Many of you may have noticed that there was no post last week. That is because I was attending a yoga intensive all weekend. Although I enjoyed the weekend immensely, and experienced some personal growth, it did not allow me time to attend a worship service. I did, however read two books last week, by two religious scholars with two very different views on religious pluralism. I will be reflecting on these books in a post later this week.
I am a strong believer in whatever brings a person close to God, helps them get to know God, encourages worship and a relationship with God, and supports them spiritually (as long as it doesn't bring harm to themselves or others) is a wonderful thing. I know what I prefer when it comes to worship. I prefer to worship in a sanctuary with pews and stained glass windows. I prefer an alter with a cross somewhere on or around it. I prefer singing traditional hymns accompanied by an organ. I prefer scripture readings from the Bible. I prefer a small community where intimate relationships can form and where I know almost everyone by name and know something about them. This is what I prefer and how I like to worship. Part of this journey I have embarked on has taken me out of my comfort zone and put me in places that do not provide these things as part of worship. The place I chose to worship at today, I chose since my son has been attending youth group at this church, as well as participating in youth activities at our home church. I was blessed to have him join me for worship this morning!
As I entered the room that was being used for worship, I was a little disappointed that there were no pews and no stained glass windows. My son informed me that this was the room they played basketball in before youth group. I looked at the chairs set up,at the stage with the instruments, microphones, and screens, with the sound system in the back and wondered how this worship experience was going to go for me. I do love live music so that part was exciting, however I felt as though I was at a concert or a presentation, not a worship service. The service started with singing and prayer. As I relaxed a little, I realized that the environment isn't what is important, I can worship and connect with God anywhere! He was present in that building and in the people that were present that morning! A church this big has a large congregation and two worship services on Sunday mornings. People kept coming in as the service continued with the collection of the offering. A church of this size also has several pastors. I saw in the bulletin who was preaching, but did not think anything of it at the time. Next was communion. I was a little anxious as I did not know what to expect. How was communion done in this denomination and at this church? Was the table open to all or just to members? My anxiety was relieved as a pastor invited all believers to the table, members or not. As this part of the service unfolded, I had a profound realization. When taking communion at my home church, I was so used to the routine, at times it seemed that I was just going through the motions, without focusing on the meaning of the act. Being in an unfamiliar place, I was able to fully immerse myself in the act of taking communion without it being a route routine! My first blessing that morning was my son coming to worship with me. My second blessing was the communion experience!
Finally, it was time for the message. This particular church was in the middle of a series of sermons and I happened to attend worship on the Sunday set aside for the sermon about finances. The message was from Matthew 6:24 " No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." The message was long but very relevant to me, and I am sure many others who feel as though they are "slaves" to their debts, money, and/or lifestyles. The pastor did an excellent job of unpacking many ideas that could be considered helpful to those of us (myself included) who often put wealth above God. As the pastor preached, I realized that I recognized his face. I looked in my bulletin at the name and sure enough, this was a man I had gone to school with and graduated with. We had not been close, however I was thrilled to see that this was the path he had chosen and was greatly impressed with his message! I was able to speak to him for a few minutes after the service, which was pretty cool!
A few (of the many) things I took away:
1. God is our cornerstone during the storms that will come through.
2. I know what I prefer when it comes to worship,but I can worship anywhere. God is present in all situations!
3. When we cleave tight to our money, we do not get the opportunity to see God provide for us. We also miss the opportunity to help others.
4. If we serve money some of the time, and God some of the time, the two will eventually collide and you will have to make a choice.
5. No one wants to live feeling as though they are a "slave" to their money. Take steps to gain control of your finances keeping God as your focus and at the center of your choices. Try to resit the urge to impulse buy or to justify purchases with the "I work hard and I deserve this" mentality. God will provide all that we need!
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