Does Friday count as the weekend? I would say it does, or it should, anyway. When I got home last night, I went immediately to bed because I was so tired, which is why I did not post to the blog before going to sleep. We did not come straight home after leaving Palm Coast, we had to stop at church as all of us had something to take care of there. Carol was changing the banners and altar paraments, Judy set up the Fellowship Hall for refreshments, and I had to vacuum. It got a lick and a promise cleaning because I was so tired and did not want anyone to have to wait for me. Carol was the last one done but I waited for her to finish in the chancel area before vacuuming up there. It sure felt good to get home and reclining on my bed, since I had had a short night's sleep on Friday. I woke this a.m. the first time at 6:30 but opted to stay asleep until just after 8:00. Not late for church, either!
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On Friday night I touched on some of the highlights of the School of Worship Enrichment, which was an absolutely fantastic event. WELS presenters introduced some music outside of our normal comfort zone but somehow it seemed to be okay. In the right time, place, and setting, and with proper instruction and excellence, it might be okay. After the opening service of Morning Praise, we were asked to offer our critique or comments regarding how some of the pieces were performed or presented. The "Come, Oh Come" was accompanied on the piano with the addition of soft bongos and a bit of tamborine, I think. Personally, I did not find it offensive, and could 'tolerate' the additional instruments but did mention to the moderator that I have sung this at my own church and at my home church without the added instruments, and found it equally edifying. He acknowledged that, the other instruments add punctuation to an already sound proclamation of faith.
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Friday night we closed with The Compline, I believe my first time experiencing this end-of-the-day vesper service and that was also lovely. The pianists really had no mercy on the keyboard of the baby grand piano, and I made the comment later that I felt sorry for the keys, but glad for me! Man, those guys really made the keys sing, changing up the dynamics, adding interesting preludes to the hymns and sometimes, letting us a sing all or part of a stanza without them playing at all!
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The lectures were valuable, our favorite being a study on the liturgical year and how to best recognize special Sundays and such. The pastor, Christie, offered many suggestions and resources to use, how to select the appropriate choral music and pre/post service music, use of banners and paraments. Always the focus on things being the very best we can offer. Later in the day we had break-out sessions where we could kick things around a bit, with a member of the SoWE team coming to talk with us. It was a bit complicated since it seems that the organizers or whoever were not aware our congregation was coming so allowances for us were not available. At times there were six of us representing GS, but always, at least the three of us. Suzanne had to leave early, much to her chagrin, to take her kids to a party at Rachel's house. Her hubby had had the kids most of the day on Friday and the same on Saturday so she had to take them to this party. John was busy watching the Gator/Bull Dog football game anyway, with Michael, his brother. She really missed alot in the afternoon, not the least of which was the closing Reformation service, complete with procession, where Pastor Huebner carried in the brass cross during the 3rd stanza of "A Mighty Fortress". They explained that traditionally this stanza is read by the congregation instead of singing it, to contemplate the words. The pianist, Pastor Christie, played a dramatic dirge-style variation of the hymn, but with excitement, as Carol tried to explain to someone else today. An exciting dirge, go figure! But that nailed it. The effect was significant, dramatic but completely in keeping with excellence and decency in worship. We can do this!
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Another thing we discussed ad nauseum (I am so good at that!) was the value of education and instruction, particularly when introducing something new or variant to the service. Much of what we studied in "Come Worship Christ" was referenced in the sessions, including this study by name, for those who have not seen it. Years ago, when Pete was still at our church, I did the Bible study from start to finish but so far at GS since then, I have yet to get through the entire thing. The Monday study was interrupted by the move from trailer to building and losing the videos thereof, and now again, using the 'student version' of this same study, in an abbreviated format. Now we are moving on to studying Luther and the Confessions which will be good, solid theology. At least it was today.
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The Greeters were not in place today so I stood in, as is my custom. Saw my old friend, Larry Reiter, dropped off by his wife. He had come to GS a couple years ago for the first time, having sailed his boat to Green Cove from VA, with his nephew as his first mate. It turned out his family and he spent time in Manitowoc County where his dad served as pastor. At MLHS, I went to school with his sisters, Carol, my class, and Connie, a few years younger than me. I had sent Carol a birthday greeting today before going to church so how cool is that?!? Anna NM came to church today after having to say farewell to family who had been visiting from Australia for two weeks. On Facebook she mentioned how sad she was so I gave an extra hug to her because I know how she feels. Anna told me she studied up on her Luther history for today, as a refresher. What a grand idea!
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After last night's closing service, a hard act to follow, I am soon heading to Victory for our joint service with Gainesville, Keystone Heights, GS, and our host congregation. I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer Lee and her mom, as Jen is newly returned from serving as a nurse in Africa for one of our missions. How I do love seeing my Facebook friends in the flesh now and again!
