Last weekend was the New England regional fall conference of the UUA. Functionally, no one from Maine was there and only a handful of NH/VT folks. Several items had me thinking, and wondering if my conception of ministry is the same as others.
Is worship the most important thing our congregations do? I would say no at this point. Maybe that view will some day change, but the importance of congregations is bringing people together in relationship. Worship can be a mechanism of that function, and it is a fundamental element to the community. The greek terms for church life seem applicable, church is about leitourgia (worship), but also diakonia(service), koinonia(community), kerygma(proclamation), and didache(teaching). All of them are fundamental and none supercede the others.
Secondly, where does one draw the line between prophetic voice and pastoral presence? While it is important to speak the truth to power, how does it get said with rebuke in one hand and consolation in the other?
Comments (2)
Hi PMP,
I was also at the workshop where the speakers emphasized the primacy of worship.
My response to the question is that worship should be considered one of the most important functions of our congregations. And by worship, I mean not just Sunday morning worship, but rather the full range of worship experiences happening at church during the week, including meditation groups, prayer groups, youth and young adult worships, and other worshipful activities.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that worship is the ONLY thing that UU congregations should do, but rather that it is foundational to our communities. "Teaching" and "service" can take place in secular venues as well -- worship and spiritual practice are a big part of what makes UU communities religious.
Posted by Shelby Meyerhoff | November 2, 2007 1:22 PM
Posted on November 2, 2007 13:22
Hi, I am a senior at Cazenovia College in Upstate New York and today my comparative social institutions teacher proposed a saying that I have no idea what it means and when I asked her she said she had no clue either....this saying was posted outside on a church sign and it said " A postmodern preacher always knocks twice"...if you could explain that to me I would greatly appreciate it...I think it may have to do with heaven because it was posted at a methodist church...guess a guess
Thanx-
Posted by Jenna | November 13, 2007 1:48 PM
Posted on November 13, 2007 13:48