Vacation Bible School

One of the greatest delights in being a parish pastor is sharing the stories of the faith. During this week's Vacation Bible School I had the opportunity to tell the story of Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the healing of the Syrian General Naaman (2 Kings 5), with, of course, the help of all the Bible School children.

It seems like the more children are involved in acting out the story in its telling, the better they remember it. Perhaps there is a lesson in there for us adults. The more we are able to live the story, God's story, the more we are able to remember it and the better the story "inhabits" us.

John the Forerunner

This Sunday we will mark the birth of John the Baptist and celebrate his witness to Christ. While most Protestants and Roman Catholics perhaps best know John as "the Baptist," the Eastern Church designates him as "the Forerunner." Both, I think, give us a glimpse into his ministry of preparation: as "the Baptist," he brings the preaching of repentance as preparation for the coming Messiah, as "the Forerunner," he lays the groundwork and, through his life and words, does the necessary preparation for the world to receive the Dawn from on High.

What struck me today in making my way through the Benedictus in Luke 1:68-80 is that Zechariah, John's father, sings the history of God's salvation. We all can appreciate how those things we learned through song "stick" better than anything else. So, as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of the Forerunner and Baptist, we are simultaneously invited into his song: "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). You choose the tune!

Leviticus, Oil, Smoke

For my morning devotions, I have been making my way through the book of Leviticus. What is most striking to me as I read through this account of the tabernacle worship of Israel to God is how prominently oil and smoke are featured. Smoke is always rising to the praise and glory of God. Indeed, the smell of the burnt offerings is noted as pleasing to God over and over again. Oil is poured out generously setting apart things (and people!) for God's service.

I am part of a tradition that has eschewed (in most quarters) the use of incense and oil in worship. I wonder some days if we're missing something.

John Bell's The Singing Thing

I just finished reading John Bell's The Singing Thing: A Case for Congregational Song. It is rare that a book upsets, delights and inspires me all at once, but Bell managed to do so. Perhaps I'm so interested in the "why" of congregational song (indeed, the "why" of singing in community in any setting) because our congregation is currently exploring new ways of singing in worship together. I am also one who loves to singing "at all times and in all places" (to borrow from the eucharistic prayer), but who is not so (naturally) gifted.

Bell makes a strong case (in one of his chapters) that the songs of the faith we learn as children significantly shape how we conceptualize God. This is both an inspiring and frightening prospect. Still, as I reflect on my own childhood, it rings more than true.

I'm also reading (just in case you're curious): Lawrence Cunningham's newest biography of St. Francis, Frederica Mathewes-Green's Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey Into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy and trying my best to catch up on Harry Potter #4.