“Jan Riggenback writes a newspaper column on gardening. In an article she wrote about how to plant bedding plants, we learn something about Christian growth [as she discusses the best way to have plants survive is to disturb the roots.] “If the plant has been growing in its pot so long that the roots are circling the bottom,” says Riggenbach, “I jab my finger into the bottom of the soil and pull down to untangle the roots …. If the whole pot is filled with circling roots, I have to be merciless. I don’t worry if I break some roots, that’s better than allowing the roots to continue to circle when the plants are growing in the garden. Most bedding plants shrug off this rough treatment.”
Christians often resemble rootbound plants. We grow complacent and comfortable where we are. Our roots circle around and around in the same small area, no longer reaching out for life and nourishment and growth. The healthiest thing God can do for us is shake up our roots and put us in new soil.”
The above passage comes from a volume with 750 other stories that help to illustrate the principles of Christian living. I like this story because it shows that sometimes that we need to be prodded and be shaken up, much like how the Holy Spirit burst into the world on Pentecost so many years ago and still does today in our lives. This week I am shaking things up.
As promised some time ago, I suggested that worship services will change as the parish moves towards a paperless service at the later service and discerns how best to be good stewards of our office resources.
This coming Sunday the Holy Eucharist Service will come from the authorized series: Enriching Our Worship. The words of the service are not found in the BCP. For the 8 am service, the service will be available in booklet form; while at the 10:30 am service, the words will be on the screens. If there are congregants at the later service who need a booklet, please ask the usher to give you a copy. I hope you enjoy the service language as it is more inclusive and “modern” than the 1979 BCP. Copies of the assigned Lectionary Scriptures will still be made available at both services. These too will be phased out in due time.
The sanctuary has been set for the DOK Retreat to accommodate those in attendance in the form of a circle. As a result, readers, intercessors will stand while remaining at their chosen seat to read the lessons and Prayers of the People. The altar party will have assigned seating on either side of the altar. This seating arrangement is different from what we know and have experienced. I can assure you that Ethan and I have tested every angle to make sure those in a leadership role are heard by all and that all can see the screens. My hope is that this new seating arrangement will provide a different view of the altar, of each other, and add a new experience to our worship in community. We will enter this experimental phase for the Season of Ordinary Time accepting feedback along the way.
Blessings,
Anne+