WORSHIP JOYS AND CHALLENGES

January 8, 2007
By John Ross Thompson


WORSHIP JOYS AND CHALLENGES

I’m no longer one of your “new” pastors. More than six months have passed, and I feel welcomed and “in the saddle” as one of your leaders. I’ve learned many of your traditions, including some that are new to me. I look forward during this new year to continuing to grow and learn with you.

There are several issues related to our worship that I would like to discuss, and none of them are unique to UUMC. Since our worship services are so central to all that we do, it is important that we share openly about our needs and desires.

Because worship is the one experience that almost all of us in the church share, and because we are such a diverse church with persons from many different backgrounds, there are obvious differences in how we see worship. My goal is to balance those ideas to be the most helpful to everyone, while not offending anyone.

Should we applaud in worship? This is perhaps the most contentious issue in some churches, with some persons believing applause is not appropriate in worship, because worship is directed to God and is not entertainment. Others want a way to respond when they feel moved, and applause is our cultural way of saying “Amen!”

I believe strongly in the participation of the congregation as much as possible in worship. We can and should actively take part in as much of the worship service as possible, since the word worship means “the work of the people”. It is healthy that we want to respond positively when we are moved by God through music or word. I know one church where sermons are sometimes applauded, although I don’t recommend that on a regular basis. In former times, loud “Amens” were sounded in worship, but these are not common today in our worship.

I believe we should applaud when we are moved to joy and celebration. It is also appropriate to applaud for children, who benefit greatly from the response of others. Silence to them can mean they are not appreciated.

However, I do not think applause is appropriate for prayerful and quiet anthems, prayers and messages. The applause can destroy the spiritual atmosphere that has been created.
If in doubt about whether or not to applaud, please follow the lead of those who are up front leading the worship service.

A second issue, and the one I have been hearing the most about from you in recent weeks, is whether or not to stay seated in the sanctuary for the postlude. I’ve been surprised to find that a number of you have felt obliged to stay for the postlude, even though the bulletin say “You are invited to stay….” This is a personal choice.

For me, the postlude is an integral part of the worship service. It is the icing on the cake, in a sense. Following the last hymn and the benediction, it can be the quiet moment in which you gather your thoughts, say your final prayer, and absorb the atmosphere before plunging into the week ahead. However, if you see it as “marching music” and are ready to go, you are free to leave, recognizing that others want to stay. It is your choice.

An awkward moment in our worship services at times is when to stand as a hymn begins. Our tradition is to stand on the last line as the organist plays through the hymn. The best way to know the right moment is to watch the worship leaders and choir, and to follow them.

As I mentioned in worship January 7, we stand for a scripture reading that is from one of the four gospels, but we usually sit for scripture readings from the Old Testament and from other parts of the New Testament.

Please continue to express your views about worship, and how we can make it more meaningful. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai is the pastor who relates to the worship committee, and Karen Marvin is the committee chair. However, all of us who are involved in worship are pleased to hear from you.

I also appreciate your response at johnross@tds.net or in person.

Happy New Year!