44 Thoughts on worship and church, volume 1.

I‘m a big fan of doodling and writing as part of an engaged listening process. A small but integral part of my brain is reserved for matters of faith; areas of spiritual inquiry that frequently have no concrete or entirely satisfactory answers…yet are important to my identity, thought process, world view, and convictions. There are many ways to worship with like- and unlike-minded peoples; attending a church is merely one of those ways.

Over the last year, I’ve been scribbling notes, on the occasions we’re in a (formal) church, about my experiences, observations, criticisms, and ideas about the nature of (formal) worship. The number 44 is an arbitrary number I chose many years ago to organize various thoughts around. So when I get to 44 with something, I call it quits and start something new.

So here are 44 assorted thoughts on worship and church, volume 1.

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Opening haiku.

Religion, worship.
Ritualistic exercise,
can make soul stronger.

Geese gather in communion in the Columbia Gorge

On kids and listening

The idea of separate worship services or ceremonies for children, because,

”kids get bored,” is an idea I’m not completely on board with. At least as a regular and ongoing practice.

How about making worship better, and more interesting, and more engaging, and helping our children learn the importance and value of listening with respect. That may mean with a sketch pad in hand.

Our oldest, 9 and 12, have talked about a Pastor Tim fellow, who shepherds a congregation in a small town on the Oregon Coast, and how they enjoy his sermons, even when they don’t understand everything he’s saying. He talks to people. He talks to people, period. Not down to kids.

He gets worked up and angry and irritated and isn’t afraid to call out the mission of Christians to spread the good news and to help others.

All others. All others. Not an easy thing to do in a small rural community that often has deep-rooted conservative attitudes regarding inclusivity, fundamentalist politics, and a fear of the modern. They understand that he speaks plain. A Harry Truman type of plain, not the faux, disgusting, fake version of a current American leader.

They get it. He doesn’t talk down. He tells stories. He is human. He doesn’t use platitudes. He inverts expectations and knows when to thunder and when to whisper. But not as an entertainer. As someone who speaks plain and tells stories.

A political haiku.

To come together
in love to worship the God,
who loves everyone.

Foundations, studs.

Trendy to speak of churches without walls.

Yes, for sure.

Also, churches with walls can be good, often built with sweat and reverence.

Should you find yourself in need of a thousand-page epic about architecture and cathedrals, try reading Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. You’ll forever marvel at the buildings that have been built over the centuries to honor God. And make you look around twice at whatever building you’re currently worship in and wonder what it could become.