January 15 will mark a new chapter in worship at Zion. Once a month for six months we are going to live on the edge of Christian liturgy. With some new, old music, Word and Sacrament will transcend the culture wars. Candlelit, incense-burning, highly engaging through an interactive liturgy. Confession and kyrie will open worship, including a washing in the font for baptismal remembrance. Prayers of the people will be in 5 stations; for healing, for global peace, for families, in silence, with the Word. Communion will be loaf and common cup. Music will be led by a small band. I will be dressed in my black cassock robe. I will wear the stole and chasuble at eucharist.
Transcending the culture wars means that this liturgy is neither traditional nor contemporary. It is contemporary in its approach to ancient sacramental liturgy. Music transcends our culture and context, and also embraces it at the same time.
Why are we doing this? This is a quest to explore the post-modern sacred life. What does a gathering of 21st century Christians look like? How is it different than our immediate predecessors? Unlike previous generations, we are disenchanted by old categories. We want a more open communion. Table fellowship with baptized Christians is what its about, despite ethical and theological differences. God's grace frees us to engage in worship that is evangelical and catholic (Christ-centered, globally inclusive).
What will this mean for us as a congregation? I don't know. We're doing it once a month as an experiment. Tune in on January 16 for the rundown.
