Worshipping—Here and Elsewhere
This may never be a topic that you’ve thought about, but there is a difference between leading worship and being led in worship. Any of you can see what I (or any other minister, priest or rabbi) does at worship. We lead worship, guiding you through the various elements, usually after designing and composing much of that worship ourselves. There is certainly a satisfaction in accomplishing this task, but sometimes one is so busy making it happen that it is hard to worship. It could be compared to putting on a party: sometimes you’re so involved with the fixings, welcoming your guests, replenishing the table that you don’t always get to enjoy the party yourself.
As I mentioned last Sunday, on April 13 Peggy and I worshipped at Keawala’i Congreg-ational Church in Makena, on Maui. We’ve worshipped there twice before, and always look forward to the drive down the coast from Ka’anapali to Makena. Several hotels hosted beachside services at 8:00 a.m., but we prefer the worship experience in Makena. It is different worshipping in a church which uses their Hawai’ian heritage. The cadence of the music, sometimes sung first in Hawai’ian, then English, is soothing to hear. I noted in their worship bulletin there was a liturgist’s training session on April 19. After hearing the English-speaking liturgist pray and read both in English and Hawi’ian, I could understand why! While sitting next to my wife (a rarity for us), we sang some of the same hymns and heard the same lesson you heard here on April 13.
I had met the pastor on previous visits, and greeted him before worship that Sunday. As we shook his hand at the door afterwards, I said to him, “Blessings on your ministry here.” He sighed and said, “I’m just glad it’s all over.” Evidently, the point in my first paragraph above must be a universal experience!
While meeting last Sunday with several incoming new members, one asked about their obligations. They were assured we do not track attendance and call them after missing one Sunday. However, I did say if you’re going to be away for several weeks visiting elsewhere, on a cruise or other trip, mention it to me at the door. I hope you have the experience of worshipping elsewhere when away. Last week, a member sent me two worship bulletins from a recent trip: a Palm Sunday evening service in London and a French service on Easter in Paris. Enjoy worshipping . . . anywhere!
Charlie Ensley
Senior Minister