Why Do We Do What We Do?

Pastor Brian Lays

One of the tensions present in worship lies between the priorities of excellence with hospitality. On the one hand, worship is sacred. We worship a holy God who is worthy of our best, who deserves reverence and honor. On the other hand, worship is for everyone. God welcomes us just as we are, and turns no one way. In our sanctuary, everyone should both feel that they are on holy ground, and also that they are welcome and at home on that holy ground.

We pursue excellence in worship in order to magnify the sacred nature of what we’re doing. The choir rehearses meticulously. The sacred objects of font, table, and cross are handled carefully. Liturgists practice reciting words that were prayerfully and carefully written. And of course, preachers offer sermons that have been written and practiced, practiced, practiced.

Even the way we dress for worship reflects its unique value as something “set aside” from life’s more ordinary pursuits. The choir and clergy wear robes as an expression of the offices they inhabit as worship leaders. We wear our “Sunday best” because we are indicating that what we come to church to do is important. We don’t just roll out of bed and into the pew. We have prepared for the occasion of worship because it is significant.

We pursue hospitality in worship in order to fulfill the mission of the Gospel. Christ draws people from north, south, east, and west around a common table. He eats with outcasts and sinners, welcomes the children, and gives new life to the lifeless. The Gospel is not for the put-together but for those who recognize their need for mercy and grace. In worship, we seek to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.

And so, in worship we welcome anyone to the lectern to lead us in the call to worship. Though we rehearse and prepare, sometimes it’s hard to understand. The children run down the aisle for the word to the children, not as strangers or guests but as children who are at home. The congregation sits and stands, sings and prays, not as an audience watching a performance but as participants in the grand drama of worship. Some of us can’t sing. Some of us can’t see and some of us can’t hear. Some of us can’t stand or walk. All of us, however, are welcome in the house of God.

Sometimes the high standard of excellence can feel intimidating, and impede hospitality. Sometimes our broad embrace can seem chaotic, and threaten the sacred ambiance. But it’s a tension we must always tend to as we strive to offer worship that pleasing and acceptable to God, our rock and redeemer.

In the end, a perfectly executed hymn harmonization lifts our spirits into heaven and more fully engages our whole self in worship and praise, thereby pleasing God. And in the end, a fussy baby who might distract us from the sermon is a holy reminder of God’s faithfulness from generation to generation, that God is keeping the promise to be with us always. Both are important, both are holy, and both are pleasing to God in their own way.

Sanctuary Updates

Quite a few summer projects have been completed in the sanctuary. An AV booth has been built in the balcony. This dedicated space will protect our valuable livestreaming equipment, as well as our operators. Two pews on either side have been slightly shortened to enable a wheelchair, walker, or stroller to be immediately next to the pews rather than sitting in the aisle. The front row of pews has also been shortened to make the same accommodations.