Photo Credit: Nabeel Hilmy via Compfight

We think of liturgy as the trappings of worship — the prayers, the hymns, the more ritualized part of worship.

But a more ancient (and, I think, deeper) meaning of liturgy is “work of the people.”  The word liturgy is of Greek origin (lēitos, “public” and ergos “working.”)

Yesterday’s service was quite remarkable.  It was a moving and emotional account of the passion and death of Jesus.  And several people came up to me, and I’m sure to Pastor Lisa, after worship and said:  “great service.”

We’re human and it’s tough not to like a compliment but, honestly, we had very little to do with the actual worship yesterday.

Yes, there was preparation.  Pastor Lisa wrote the script.  And I helped Bob Hall, our percussionist, bring in several of the four hundred and three drums he uses.

But the worship?   That was the actors, the choir and the congregation.  I had an unusual view yesterday, off to the side.  I was able to participate in worship, something that almost never happens.  I saw, and felt, the congregation’s attentiveness mix with the actors performance and the choir’s music.  It reminded me why we worship together:  to re-fire each other’s spirits.

I’m sure I speak for Pastor Lisa when I say to all who were in the sanctuary yesterday:

Great service.  Thank you.