Corporate Worship and the Creative Arts

One of the many beautiful reasons Christians gather together week in and week out for worship - rather than dispersed in our homes - is because of the vast diversity of individual gifted-ness and the picturesque 'work of art' we create when that gifted-ness is shared in the corporate setting.

For the bulk of this year Pillar has been journeying together in the Sermon on the Mount.  Just last week we were considering the text of Matthew 5:21 - 26 (Anger).  One of our parishioners was moved to compose a piece of poetry based upon her meditation and reflection over this passage of Scripture.  She came into the theater (where we meet for worship) and handed me the poem before the service began.  To be honest, I usually do not read or share something unless I have some time to interact with it before hand.  In this case, I read through the poem and sensed the Lord would minister to others through it.  Therefore, I shared it as the benediction to our service - what a fitting way to be 'sent' out into the world!

As I consider worship week in and week out I am reminded of how worship at its best 'centers' us on God - Christ the King - and invites all who come to participate in it - not just a few who lead from the front.  It is also a multi sensory experience, which goes well beyond singing; to what we see, hear, smell, how we receive one another, etc. 

What gift do you contribute to the gathered experience of Christian worship week in and week out?  You must begin with yourself - yes, you have to show up.  From there only the sky is your limit. 

Please take a minute and read this poem, submitted by Denise Rathbun.  Perhaps read it with a Bible next to you: Matthew 5:21 - 26:

God says,'thou shalt not murder' -
Murder in your heart.
Thou shalt not hold to bitterness
And write off some one's part.
Thou shalt not hold your anger
For power, control, a rush.
Thous shalt not cut down
With your words.
No spirit shall you crush.
For God created all mankind,
Created all living things,
And murder brings an end to life . . .
To things that are the king's.
Instead, we are to live a life
Blessed by God above.
Protect life and promote it,
Encourage it with our love.
We are to be His agents
To help build others up,
To spread the news - the cycle of death -
Christ did interrupt.
Through His death and resurrection,
he gives us the grace we need
To break out of that system
Where death can only breed -- death.
'Thou shalt not murder.'
-Denise Rathbun, 2012