The Target

I just returned from breakfast with a good friend; she's the kind of friend with whom I can be real. We talk about our lives, church, and the kitchen sink, and I know she's not going to judge me as a heretic, weirdo, or ignoramus. Okay-- perhaps she occasionally THINKS I'm a heretic, weird, or ignorant, but she doesn't JUDGE me for it! She advises me on comfortable shoes, matters of faith, and relationships. I hope all of you have a friend like her.

One of the things we often discuss is how we "do" church worship.  What would happen if we started from scratch, discarding the known elements of music, liturgy, and silence? What would happen if we didn't have a bulletin stating the order of service and announcements for the week?  Does our worship truly honor God, or does it simply fulfill a need within us for order, tradition, community, and safety?  When is worship performance? Is that okay?  What if singing is "vainglory" of our lovely four part harmony?  What if I participate in the readings without any feeling?
What would happen if we removed all the trimmings, bows, and whistles and simply listened  for the Divine?

Hmmmmm.....heretic, weirdo, and ignorant?  Maybe..... Care to join me in the discussion? :)

Sunday will be an opportunity for a different type of worship service as we join the Heritage Days Celebration at the Intercourse Community Park at 10am.  http://intercourseheritagedays.com/   (Readers from other areas of the world, there is no need for consternation.  Intercourse, most likely meaning Cross Keys,  is the name of the community.) The Horst Brothers will be sharing foot-tapping, knee-slapping gospel bluegrass music.  Ridgeview is blessed to have band members Elton and Nathan as part of our congregation.http://www.thehorstbrothers.com/ Bring your lawn chairs and come join us!

Congratulations to Korinne and Ian on their beautiful wedding last Saturday!  I am so very grateful for the community of family and friends who worked with us providing decorations, ideas, music, cupcakes, delicious cuisine, gorgeous flowers, clean-up, housing, specialty popcorn, instructions, encouragement, support, and more to make this weekend so very special. :)  We are blessed!  (We still do not know where the bride and groom are honeymooning...) :)

A prayer for today:  Gracious God, you ARE. Help us to see. You ARE.  Help us to listen. You ARE.  Help us to encounter.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/   (Take time to listen to some of Brother Mick's challenging/inspiring messages!)

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd