Ministers Desk 23rd September 2012

Today is a great day! I have the privilege of regularly attending all three worship services here at Emmanuel. In doing this I can honestly say that I have come to appreciate the different ways all three services help me to come before the presence of God. We are a diverse congregation so it’s no surprise there is a variety in our preference of worship styles.

It’s ok to feel more comfortable worshiping in one service over another but it’s really important that from time to time we gather together, as a whole community to worship God in one time and place. When we do this we are reminded that ultimately worship is not so much about what we do but why we do it.

In our purpose we have identified worship (Exalt) as an important part of growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. William H. Willimon is someone who I have found to be very helpful in articulating the nature and purpose of worship. Here is some of what he has to say;

The Christian faith is a matter of God’s offer of love in Christ and our response to that love. We respond to God’s love with our loving acts of service toward those in need in the church and in the world. And yet we respond to God’s love, not only by loving deeds of service to others, but also by simply doing the things we do for God because God is God and we are God’s children. We are called not simply to obey God but also to glorify God. Above all, we are called to enjoy God. We are called to worship.

Love is not love if it is simply a matter of obeying rules, running errands, and performing duties. Some things we do just because we enjoy being in the presence of our loved one. So we sing songs, write poetry, dance, clap our hands, share food, or simply prop up our feet and do nothing but enjoy being with one another. In these purposeless moments of sheer enjoyment, we come very close to what love is all about.

If someone asked a Christian, “What’s the purpose of your worship? Why do you gather on Sunday and sing songs, dress up, kneel, march in processions, clap your hands, shed tears, speak, eat, and listen?” We could only say, “Because we are in love.” (http://willimon.blogspot.com.au/2007/02/whats-point-of-worship.html)

Today is a great day because we have gathered together as one body to declare our love for God, and in doing so we affirm our unity in Christ.

Grace and Peace

Harlee  Cooper