Since Debbie was away overnight, I got up early and attended an Episcopal worship service at 8:00 AM in a nearby town. I frequently attend two (or more) worship experiences when we travel. I enjoy discovering different worship settings and environments.
Let me say right off that attending a new church is an intimidating experience! As a pastor, I was always sensitive to the fear that newcomers faced when they attended churches that I led. One of the churches I served had its main entrance in front of the church, however most of the parking area was behind the church. There were significant physical obstacles to be overcome to get guests to the sanctuary. These barriers can usually be overcome with excellent signage and the appropriate placement of greeters.
This morning, I found the parking area quickly and entered a 'side door'. Fortunately, two women greeted me and handed me a worship folder. Then, excellent signage led me through a maze of hallways and stairways that eventually brought me into the 'front' of the sanctuary. Unfortunately -through my inadequate guess at travel time - I was only a couple of minutes early. Consequently, I didn't have adequate time to review the worship folder.
The sanctuary was very large and quite beautiful! It is an old church with elegant wooden pews and ornate features - even without the many Christmas decorations. I had a sense of awe as I gazed at my surroundings. It was quickly apparent that the gathering of about thirty worshippers were sitting exclusively at the far side of the sanctuary. I joined them, feeling quite conspicuous.
Within moments the priest called us to worship. Her voice was crisp and clear and she used a microphone that helped some. [Hearing is a huge problem for me in worship! We only attend services that provide hearing devices - otherwise the experience is purely frustrating for me.] I was immediately lost! We were clearly using a liturgy, but I had difficulty finding my place in the folder [which included an abbreviated order for the 8:00 AM service and an expanded order for the 10:00 AM service}.
Shortly, a gentleman sitting behind me noticed my situation and handed me the Book of Common Prayer opened to the appropriate page. What a wonderful act of kindness! I was warmed by his sensitivity. For much of the liturgy I was able to stay connected. Many of the words were very familiar to me from my past experiences and readings. However, I was repeatedly caught off guard by not knowing when to stand and when to stay seated [later, I realized that these notes were included in the bulletin order]. It's embarrassing to suddenly realize that you're the only person still standing.
The congregation was largely made up of very elderly people. During the passing of the peace I was greeted warmly by all those sitting nearby. The priest made her way around the congregation greeting every worshipper.
I was deeply moved by the ancient words, prayers and scriptures that were shared by the priest and various readers! Liturgy can be very welcoming and meaningful when you are familiar with it. Earlier in my life I used the Book of Common Prayer regularly in my personal worship.
The pastor's message was short and relevant. She spoke of Mary and her experience of bearing the Son of God. She noticed that Mary went from being a young, common girl to being a theologian through the delivery of the Magnificat. I was interested and intrigued by her observations. She left us with a challenge to overcome the things that occur to us in life by dedicating them to God and allowing Him to guide us through them.
Then there was the passing of the peace and announcements. It was a welcome relief for me and an opportunity to get my bearings. Next, we entered into the observation of the Eucharist. The beauty of the environment deepened our experience of this most precious act. I responded with the other worshippers by taking my place at the altar. The priest came with a broken wafer which I accepted and immediately consumed. Then a lay-helper approached me with the cup. That's when I realized that I was supposed to dip my wafer into the wine. [Blush!] I passed on the wine! I was obviously VERY embarrassed and wondered how many noticed my faux pas.
Upon returning to my seat I wanted to pack up and leave before I made any more mistakes! But, I remained for the closing prayers and scriptures and the final benediction.
I tried not to hurry away [not being sure I would even be able to find my way out]. As I left the sanctuary, I exchanged a few words with the priest. She led the service with grace, authority and meaning. I appreciated her and felt that I would love to sit and talk with her. She was intrigued to find that I was a retired Methodist pastor and shared that her father-in-law and husband were pastors in that tradition.
I must confess that I was greatly relieved to get into my car and drive away. Curiously, I would be willing to return. If I do, I will be sure to arrive allowing myself appropriate time to get acquainted with the order for worship. I would likely return for the 10:00 AM service to see what the fuller experience might be like. It was odd to encounter a worship service that included no music whatsoever.
I arrived at our church well in advance of our service giving me ample time to get familiar with the order for worship! :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment