Monday, September 14, 2009

I’ve Been Thinking about...

...Worship.

And as I’ve said in the space many times before, when I think about heavy theological things like that, the first place I usually turn to is to author, theologian, and humorist Frederick Buechner. His book “Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC” is an instant classic, and a mandatory resources.

When it comes to defining “worship”, Buechner says this:
Phrases like Worship Service or Service of Worship are tautologies. To worship God means to serve him. Basically there are two ways to do it. One way is to do things for him that he needs to have done — run errands for him, carry messages for him, fight on his side, feed his lambs, and so on. The other way is to do things for him that you need to do — sing songs for him, create beautiful things for him, give things up for him, tell him what’s on your mind and in your heart, in general rejoice in him and make a fool of yourself for him the way lovers have always made fools of themselves for the one they love.

A Quaker Meeting, a Pontifical High Mass, the Family Service at First Presbyterian, a Holy Roller Happening — unless there is an element of joy and foolishness in the proceedings, the time would be better spent doing something useful.

On this day may we be filled with that joy and foolishness that are the truest signs of love and devotion! We will dedicate time in worship this morning to examine exactly what it means to worship God and how we do it here at Encanto. Thank you for being here today and for adding your own gifts to the service of the Lord.

Yours in the journey, Rev. Brian

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