Building for Community

A true community of Christians meets for the Pauline functions of edification in love, growth to Christian maturity and for teaching/learning (1 Corinthians 11-14).

Few buildings erected by congregations facilitate this.

Here's a plan of one that does.

 

Rutter's Clare Benediction

We sang this at Lenten Evensong:

May the Lord show his mercy upon you;
may the light of his presence be your guide:
May he guard you and uphold you;
may his spirit be ever by your side.

When you sleep may his angels watch over you;
when you wake may he fill you with his grace:
May you love him and serve him all your days
Then in heaven may you see his face.

With this variation, perhaps for my funeral

May the Lord show his mercy upon you;
may the light of his presence be your guide:
May he guard you and uphold you;
may his indwelling Spirit be ever with you.

When you sleep may his angels watch over you;
when you wake may he fill you with his grace:
May you love him and serve him all your days

Then in the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting be always with him
and all the saints in his new creation.

What about reading the Bible? Eh?

Over the past few years I've read the Gospels during Advent, Acts before Epiphany, then the remainder of the New Testament by Candlemas. Ive been blessed with the capacity to do this in a different translation each of the past 8 or so years.

I then seek to read the Pentateuch during Lent and other Old Testament sections, according to the Tanakh order up until the next Advent.

But, time to change.

My plan from next Advent is to go slower,

Month/Season	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Advent*	Matthew, Romans	Mark, 1 Corinthians	Luke 2 Corinthians	John, Galatians, Ephesians
January	Mark, 1 Corinthians	1,2 Thessalonians 1,2 Timothy, Titus	John, Galatians, Ephesians	1,2 Thessalonians 1,2 Timothy, Titus
February	Luke 2 Corinthians	Philemon, Hebrews	Matthew, Romans	Philemon, Hebrews
March	John, Galatians, Ephesians	James, 1, 2 Peter	Mark, 1 Corinthians	James, 1, 2 Peter
Lent (or thereabouts)	Acts, Philippians, Colossians	1-3 John, Jude,	Acts, Philippians, Colossians	1-3 John, Jude,
Post Pentecost	Pentateuch	Revelation	Pentateuch	Revelation
To Advent	Prophets – former	Prophets – Later	Writings – Ps, Pv, Job	Writings – Dan - Chron

 * Gospels really on an 8-year cycle as per the pattern above.

 

 

Ship of Fools

Ship of Fools is a usually entertaining website that features 'mystery worshipper' (sic) reviews of congregational gatherings.

I'll use their format from time to time, like here. Only I'll keep the whole thing incognito.

Denomination: Churches of Christ but with a new cooler brand.
Church: suburban of a large city.
Location: high income/well educated area.

Name of Gathering: 10 a.m. "Service"

How full was building: about 20%, not surprising at the first week of the new year.

Were you welcomed personally: yes: a chirpy young girl (5yo?) and her little sister were the welcomers at the entry porch, adults nearby. Inside a couple of friendly nods, a pair of friendly men were chatting at the foyer to the auditorium. We spoke in a quite amicable manner.

Was your pew comfortable: rows of linked individual chairs were very comfortable and attractively in style with the 60s architecture of high steep ceilings and blond brickwork. 

Describe the pre-meeting atmosphere: as above: welcoming conversations, but not many around apart from those mentioned.

What were the exact opening words of the 'service': "Welcome everybody" I hate that glib almost alienating address. There is no 'everybody'. Better to say 'welcome' or 'I'm glad you could join us this morning', or even ' Its  good to see you this morning. Let's start our time together with prayer'.

However as a 'high-church' sort of guy I like a formal opening liturgy...so there! Here's a tip: either go liturgical, or do "homely" with genuine connections made.

What books did the congregation use during the meeting: nil. Everything was on screen, and well managed.

What musical instruments were played: two guitars, one being by the singing conductor. But there was an un-manned electronic drum kit and a vacant grand piano. Looked serious, which I liked. But music didn't dominate, which I also liked.

What I didn't like were the songs. Apart from one re-set old hymn they were of the modified 'Jesus is you boyfriend' variety. People went all 'worshippy' and swayed as they sang. Weird! It was like being in the back ward of a mental hospital.

Did anything distract you?: people swaying in awkward 'worshippyness' as they sang.

Nature of the service/meeting (stiff-upper-lip, happy-clappy, or?): simple 'we are not a mega-church but aren't they great' style. Informal and comfortable, my cynicism aside, although a little awkward and timorous. Tension between 'churchy' and 'community'.

