50 Days of Gratitude: Days 40-42

I was lucky enough last fall to teach the Introduction to Worship class at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Dr. Joy Schroeder was on sabbatical, so I was invited to fill in). I was so honored. Liturgy done well is a touchstone of my own faith and worship life. It doesn’t matter what denomination, what style, or even the particulars…what matters is how the assembly is invited to participate in worshiping God. I could go on (and on and on) but I have a particular point for this gratitude post.

In this season of sabbatical, we are without a church home. While this is difficult on many fronts, it also offers us the chance to worship at a number of places we might not get to visit otherwise. One of the practices at Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma WA from Easter to Pentecost (so Eastertide) is to process the Gospel on a banner every Sunday, into the midst of the assembly, where the deacon reads it from the banner. I’ve watched this twice, observing as the deacon adjusts her position in order to see the banner and watching the banner bearer tilt the banner ever so slightly, so that the light is just right on it and so it hangs at the best angle.

Could the Gospel be read from a book of Gospels, or a Bible, or even (but preferably not) the bulletin? Of course. But in this unique presentation, the assembly can “see” the Gospel and experience it in their midst.

The banners are each handmade by people in the Christ Church parish, one set for each liturgical year. They are lovely, as you might imagine.

I am grateful for liturgy (the work of the people) that sparks spiritual imagination and invites faithful mission. And on this day, I am grateful for this unique way I could watch this unfold.

This was the Gospel reading for today

The front of the banner as it hangs near the pulpit. It is adorned with bells and ribbons.

The banners from previous Sundays in Easter in Year A hang at the back of the nave.

This is the Gospel text that was also the Gospel reading at my ordination, on the Feast Day of Mary of Magdala. It is always a lectionary option on Easter Sunday.