What am I doing here? That is the question I have been asking myself for some time. Ever since I lost my church job that I was at for 18 years, the job where I worked full time including Sunday mornings, and ran the Children’s Worship presentation program, I have enjoyed just visiting churches. I enjoyed being able to dart in and out. Sometimes I enjoyed participating in worship from my front porch, watching the live stream.
But some need to belong somewhere will not leave me. There is a need to put down roots. There is a need to connect and grow with others. There is a call to live out my faith among other believers. That last one is a point of contention with my Enneagram 5 introverted self.
So when I read about the intro class at the local church I have been visiting, I knew it was time to respond.
But as I was headed to the church this morning, planning to attend the 11am traditional service so I could stay for the noon introductory meeting/lunch, I was really asking myself what was I doing?
My dear Lord, in His kindness, proceeded to explain to me just what I was doing here.
All Saints Sunday, the first Sunday in November, follows Reformation Sunday in my Lutheran roots. Reformation Sunday is where we (the Lutheran Church) remember Martin Luther and the work of the other reformers to break away from all the destructive and ungodly ways of the “church”. One of my biggest takeaways from studying the Reformation was a term called adiaphora. While the technical meaning of this greek word is “indifferent” – meaning neither commanded nor forbidden in the Bible, the definition I remember is “useful, but not necessary”. During the Reformation, the Protestants divided over adiaphora. Martin Luther suggested keeping things that were useful from the Catholic tradition, while others said eliminate if the Bible doesn’t mandate. I came to appreciate useful things that, while not necessary, enhanced the worship experience. Things like
- Lighting candles (bringing in the Light of Christ, carrying it out into the world).
- Displaying colors/paraments of the liturgical year.
- Singing short praises to God, acknowledging central Christian belief in a Triune God.
- Reciting the Apostles Creed to “affirm the faith and proclaim before all what we believe.”
- Playing music boldly, that can be felt in your heart and soul with ancient instruments that remind us Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
All of these elements were part of the 11am service. As a bonus, communion was celebrated where all who desire to live a right relationship with God are invited to His table to be reminded that God loves us so much that he sent his only son to take away and forgive us of our sins.
God called me to this service, with these elements, to remind me of my roots, and enrich me with His abundant and abiding presence. Where else can I go to hear and see these things?
While these elements are not required, or necessary, for meaningful worship in community, they bring honor and glory and meaning and inspiration. Thanks be to God.
And if that is not enough, the recognition of church members who died this past year, All Saints Sunday, was the icing on the cake for why I needed to be at church today.
As names were read, friends and family members stood to honor their loved ones. After one name was read, many, many people stood. The person was popular, and even well loved. Perhaps the person left a legacy and lived out their faith and God’s calling on their life. That is what I am called to do.
For all the Saints who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
[Chorus]
Alleluia, Alleluia.
But wait, there’s more. Now God is just showing off – shining His light you could say.
Years ago I attended a workshop on prayer at a local church. I remember vividly talking about being willing to lead prayer for people in need, especially when they were requesting a miracle. I recall my avoider of conflict self having a problem with that. What if the requestors version of a miracle did not happen and they became mad at the pray-ers for failing…or mad at God? Ouch. The pastor who led the class was persistent in his encouragement to pray and ask God for what you want/need. That has stuck with me all these years, some 15+ years ago.
Fast forward to today’s sermon, based on John 11:32-44. It’s the story of Jesus arriving after Lazarus had already died. His sister’s were grieving. In this story we learn that Jesus has compassion. Jesus wept with them. Then he did what he was called to do by His Father.
This contemporary Christian hit song will not leave me.
I pray for your healing.
That circumstances would change.
I pray that the fear inside would flee, in Jesus’ name.
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today.
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.
Verse 40: Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?
The pastor who taught that prayer class years ago was Pastor Andy Postell. Today’s sermon was given by his son, Rev. Lathem Postell.
Thank you, Lord. Your kindness does not go unnoticed.
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