Something Deeper?
Something Deeper?
The church where I grew up regularly hosted traveling music groups. They’d always have their LPs (yes, LPs) and other stuff—their “merch”—to sell, but at our church they weren’t allowed to do this. At least not in the sanctuary or the foyer where most people entered. The rationale came, at least in part, from this week’s Gospel reading. Jesus clearly didn’t like it when folks hawked their wares around the Temple, and therefore we shouldn’t sell stuff around the sanctuary.
To be sure, the place of worship in first-century Israel and the auditorium of a small independent church in Southern California don’t correspond exactly, but true to Jesus’s words, my church didn’t want the place of worship to be co-opted as a place of commerce. And that much is right.
But is merch in church really the heart of the issue…or is it something deeper, something much more invisible and insidious?
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Down to the Wire! Work Day at 1309 Saturday—9AM to Noon (drop by if/when you can)
Our tasks for tomorrow will be vacuuming the Sanctuary, continuing trash and debris removal, continuing grounds cleanup (weather permitting), some painting and paint-prepping, bathroom cleaning, window cleaning, and sundry odd jobs—something for just about everyone. Please bring (if you have them):
Shop vacs with bags and filters
gas-powered leaf blowers, pruning/lopping shears, a chain saw or two (again, weather permitting)
rakes, shovels, brooms, dustpans
work gloves
Lots of work that will be better together!
Serving Teams
With our anticipated move to 1309 on Sunday, March 24th, we need to solidify the teams it will take to ensure everyone who worships with us feels welcome, comfortable, and secure. Obviously, a much bigger home than we’re accustomed to will require more teams and more folks serving on each team. What a great opportunity for us to work together to both proclaim and promote the Gospel! Training will be provided. Here are some of the teams we’re forming or expanding:
Children’s Formation—bolstering and expanding our existing ministry
Ushers—helping folks find seats, assisting the weekly offering, and directing “traffic” during communion (at least 2 per Sunday)
Greeters—ensuring everyone feels welcome, receives a bulletin, and is pointed in the right direction
Hospitality—preparing and cleaning up coffee service, planning and helping with social events
Altar Guild—preparing the Lord’s Table and platform for Sunday worship
Technical—sound, lighting, and streaming (not super-technical)—we need much more help here!
Readers and Prayer Leaders—read Scriptures and lead The Prayers of the People in our services
Lay Eucharistic Ministers—helping serve communion
Tuesday Team—cleaning windows, sweeping, vacuuming, emptying trash (very, very light janitorial, perfect for retirees)
Prayer Team—praying for communicants during the Sunday Eucharist
We will have more information on Sunday, but please consider where you might serve.
Important Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 2, 9AM-Noon—Workday at 1309 Bay Ridge
Saturday, March 9, 9AM-Noon—Workday at 1309 Bay Ridge
Sunday, March 10, Second Sunday Sandwiches and Vestry, following worship
Saturday, March 16, 9AM-Noon—Workday at 1309 Bay Ridge
Sunday, March 17, Moving Out of SDA Day, following worship
Sunday, March 24—1309 Grand Opening! (Palm Sunday)
Thursday, March 28, 7PM—Maundy Thursday Service
Friday, March 29, 7PM—Good Friday Service
Saturday, March 30, Noon—Holy Saturday Service
Sunday, March 31—Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 14–1309 Consecration with Bishop Julian
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
