When we gather...

Here is a draft intended as a response to some questions and conversations arising from our Lenten conversations and beyond. My concern has been to place into simple yet not dumbed-down words things that a newcomer might ask, or want to know in order to feel more a part of our worship life...

Above all, know that you are welcome as you are. Please feel at ease. Our worship is shaped by long tradition and an ancient wisdom, and so might look and feel different that other settings you may have experienced. Ancient Christian sources describe spiritual practice as "exercise"--think of our gathering as a new exercise routine that will take time to learn! Like other forms of exercise, the benefits will show in time.

We believe that when we gather, God is present, and our gathering itself is sacred, an experience of God's presence on earth.

Our worship space is designed to speak this truth. Notice what you see-images, architecture, sounds and even the smell of incense and candle-wax. All these are simply meant to call to mind the sacred nature of our gathering and of the conversation with God taking place.

Both music and silence may convey the mystery of God. We honor both.

Some of those serving in worship wear special clothes determined by tradition. This is meant to convey the fact that what we all do together is "holy", meaning set aside for a special purpose. Colors used change according to the season of the year, seasons that reflect on various aspects of the mystery of Jesus Christ.

You will notice that the members present change their body postures at various times. We pray with our bodies as well as with our understanding, our voices, and our emotions. Generally, we SIT to listen when we believe God may speak, we STAND when we express respectful attention or during some forms of prayer. Some choose to KNEEL for certain prayers. When crossing in front of the altar, it is our custom to BOW or to GENUFLECT ("bend the knee") in an ancient gesture of respect. We make the SIGN OF THE CROSS at various moments (when blessing is pronounced, when the Trinity is mentioned, and other times), touching the forehead, heart, left shoulder, then right. When the Gospel is about to be read we make small crosses on our foreheads, lips, and heart.

Our worship is a drama in three acts:

a) Listening to God-- we believe that the living Word of God may speak to us through the hearing of the written words of the Bible and of the preacher's sermon.

b) Responding to the God who speaks--by professing our faith, by prayer for the world and church and ourselves as one body, culminating in the Peace

c) Communing with God--giving the great "Thanks" and receiving Communion, the tangible sign and symbol of Christ knitting himself to us in the blessed bread and wine. From here we are sent out to be Christ's hands and heart in the world, serving in his name.

Please know that we welcome all questions, we engage all reflections, and we hope your time with us will be food for your ongoing journey.