This denomination (they used to call themselves a "movement") has communion at every morning service*.  When I was a kid this was conducted with stiff awkward formality: the liturgy you have when you are not having a liturgy. But, if you want a liturgy, do it properly!

Here, at the door one was offered a sealed cup of a shot of grape juice, presumably, no wine available, and a cracker to nibble on in a holy manner. A 'help yourself' communion.

 As with most post-reformation gatherings this was a pretense of the real meal our Lord called on us to enjoy when we gathered. We ignore that, however as the Catholic/Orthodox 'worship'** idea has gripped us all, it seems, even the Campbellite "movement".

Anyway, at the opportune time we were invited to crack open the sealed cup and consume in a reverent manner. I didn't. No point.

Where there was a point was the 'pastoral moment' or some such name, where we talked to someone nearby. An old member and I chatted light-heartedly and briefly. T'was OK, I guess, but I'm not sure about this game. We do it at my regular gathering as well. She called me 'Peter', which I am not, so I called her Agnes, which as I discovered, she is not.

Exactly how long was the address (sermon): about 25 minutes, but too long for the content. I didn't time it.

Evaluate the speaker (1-10) and explain: 6. She spoke well from a public speaking point of view, was confident, warm and natural. Made good audience connection. A little too folksy for my taste. Some vague point was made, but I was too mesmerized by the ubiquitous illustrative "Peanuts" cartoons to follow it...

In a nutshell what was the sermon about: from the continuous use of 'Peanuts" cartoons, I think it was about "Peanuts' cartoons. But no, something to do with Mary's challenges as a new mother.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven: talking to the fellers at the door.

And which part was like being in...er...the other place: I could have skipped the talking down to us worshippyiness.

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost: not many people came into the coffee lounge (and it could have been a little more lounge like with comfy chairs and sofas). There were some chairs and tables cafe style, which I thought good.

One fellow came to chat with me but he was impatient to get away. My fault, I think***. Shortly then one of the vestibule guys came and spent some pleasant time with me.

How would you describe the after-meeting coffee? They apologized for no barista, but as I loathe coffee-pretension, I liked the simple tea/coffee bags and do it yourselfness. Sort of like the Bertolt Brecht coming out in me. Nice Christmas cake.

How would you feel about making another visit (10=ecstatic, 0=terminal): 5. I creep into this auditorium once every decade or so. Mixed memories for me, some good childhood vibes and less good young adult vibes.

Did the experience make you feel glad to be a Christian: Close, but no cigar.

What one thing will you remember about all this in seven day's time? Peanuts cartoons.

*Christians have 'gatherings'! The only 'services' might be weddings and funerals, perhaps baptisms as special ceremonial gatherings.

**Nor do we 'worship' by gathering or in gatherings. We gather for edification in mutuality, See 1 Corinthians 11-14. The only 'worship' enjoined is as per Romans 12:1-2 and James 1:27. 

***Usually the visitor is asked 'you are a visitor' questions. Next time, I'm going to drive the conversation: "What did you think of that?" (what we just experienced); "What brings you here?" (old night-club routine that never worked with the twittering girls who were alone); "What did you think the best part was?", etc.

Funeral Service

From time to time I've though about this, particularly after someone else's funeral.

So, here lie my thoughts!

1. Book of Common Prayer order please.

There's a sort of ecclesiastical romance to this: I think it ties one to the great tradition of the faith gathering together over the centuries.

2. Not too much talking.

I don't want people trooping up to the lectern to say what a fine fellow I was. I wasn't; thus I rely on Our Lord in faith for his renewal of my spirit by His indwelling Spirit. As might you!

However, if someone (only one person) must do a eulogy make it short and check with my wife, if not available, my son, if not available my brother, if not available either of his sons. If none of these are around it'll fall to my and my wife's god-daughter (she knows who she is).

There should be a short address by the celebrant: make it about our hope in Christ by his victory over death and his New Creation whence we are adopted as his sons bodily renewed. Start with the last lines of the Apostles Creed, perhaps.

If others want to natter about me, make time for it at the refreshments following.

