Ian’s Inklings – September 27, 2024

Over the last several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several congregations that have been in times of transition.  Every church has its own rituals and routines, so I’ve enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience some new ways of doing things.   Consequently, the Search Committee has encouraged me to introduce some different elements into our worship services during this interim period,  Therefore, this coming Sunday, you’ll see a couple of new things taking place.  

First, you’ll notice a small table in front of the pulpit with a large white candle and some small votive ones around it.  This will give you the opportunity, if you wish, to come up before the service begins and silently light a candle in memory of someone, or for a person you care about.  I’ve discovered that some people find this little ritual to be very meaningful, and perhaps this will also be the case for you.  

Secondly, you’ll see me greeting you before the service with a “prayer request” sheet.  You’ll be invited to write down the FIRST name (to protect privacy) of someone you’d like us to pray for, and I’ll mention all these names in the Pastoral Prayers during the service.  Once again, sharing a name is entirely optional.  But including specific references in our prayers can remind us that all people are important to God, and that, together, we’re asking God’s blessing on these particular individuals.

Therefore, these two new elements will be part of our worship service for the next several weeks.  The Worship Committee will then review them and determine whether we want to continue them. 

Of course, certain practices resonate more deeply in some churches than in others.  So there’s no one “correct” way to do things.  But by exploring some different worship possibilities and expanding our horizons, we can continue discerning the Spirit’s presence in our midst – while deepening and enriching our life together.