September - Ordinary Time - God's Time
Written: 9/1/2009
As you plan for worship this fall, are there persons in the congregation with skills that would enrich your worship life? Instrumentalists, singers, bulletin cover designers, ringers, dancers, storytellers, dramatists, technologically savvy persons, film buffs, readers, ushers, persons with gifts of hospitality, fabric artists, potters for communion vessels, bread-bakers, planners, visionaries, organizers-all can offer their gifts in worship. Open your search to include persons of all ages, long-time members and those new to the community, persons with fully developed gifts and persons with possibilities. Worship together, pray together, and then work together that your worship life together might be rich and full.
September 2009's lectionary readings begin with Jesus healing (a demon leaves a daughter and a deaf man hears and speaks) and end with James' encouragement to pray, lay on hands, and anoint for healing. If your church has not including the ancient gesture and sign of anointing, these readings give an opportunity for discussing this practice of the church and deciding whether to add it as an occasional worship practice. Anointing is an optional part of the baptismal service for persons of all ages and thus can serve as a reminder of our baptism (The United Methodist Book of Worship, page 91). Its use in baptism derives from the ancient practice of anointing kings (Samuel's anointing of the shepherd boy David and the anointing reference in Psalm 23) and is a reminder that Christians are called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter2.9)
Some churches include prayers for healing with anointing at the end of worship or during a special Sunday afternoon service. Other churches present anointing as an option immediately following communion, as a reminder that we are God's chosen people for whom God desires wholeness. If you are interested in anointing, read the introduction to services of healing in The United Methodist Book of Worship, pages 613-615. Olive oil is the most commonly used element, though religious book stores also sell balms that are appropriate. Persons may be anointed with the sign of the cross on the forehead or back of the hand. Anointing is not a sacrament, so it can be administered by anyone with the right intention, and it can be a holy reminder for all of us of God's seal on our lives.
September 13's Isaiah reading mentions teaching, so it is a good time to dedicate your Christian education leaders. The Psalm refers to the teaching of God's law and the Gospel tells the struggle for the disciples to name Jesus. Beware, however, says James, as "not many of you should become teachers' for it is an awesome responsibility and can be a temptation to power and judgment.
September 20's Gospel reading follows the teaching theme with that of giving up power and authority, and opening oneself-whoever would be first must be last, must be your servant, must be like a child. Here again is the reminder that God's call involves new ways of being, of seeing, of understanding. May this call deepen your worship life this month!
Robin Knowles Wallace teaches at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. This fall her courses include "Congregational Song: Praise and Worship," "Liturgical Prayer" and "Introduction to Worship and Music."