3. Music

Welcoming music while congregation arrives and sits

Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 (if no pianist Barenboim has a nice recording of it -- slow fade-in) 

Prelude/processional as celebrants assemble and head for positions

Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

Hymns I'd like sung are, in this order:

1.  To God be the Glory.

2.  Be thou my Vision.

3. How Great thou Art. 

When the Lord's Prayer is to be said use David Fanshawe's setting and recording from "African Sanctus". Must be played very loudly. 

And, if I get a fourth, or as the congregational recessional

4. Praise to the Lord the Almighty. 

Please print all the hymns' lyrics and my notes, below, to distribute.

For the exit of the casket

Widor's Toccata from 5th Symphony (fast fade-in)

When this is complete and after the recessional

Fanshawe's Sanctus from African Sanctus. (N does not like this, so maybe not if he really doesn't want it. In this case play as people assemble for refreshments and prior to any short speeches that are planned or invited).

4. My notes to the program

Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 (if no pianist Barenboim has a nice recording of it -- slow fade-in)) 

I was encouraged into Beethoven by Bob Smith, the minister of my church when about 15, Bob was only 27 at the time and a lively and earnest but very affable and good humored man. I admired Bob and had kept in touch with him over many decades.

My father also liked his work (Beethoven's not Smith's) and my parents gave me one Christmas the 3rd Symphony. I was moved to tears I was so touched and thrilled.

This work brings you to, I hope, a quiet and somewhat expectant mood. The funeral of a Christian while full of grief is more than tinged with the deep hope of the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come as the Apostle's Creed reminds us.

Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

This became a favourite in my early 20s. A magnificent exultant work that strikes deep emotional, and perhaps spiritual chords in me. I say this mindful of Bach's deep faith in our Saviour which of course must infuse his creative work.

Conclude after the big chord at the end of the first figure (about 30 seconds in) or fade out at that point. 

1.  To God be the Glory.

A wonderful hymn by Fanny Crosby, a blind English writer. As all these hymns, it comes from wonderful childhood memories of attending church gatherings with my maternal grandparents, cousins and their parents and my own parents along with my brother.

The hymn tells of the great rescue of God in Christ of us from our alienation from him that results in death. The hymn's rejoicing is the only fitting response to the wonder and joy of his victory over our final burden. 

2.  Be thou my Vision.

This was written in the 8th century in Ireland, then a bastion of Christian faith and the base for its propagation Eastwards. It's theme is the only vision worth our attention: life eternal in our Father's New Creation we remade to share the image and presence of Our Lord, world without end.

3. How Great thou Art. 

Written by Carl Boberg (1859–1940). British missionary Stuart K. Hine heard the song in Ukraine in the 1930s, translated it into English, and added verses based on his experiences in the Carpathian Mountains and the testimony of local believers. God's greatness is in all that he created and has redeemed to share in his revitalizing New Creation,

The song was recorded by Elvis Presley, Just in case you wanted to know that.

My favourite version is by the Bonner Family (only, the lyric is "works" not "worlds"). Needs to be played extremely loudly! The BBC did one as well.

Hang onto every word of the song! There is also a touching version by an African youth choir that's worth listening to. 

Lord's Prayer David Fanshawe's setting and recording from African Sanctus. Must be played very loudly. 

There are more settings of the Lord's Prayer than there are sailors in a Kings Cross pub. Fanshawe's contribution gathers together both the quiet humility the prayer engenders and its startling but usually under-done climax.

I bought the album with this recording after hearing Fanshawe interviewed on ABC radio, then "2FC". I must have been 22 or 23. I played it obsessively on my newly purchased hi-fi equipment driving my parents crazy I suspect. Fanshawe's creative rationale and astonishing handling of the musical forms engulfed every fibre of my heart in delight. Enjoy. 

4. Praise to the Lord the Almighty. 

I hope there is time for this to be sung as it is the most wonderful hymn here in my estimation. It is full of irrepressible Christian joy.

Written by German Reformed theologian and hymn writer Joachim Neander (1650–1680). Published in 1680, it is a classic hymn of praise based on Psalms 103 and 150, with the English translation by Catherine Winkworth published in 1863. Always a great sing despite my theological differences with Neander's Reformed position on salvation!

Widor's Toccata from 5th Symphony (fast fade-in)

This magnificent work is a book-end to the Bach we opened with. It is both serious and energetic with a heavy dominating bass beneath the driving trills of the upper register. But for this moment in the funeral?

It was the recessional at my first graduation ceremony. As if joyfully and seriously, confidently yet thoughtfully moving to life's next wonderful phase.

