Fourth Thursday of Easter
So far I have had only one response to yesterday's blog, but I know that folks who get it off the email list get it a day later. That may mean that I get responses a day later. I don't know. Anyway, please send me your thoughts about Prodigal Son and Lectionary vs. Sermon Series. I realize that these matters are far more important for clergy types like me than for most lay folk. I would be happy even to get a response like, "I don't care," but I would love to hear from you.
Distance worship is a new thing for me. I'm not quite sure how to behave. I'm also not quite sure how the clergy should do it. Let's deal first with those of us who are at home in-streaming at 10 am Sunday morning. Should we sing the hymns? I feel like I'm a semi-half way-ok, maybe fourth way decent singer--when I'm in a crowd which is singing. Should I sing the hymns on Sunday morning? Should I conform to Marianne's preference (I haven't asked her yet)? What if my preference is not hers? Is this more of a marital issue than a worship issue? What do you folks do? Same way with written prayers and the Lord's Prayer. Should I say them out loud? Should I stand for the Gospel reading? Tell me what you think, or better still, tell all of us what you think.
How about the clergy and the service? Should they as closely approximate the Sunday morning (non-communion) service as possible? Or should they do something entirely different? Or should they mix the two? I'm glad we're finally having a children's time now. Alas, it's too late for my now teenage grandchildren. Will we continue having it when we do get back together? Are there any clergy resources for distance worship? Has Will Willimon written a book on this yet?
Let me know what you think, including you folks who are not University UMC members. I need help.
Faithfully,
Christian
3 comments:
My spouse, Caroline has a melodious voice whether speaking or singing; I listen happily and so this is an easy question for me to answer. We stand to sing, hear the Gospel and recite the prayers in respect for the service as if physically there in Church with other members. However, the views of Justin leading, Tim's inspired organ and piano performances plus contributions of other leaders actually appear closer and better on our big computer screen than when we're at a service in person! In fact, I am so excited to witness Tim's skills close-up and to enjoy Justin positive attitude and wonderful smile that I begin to wonder about ever returning to UUMC in person (rather than in my pajamas- just kidding!). In reality, we sit so far forward when physically in Church that when singing and standing, I can hear members behind me, but do not see that much of the congregation. Doing the standing, singing and speaking at home feels okay. I do very much miss Communion, the various Choir groups, the Bell Players, the Passing of the Peace and many other activities when everyone is in motion. But I can easily hear Justin telling us all that he loves us; it comes through loud and clear.
My home church is Christ UMC in Chapel Hill. I’ve found the online services to be a bittersweet experience so far. On the one hand I’m so thankful to have it available so that I can worship in a way that I am accustomed to and it is a balm for my soul. However, when I see the image of our sanctuary and hear our beloved music director begin to play I tear up. I miss being THERE. Honestly, not being able to attend worship has been one of the things during this quarantine that has been the most difficult.
We now have the words for the hymns on the screen and I do sing along. I have my own Bible that I follow the reading in. I always stand while saying the Apostle’s Creed.
I think I will cry the first time we are able to worship in person, together.
My mother, who is also an ordained minister (she's United Church of Christ so I'm a blend of Methodist and UCC - it means I can make deviled eggs while protesting against nuclear weapons) and she spends Sunday morning on her phone happily cruising between all her friends' services. Apparently they are all making comments or can somehow see who is watching, so it's like all the pastors in the area are spying on each other. They seem to be having great fun. I imagine it is nice for pastors to get to see each other work. I know I miss hearing good preaching, so I should tune into Justin. Why doesn't Will Willimon do a recorded sermon from a miniature version of Duke Chapel every week? Or from the crypt with the Dead Dukes, my favorite childhood destination? I think that streamed worship is very good for people who can't get to church, or who due to social anxiety really don't feel comfortable at church. At my Zendo in Jersey City, we now have Zoom sitting every morning and a Zoom Saturday "service" with a dharma talk (our version of a sermon) that you can tune in to. We have up to 75 people at a time - far more than could crowd into our little Zendo or could ever get there. The role of social anxiety as a barrier to church attendance could really be illuminated by this crisis. People who want to be a part of a church and worship but are kept away by fears of actually having to talk to people (and God forbid being asked to join a committee!) can now just watch and worship. The thing I am most thankful for (other than the lives and health of my family) is that we will never, ever have to pass the peace by shaking hands again. As an MPH with a concentration in epidemiology, all that touching people just gave me the creeps. Maybe we can have ritual hand sanitizing as we enter the sanctuary, like the Catholics cross themselves with holy water. Holy Hand Sanitizer. Why not?
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