Titanic

Three unrelated voices brought up the very same point this week. One suggested that too many pulpits echo with talk about just maintaining the institutional church. Too few carry a passion about the mission of the community so gathered. One voice asked whether a church should just be content with feeling comfortable in the familiar routine and tradition -- or should it be reaching toward things that cause it to stretch?

Another voice said, "I want a church that is passionate about something!"

People in general do not clamor for a return to "institutional religion."

* * *

The Titanic sank 96 years ago this month. The designers gave it too small of a rudder, so that when lookouts saw the iceberg, the ship was unable to turn onto a different course fast enough. A thriving community knows how to change directions without abandoning its mission.

Some suggest that the mainline tradition has about another twenty years before it sinks.

The journey depends on our navigational skills.

Review

The first City Vespers gathered people for a new worship adventure in Skinner Chapel as day was turning toward twilight. We loved it. Before the service began, the piano created an environment that was both relaxed and inviting. The candles added warmth. The late-gothic space lent itself beautifully to the experience.

After singing a few songs, many people were invited to name areas of celebration and concern.

A part of each City Vespers will focus on some specific area of Holyoke. This first week, we talked and prayed for all the people at Dean Technical High School, a wonderful school that offers students a way to enter life with substantial skills and education.

A text from the Gospel of John gave rise to comment by some. In it, Jesus was telling people that they could do everything he could do, and even more. Did that mean that people who live like Jesus can heal people? Or does it mean that all the followers working together can accomplish great things? We could have talked longer, but we also want to keep this service between 30 and 45 minutes.

We know that the service will evolve and change. But already we see its character emerging. We suspect that some will find this to be a "thin place" for their souls to encounter the Holy. The saying is true: "Whoever you are, and where ever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."

Now, our focus is on Sunday Morning with it's three baptisms! That's a first for us!

City Vespers

Tonight is the first of our new "City Vespers" worship experiences. We're looking forward to it, even though we don't know who or how many people might find their way to it. (Meets in Skinner Chapel at 6:30 pm every Thursday.)

One thing we're wondering about is where people will want to sit -- and whether they will be okay being drawn toward the piano. Just like trying to start a fire, you have to have the kindling close enough to burn, but with enough space to "breath."

We're using the music of Ron Klusmeier, a friend who lives on Vancouver Island, Canada, and has written wonderful tunes going back thirty some years. Piano. Maybe African Drums, -- and whatever instruments arrive!

Gotta Run. We'll tell you how it went.

Bobbie and Chuck

A "Devilishly" Grand Exploration: April 6 &12

We both grew up in traditions where the "devil" was not considered to be a major player in our personal realities. He showed up as a cartoon-like character wearing a red suit, a goatee, horns and a sharp trident. Oh, he also had a spiked tail. As we developed our own sense of the Christian faith, we pretty much relegated the "devil" to mythology. For us, there is but One God, whom we know best through the man, Jesus.

We have close friends and family members, however, who treat the figure of the devil -- or "satan" -- as a key player in the unfolding drama of humanity. For them, the devil is like an unwanted stalker, who is constantly trying to trick the human soul into surrendering to the the dark side, at the cost of eternal damnation in hell. We wonder how the figure of satan compares to the figure of the Spirit of God as a part of everyday life.

We will explore some of these differing pictures of satan in worship, Sunday Morning, April 6th. Then, on Saturday, April 12, from 4-5:30 pm, we will welcome Professor Greg Mobley, who co-authored, "The Birth of Satan: Tracing the Devil's Biblical Roots." Mobley is on the faculty of Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. In 2005, this book was the main selection in three major book clubs, and has been described as THE book on Satan. His presentation is funded, in part, by a grant from the Johnson Fund of the Hampden Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.

The reader of this blog is most welcome to free admission to the Mobley event. A devilishly good meal will be served at 5:30pm for a donation of $8. Then, at 7:00pm, the silent film, "Flesh and the Devil," will be presented with live organ music by Peter Krasinski of Boston.

Come to the United Congregational Church of Holyoke, corner of Maple and Appleton Street. There's plenty of on and off-street parking. The Mobley event will be held in Skinner Chapel. The meal will be served in the Assembly Hall. The film will be presented in the main sanctuary.