On July 14 Scottsville Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches will exchange pulpits for a day. The idea was born out of a lunch Bruce (Methodist pastor), Gordon (Presbyterian pastor) and I shared. We were thrilled and hoped our congregations would be too. They were.
I'll be preaching at the Presbyterian church which is all kinds of amazing to me. Not only are the people kind (shout out), it gives me an opportunity to roll around in Baptist goodness. I saw a group of Gordon's folks at the local Italian restaurant this week. Following is our exchange:
Them: "I hear you're preaching for us soon!"
Me: "I can't wait!"
Them: "We're excited! So will you pound on the pulpit?"
Me: "Oh yes. I will also throw out all of your liturgies."
Them: (Look of horror)
Me: "And probably scream a lot."
Them: (Concerned)
Me: "And be extemporaneous."
Me: "Okay. See you soon!"
Katie drops mic and exits stage left, leaving concerned Presbyterians in her wake.
I think they knew I was kidding, but it's fun to keep people on their toes.:)
One of the treasures of Scottsville is its ecumenical spirit. A few weeks ago we were hosting a group of GAs (Girls in Action) in the Lottie Moon room when I noticed a newsletter from 1960. It was published by a number of churches in our community with articles, reflections and ways in which they cooperated. Even 50 years ago our little town recognized the beauty of God's diversity. I love that.
I'm grateful for a tradition of cooperation and love amongst many of the churches in our town. I'm excited for July 14 and look forward to worshipping alongside the good folks of Scottsville Presbyterian. I hope you'll join us.
Showing posts with label ecumenical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ecumenical. Show all posts
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Part Deux: Cutting a CD
So...cutting a CD is humbling. VERY humbling. As it turns out shower/car voice is not the same as recording studio voice. It was very humbling, but I had a lot of fun. It stretched me because I don't really like stepping out of my comfort zone; but it's a new year and I'm trying. (Also mad props to the minstrels out there. Hours and hours of singing is hard work.)
Due to last minute schedule conflicts, there were only five of us at the studio. Three Methodists, one Episcopal and one Baptist. Four gents and one lady. No pressure...amiright Lady Katie? In the end I sounded a bit like a nervous Cindy Loo Hoo accompanying a strapping barbershop quartet. The men sounded wonderful!
In one of my favorite Bill Smith sermons he compared the Christian family to an orchestra. Let's say Baptists play trumpets; Methodists percussion; Episcopals flutes; Lutherans tubas and Presbyterians trombones. We are all part of a great concert together. And even if we take turns trying to lure him off the podium, Jesus is in charge. Jesus is the drum major. At our worst, we sound like a train wreck. No one pays attention to the drum major. No one tries to stay together. We accuse other sections of being out of tune.
At our best however we can make beautiful music. At our best harmony is made. We play different notes and different instruments, but together we make a rich sound. We need each other to make beautiful music. We really do. A flute trio is nice. A tuba choir is fun...but together we are capable of making music the world wants to hear. Isn't that an exciting thought?
Yes we are different. Yes we will disagree. Yes it seems like others are out of tune and maybe they are; but shouting at one another in the band room doesn't help much! (Trust me: Band drama is not only a nerdy cliché. It is actually the worst.) With all due respect, let's work on our own parts. Sometimes the most discord comes from those within our own sections (ahem...Baptists. I'm pointing at myself too.) So let's get ourselves in tune. Let's focus on blending with the other parts to make beautiful music. It's 2013 and we all need each other.
Alright: This metaphor needs a rest (get it? music? rest?:)) but I am grateful for the opportunity to make music with brothers and sisters. I am grateful to study scripture, eat and sing with these colleagues weekly. It makes me better. Thanks Jesus for the diversity of your orchestra.
Due to last minute schedule conflicts, there were only five of us at the studio. Three Methodists, one Episcopal and one Baptist. Four gents and one lady. No pressure...amiright Lady Katie? In the end I sounded a bit like a nervous Cindy Loo Hoo accompanying a strapping barbershop quartet. The men sounded wonderful!
In one of my favorite Bill Smith sermons he compared the Christian family to an orchestra. Let's say Baptists play trumpets; Methodists percussion; Episcopals flutes; Lutherans tubas and Presbyterians trombones. We are all part of a great concert together. And even if we take turns trying to lure him off the podium, Jesus is in charge. Jesus is the drum major. At our worst, we sound like a train wreck. No one pays attention to the drum major. No one tries to stay together. We accuse other sections of being out of tune.
At our best however we can make beautiful music. At our best harmony is made. We play different notes and different instruments, but together we make a rich sound. We need each other to make beautiful music. We really do. A flute trio is nice. A tuba choir is fun...but together we are capable of making music the world wants to hear. Isn't that an exciting thought?
Yes we are different. Yes we will disagree. Yes it seems like others are out of tune and maybe they are; but shouting at one another in the band room doesn't help much! (Trust me: Band drama is not only a nerdy cliché. It is actually the worst.) With all due respect, let's work on our own parts. Sometimes the most discord comes from those within our own sections (ahem...Baptists. I'm pointing at myself too.) So let's get ourselves in tune. Let's focus on blending with the other parts to make beautiful music. It's 2013 and we all need each other.
Alright: This metaphor needs a rest (get it? music? rest?:)) but I am grateful for the opportunity to make music with brothers and sisters. I am grateful to study scripture, eat and sing with these colleagues weekly. It makes me better. Thanks Jesus for the diversity of your orchestra.
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