How might you share with others the kinds of things we think we are all supposed to know in our community of faith, but actually don’t, and perhaps might not talk about because we don’t want to admit we have forgotten or never known what some words mean, some rituals are all about, what symbols mean, why we do this or that, what our church furniture and important stuff is. We can all find it interesting to get more insight into our learning from basics to the more unique facts. Perhaps you are looking for new ideas for “All Ages” moments, children’s time, or just want to add, what one clergy calls “Sanctuary Moments.” It is an opportunity to explain stuff about church. It might be specific to local community of faith contexts, meaning of stained glass, significance of historical, “in memorial” items and their stories, why certain rooms have certain names, meanings of “churchy” words from pulpit to antependium to affirming to chalice to Alb to stole to Christ candle to Baptismal font. It might be explaining seasons of church calendar, that we are in creation time right now, colours, why is the seasonal colour orange right now? It might be explaining what a revised common lectionary is, or narrative lectionary or whatever is used. It might be explaining different parts of a servddice, such as what does the word prelude mean? What is a Benediction or sending forth? It might be a moment to talk about the timeline of a book in the Bible, or the different transliterations of the Bible. Perhaps it will explain the significance of the stole being worn. Maybe different kinds of spiritual practices or prayer forms might be shared. Maybe each team or committee might be on a rotation to share highlights of their work. If you collect up all the wisdom as it is shared, it might be added to an ongoing blog to help others get more familiar. Contributions might come from children or youth, from individuals in the community of faith, particular groups who may start with the name of the group, who they are, what they do, and highlights of current focus. You might put words on individual posts on a bulletin board and invite people to take one of interest and research it and do a write up of what it means. Maybe your worship ser ice is already really full and this does not fit for worship but perhaps you could develop video moments to be part of announcements before or after worship, put on website or social media. Perhaps you will create a growing glossary of text entries, a handout or pamphlet, an entry in weekly written announcements or a special series. Perhaps you create a special event to share about what we think we need to know. Perhaps information might get added to newcomers or membership event, or you’ll put some essentials in a visitors package. We are always learning together. Contact me and let me know what ideas you have.
bcorlett@united-church.ca416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781 | ext. 3022
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