And so is represented here in anticipation of the life of the world to come. Resolved, Blessed, Enlivened without end in the light of our loving Creator. And a fond farewell to those I love and have loved. Literally until, I trust, we meet again. Be full of prayer and may the grace of our Lord, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the Joy of our great Father in Heaven be ever with you.

Fanshawe's Sanctus from African Sanctus.

Fanshawe again. An acquired taste for some and his mix of African war songs and liturgical words may be hard to swallow for you. For me the Sanctus washes through the African drums with enthusiasm and unremitting power as Our Lord does in destroying evil, the consummation of which we eagerly await.

I was drawn to it in part by our family's South African heritage, a great grandfather having lived there after leaving France. My grandmother always returned from her trips home with African mementos and books which fascinated me. A small hand carved giraffe was my favorite but I had not the wit to hang onto it! 

And for your own edification: There's no God like Jehovah (Yahweh) 

Names and roles

We need use only two words for those who take serving responsibility in a congregation, "minister"  (noting that the government 'minister' in UK and Australia, etc. is a minister, or servant, of the Crown.) and "deacon".

But neither as a rank.

Elders is also OK as it has biblical warrant.

So no more youth leaders, Sunday school leaders, Bible study leaders, etc.

Rather, I'd reserve 'minister' for a more general role and deacon for subsidiary ministry work.

So, with the senior minister, who is appointed by the elders to work full-time in equipping the church and developing people's skills, gifts and knowledge, there might be a youth/children's minister, and a minister for discipling (or coordinating minister), who would handle the training/equipping weekends (we call them 'Recharge' at our church) and maybe the Bible study and Christian training/pastoral activities.

All the subsidiary contributors, engaged in direct ministry and perhaps being developed for future ministry roles would be deacons. Youth deacons, Children's deacons or teachers, religious education (in public schools) deacons, or teachers,, etc.

Those serving in non-direct ministry or 'sustaining' roles, e.g. looking after property, catering, congregational enterprises etc. could be termed stewards. A large operation might have a 'senior steward', or 'steward-in-charge' to organize stewards and assistant stewards  for the various sustaining functions.

This gets us right away from a worldly conception of how we structure our congregational life.

The New Pastor (sic)

A recent podcast dealt with a question about "the new pastor"

I have a few thoughts on some topics raised

Altar calls: there are no altars in Christianity. We do not operate temples, nor do we have sacrifices, except Romans 12:1. We have gathering places: hall, shed, auditorium, churchery, eclesiasicum, etc.

For those interested in exploring Christian faith a choice of: discuss with someone (have this organized), a short series of meetings, say 3, or like Alpha course. Greg's approach also has merit, except I'm not aware of Jesus "paying" for our sins. NT words are, in my translation: died for, gave himself, purged, suffered for, put away, bore, propitiation, sacrificed, took away, washed us from, forgives.

Note our gatherings are of Christians and for Christians. The only teaching of the gospel per se would be to train people to tell others.

Sunday School is a must. Needs different branding. One congregation I knew had "team training". It could be called "Focus", for example. Coupled with small groups, this would be the heart of congregational life. The big gathering could be for a meal, song, prayer breakouts and a couple of shorter addresses.

BTW, song is not "worship". Worship terms are never used of Christian gatherings in the NT. Songs are for teaching and praise. The danger with making our gatherings or just songs "worship" implies that we've done our weekly duty and are off the hook for the rest of the week. Again Romans 12:1(-2).

Now, if I was taking up the paid teacher/serving role ("pastor" is a post reformation invention that is alien to the  NT and merely parrots the Roman priesthood, itself combining Jewish and pagan practices) here is my program:

1. A day convocation with church board members, and all who volunteer in teaching, pastoral and other direct ministry roles. We would discuss how we grow each other to Christian maturity; the teaching/training approach; the plan for Sunday Focus groups and how our gatherings are going to follow Paul's program for 'one-anothering' in 1 Cor. 11-14.

2. Do direct coaching/mentoring with 5-8 stewarding volunteers each year: those who conduct ministry functions in youth, small groups and training. Also regular meetings for coaching and support of all in direct ministry, such as small group conveners, youth, elderly and children's work.

3. Draw up a roster to have a meal with every family in the congregation...and small groups of single and solo members.

4. Develop community outreach: that is, going out into the community with gospel, care and support, with related training in faith conversations (Tactics and Street Smarts the texts).

5. Make sure everyone encouraged questions.