A case for weekly shared worship

"Praise in an awe-deficit world", an article by Pastor Peter Marty in The Lutheran magazine makes a strong case for the relevance of a weekly shared worship experience.  He responds an oft heard sentiment "Oh, I can worship God much more meaningfully outdoors than I can stuck indoors with a group of people singing some half ancient song."

He notes that while nature may be the handiwork of God, it doesn't do any of the following:

• Collect offering to help feed the hungry, clothe the poor or meet the needs of refugees
• Answer the question of how sinners can be reconciled to God and invested with a hope in Christ
• Provide forgiveness of sins

He goes on to suggest that worship is a place for people to practice not being God. Pastor Marty referenced the choral conductor Robert Shaw's observation "the absolute minimum conditions for worship are a sense of mystery and an admission of pain."

Without the help of others we tend to make God into our own private image.  When in a worship setting we are joined by a mix of people who don't mirror every facet of our life. This eclectic mix of folks keeps us tuned into the greater diverse community in which we are called to live and share our talents.

While nature is the best place to view God's handiwork, we also benefit by coming together in worship and service.

Holden: The Lutheran Meca of the Cascade Mountains



Class with Susan Briehl

While it isn't required of Lutherans to visit Holden before they die, I would strongly recommend it. I'm guesing that the belated Martin Luther would have loved it there, save for the lack of a beer vendor. Holden is also a welcoming place for Methodists, Catholics, and spiritual seekers of all sorts to visit.

In addition to a tranquil setting in the mountains, they still use on occassion the Holden Evening Prayer service, that is simple and uplifting.  The church that I attend has been using this service for over 20 years during the lenten season.



Evening vespers service

 The library is filled with many interesting books of social and spiritual nature.  Additionally there is an extensive collection of tapes and cds of presentations done at Holden over the years.

This is a place that feeds the mind, body and soul.  A multitude of interesting classes are provided throughout the summer months and into the fall.  Morning matins and evening vespers are shared by the entire community.

Choir being lead by Mary Preus

Music is done well at Holden.  During my visit Mary Preus and Tom Witt lead a choir with music from around the world.  They also brought a huge map of the world, and during one evening worship service all were offered candles to place on countries on the map for which they would like to pray. 

While it is a spiritual place, there is also an underpinning of "holy hilarity" that keeps it from becoming too serious.  When I greeted the village pastor, Scott Kershner, with a "Hello Reverend"... he jokingly suggested a better title might be "Irreverend".

Talent show skit on beer making

It was fun to be at the village for Scott's installation service "Now the Feast and Installation". After going through the formalities of the service the staff took part in something of a good natured roast.  They played off the word installation and first "installed" a stage on which for Scott to sit. They went on to include in the skit insulation, germination, irrigation, alternation, constipation, interrogation, inspiration, proclamation and even constellation.  It was a hoot.  I could get used to more "holy hillarity" in my life.