wholly, holy worship
In early March, my colleague Jorge Lockward invited me to preach at Church of the Village in New York City, as part of a series focused on worship. You’re welcome to watch my sermon, “Holy, Wholly Worship.”
Read Moresinging as a holy act
I wonder what would it look like to imagine worship as a kind of holy rehearsal space. What if singing together is a place we are put back together, where we remember, re-discover and renew what we believe?
What if this congregation is a choir: a community of learning where we have the opportunity to grow into new experiences, trusting there is no success or failure but a deep pool of grace that holds us as we try and try again?
What might it look like to put to practice this way of love through our voices, through the tunes and rhythms we share in song?
Read Moregod, whose memory holds the future
I wonder if Psalm 137 shines light on the way that communities hold trauma, anxiety and grief, even in ways we may not fully aware of? I don’t believe this psalm is inviting us to some sort of catharsis. I don’t feel better after praying these words; they make me uneasy, even nauseous. I hear no comfort, nothing pastoral; only an unsettled reminder of just how difficult and messy life can be.
Read Moreto whom much is given, much is required
Since last fall’s #blacklivesmatter protests in New York City, I have become more and more aware of the privilege our culture affords me as a white man. I have come to understand that I cannot speak on behalf of persons of color, as if I know best what others need or want. I have not walked in their shoes nor do I understand the challenges or hurdles many face on a daily basis – from subtle, demoralizing micro-aggressions to unwarranted scrutiny to police brutality like we saw at Spring Valley High School in South Carolina this week.
But I can support and help amplify voices of color that are speaking their truth. I can name and confront racism whenever and wherever I see it. I can advocate, work for systemic change, and seek justice and equality for all, especially black lives. It is not enough to simply pray for a better world but I am called to be God’s hands and feet. My faith requires me to leverage my privilege for the wider good. And God also calls me to encourage and inspire other privileged folk to action, especially in the church.
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