Preliminaries?
Sometimes when on vacation, I try to attend several worship services on a Sunday morning, partly to see what other churches are doing and what songs are being sung. Several years ago my timing was a little off; I arrived at a particular church very late, and had to park fairly far from the church. As I was hurrying through the parking lot, I passed by another person making their way to the church entrance, only not in so much of a hurry. Noticing my fast pace, she tried to put me at ease by saying, “It’s ok; you haven’t missed the good part; they’re still singing.” At that time, I found her statement a little humorous, but also surprising, considering the excellence of that church’s worship ensemble. Since then, I have reflected on that incident quite often, and have wondered just how often the beginning of a worship service (whether contemporary, traditional or blended…) is considered just preliminary activity.
During a recent choir rehearsal, we discussed the activities that comprise the beginning of a worship service, commonly known as the entrance or gathering: some of these elements being confession of sin, followed by assurance of pardon as given by our Lord, the Lord’s prayer, procession (on occasion,) singing praise to God, and reciting creedal statements (The Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed…) It became clear in our discussion that these elements of worship have proven to be very significant to some of us throughout the years. Judy Saltzqueber told us about a commentary that she had written on The Lord’s Prayer; Rose Ford shared with us a confession that had been a part of her church experience; Pam Coursen thought of creative ways in which the choir could enhance the idea of God’s people gathering together. Through this discussion, we discovered that the time during which God gathers together the people of Ashland is an occasion of significance before we enter another time of great blessing: hearing God’s Word.
Yes, I agree with the the Chancel Choir’s conclusion. All aspects of our Worship Service are very significant. However, in defense of the woman who assured you as you were running in late: at first hearing her comment and without yet having heard your estimation of the worship through music, I thought the same thing: a humorous remark indicating the quality (or rather, lack thereof) of the music and/or a sad remark indicating the woman’s emphasis on worship through singing. Yet, as you noted, the music was excellent. Yet I would not readily assume this woman would think on a Sunday morning, “I think I’ll show up just in time for the sermon since nothing else is important.” So then, what alternative reason could one consider for this woman’s comment? I would like to submit that she was a woman making a guest, or if she didn’t realize you were a guest, a fellow member feel at ease for her lateness. By the same token, while all aspects of the worship service are absolutely essential, (and I say this with confidence that you know me well enough to know music is essential to me personally) if for some reason out of my control I were running very late, yet I could still make it in time to hear the message from the Word of God, I would want to not miss any part of it. This is due to, not dismissing music, the creeds, etc as non-essentials, but rather if I miss one song I will not be lost or confused. If I come in during a song, I will not be lost or confused. But if I come in during the middle of a sermon, I will be lost. Lost meaning, spending time figuring out what the message is even about. If I saw a guest or fellow member running in late, I may even assure them, “The Pastor hasn’t started the message yet. You’re fine,” just to be kind.
Another point I’d like to say on this matter: just like prayer is, or should be, a two-way conversation, the worship service is, or should be, also. We express ourselves through song and the creeds. God’s expressed Himself to us through the message…a two-way conversation. Both are important. (Please understand - He may communicate to us through music - I am speaking generally) If I come to church and only hear the message, I missed expressing myself in worship to my Savior. If I come to church and only sing then leave, I have only expressed myself and not heard from God. Both are incomplete.
Finally, in God’s Word, we are instructed to, not merely encouraged to, ‘make the MOST of every opportunity.’ It then goes on to say we are to speak to each other in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual songs. We are to sing and make music! If we only come to hear the message, we have not made the most out of the opportunity to worship.
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Carol, for your dedication and service to Ashland. We love you!
I see the woman’s remark as simply a preference, which in itself doesn’t surprise me. Attending different churches with different people through the years I have found that what we “like best” about the service, or what type of service we prefer varies tremendously. Initially it use to surprise me because I guess we all tend to think what “I” like is what most people like. In the same way some prefer a traditional service to a contemporary service, some prefer the worship and singing part of the service, and others feel like the sermon or preaching is the heart of the service. My father-in-law always felt Communion was the whole reason we were there. He felt like if you weren’t going to share in the body and blood, why were you there? He saw nothing wrong with coming in late and leaving early.
If you think about it, the one common element is “me”. What do “I” like best about the service, or what part do “I” get the most out of. Most people (and I was one of them for a long, long time) feel you go to church on Sunday to get something.
I still at times have to remind myself that its not about me (how sad). It’s a small part of my week set aside to worship and glorify my Lord Jesus.
I’ve learned through the years, many of which where I stopped going to church because “I really wasn’t getting anything out of it”, to place value on ALL the aspects of the service; the time of singing worship songs, listening and being taught The Word of God, the quiet reflection time, the group prayer, and the sharing of the Communion elements. Ironically, now I get the most of out it!