." and her voice broke with obvious emotion. She apologized and continued.
After the service Eva described how, at that moment, she was overwhelmed because the God of her youth was a vengeful God and the words For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone was a different God that was the loving God she has come to know over the years.
This blog is titled Response to Worship. It strikes me today, because of Eva's "apology", how much of our response to worship is determined collectively by what we have experienced in the past and considered "proper" worship. I have had my share of emotional responses with the heart of Creator worship but I admit I rarely express that emotion outside of the constraints of what becomes an expected response on Sunday.
Pastor Ray's sermon focused on the Gospel: Matthew 16:23-32 where the chief priests and elders ask Jesus "By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you that authority?" and he answers their question with his own question "Did the baptism of John come from heaven or was it of human origin?" When they answer "We do not know.", he doesn't answer their question.
By asking the question these leaders are trying to exert their control and authority over how God's authority is perceived. Pastor Ray suggested we know that God gave Jesus authority and also proposed viewing God as author rather than as an exerciser of authority over the world. God as author does allows authority not to be solely dictated by leaders.
The music felt particularly devotional and from the heart of those gathered today. There is a Redeemer expressed a genuine gratitude and there was a deep, true joy as the congregation sang Canticle of the Sun.
By the time the Hymn of the Day came up in worship the joy was transformed into an urgent prayer with Here I am Lord. The many emotions mixed for the Communion Hymns, Bread of Life from Heaven and Beautiful Savior.
Matt set a quick, light pace for the Sending Song, Light Dawns on a Weary World. This animated the congregation in a unique way and became a jubilant way to end worship.
After the service Eva described how, at that moment, she was overwhelmed because the God of her youth was a vengeful God and the words For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone was a different God that was the loving God she has come to know over the years.
This blog is titled Response to Worship. It strikes me today, because of Eva's "apology", how much of our response to worship is determined collectively by what we have experienced in the past and considered "proper" worship. I have had my share of emotional responses with the heart of Creator worship but I admit I rarely express that emotion outside of the constraints of what becomes an expected response on Sunday.
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| Photos by Ron Houser |
By asking the question these leaders are trying to exert their control and authority over how God's authority is perceived. Pastor Ray suggested we know that God gave Jesus authority and also proposed viewing God as author rather than as an exerciser of authority over the world. God as author does allows authority not to be solely dictated by leaders.
The music felt particularly devotional and from the heart of those gathered today. There is a Redeemer expressed a genuine gratitude and there was a deep, true joy as the congregation sang Canticle of the Sun. By the time the Hymn of the Day came up in worship the joy was transformed into an urgent prayer with Here I am Lord. The many emotions mixed for the Communion Hymns, Bread of Life from Heaven and Beautiful Savior.
Matt set a quick, light pace for the Sending Song, Light Dawns on a Weary World. This animated the congregation in a unique way and became a jubilant way to end worship.
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