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Framing Worship at 9 a.m. by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy
As human beings, we have a need for predictability and surprise. Possibly in equal measures. When any experience becomes too predictable, we become bored and our imagination stagnates. Too much surprise, however, makes us feel vulnerable to novelty.
Those who visit at the 9 a.m. worship will discover a worship booklet which has emerged after several weeks of a "trial use" experimental liturgy during August. The "shape" of the worship is very predictable and thus comfortable. We gather, read a lesson from the Gospels, hear a sermon, share in the prayers, consecrate bread and wine, and then share Eucharist. The classical four action pattern:
"take, bless, break and share" is readily discernable. This basic pattern of Catholic worship, unchanged for 2,000 years, is obvious, not hidden; and forms a "frame" for our worship together.
Within that frame - comforting in its familiarity - there is also variety: a difference that is also readily apparent.
First, the language is much more contemporary and gender inclusive.
Second, the prayer of consecration reveals itself to be more a dialogue between priest and people than a celebrant's monologue. One person observed that it felt like a subtle but profound shift in the balance: whereas before an equal weight was given to the Word (scripture, teaching and prayer) and to the Table (consecration and sharing), now a much greater emphasis is given to the Ministry of the Table. We're doing the same thing but it feels "not better but different." Indeed, the focus is clearly on the Gathered Church, gathered around the Table to share the communion meal of bread and wine.
Third, in saying "goodbye" to our cantor Laura Decher who resigned to begin new work at another parish, we have elected to invite a variety of guest musicians/singers to add to our diversity. Guest musicians - singers from a wide range of traditions, musicians from different disciplines - will join us for several weeks at a time. The result will bring an element of surprise over the course of the year as we experience greater variety than any one performer could bring to us: folk, country gospel, contemporary praise, classical, jazz etc.
Finally, we continue to experiment with the joys of involving children more and more in leadership for this service especially.
Visitors are expected. So, come and see. Experience being surprised by "nothing new."
Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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