From the Pastor

October 2007

I have often heard Lutherans referred to as the "frozen chosen." The thinking behind this seems to be that while we love the Lord and are grateful for all he has done for us, we are reluctant to show our faith in any overly demonstrative ways.

For example, in most Lutheran congregations, you will not see many (if any) raised hands during worship. When we are asked to clap along with a piece of music, we do well to raise our hands off of our laps a few inches to do so. You will not hear many (if any) "Amens" called out in the middle of the sermon or at the end of a wonderful piece of music. You may, as I recently was reminded, hear an appreciative and collective "Hmmmm" at the end of a musical offering, however. This seems to be as demonstrative as we get!

Not that this is "bad," you understand. We Lutherans tend to be products of our ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and this plays out in our congregations—in many ways.

Here at Holy Redeemer, we may not be very vocal or physical in our praise during worship, but there are still many signs of how affected we are by what we do when we gather together to heard God's Word and share the Meal. I have a unique view of the worship space, and I know this to be true.

I have seen some of you who are like me—you just cannot keep from moving (just a little bit, mind you!) as we sing. I have seen your wrinkled brows as you listen to a difficult piece of scripture. I have seen tears as you have been moved by what God has to say. I have seen the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in your eyes when I say to you "The Lord be with you" and "The peace of the Lord be with you always." I feel that presence when I see you look back at me and say so heartily, "And also with you!" I have seen smiles and heard laughter … and just a few weeks ago, as I looked out during the Words of Institution, I saw one of our littlest members offering his praise to God. Whether he was conscious of it or not, I know the Spirit was at work in him at that moment. Just as I repeated Jesus' words, "Take and eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me," he looked right at me, broke out in a huge grin, and started to clap. What a wonderful response to such a wonderful promise.

There is no right or wrong way to respond in worship to what God has done for us. If you feel like moving during the music, move! If you feel like calling out "Amen," go ahead! If you want to stretch out your hands as we pray, do so! Whatever you do, just come to worship … we miss you and your responses when you are not here.

In Christ,
Pastor Brenda