Church, for me, is a place of celebration. There are days when there is much to do, but the “noises” – sounds – of church are a gift to me.
First, on Sunday morning almost precisely at 8:30 and again at 10:00 we are ready and ring the steeple bell. It is a call to worship. However, if you are coming through the parking lot, we will most likely wait for you.
Recently I read that the North American Guild of Change Ringers were meeting in New York City and ringing changes on the set of bells at Trinity Church. They quote the author Thomas Merton: "Bells are meant
to remind us that God alone is good. They speak to us of our freedom, which responsibilities and transient cares make us forget. The bells say: Rest in God and rejoice." I believe that. The call to worship is a gift, as are the bells.
Secondly, as we worship together and prepare, as a congregation, to ask for God’s forgiveness for our sins, is the sound of the kneelers hitting the floor. This is another reassuring sound for me. I know where I am and what I am supposed to be doing when I hear that sound.
And thirdly, is the sound of laughter; in the office on weekdays, in the Sacristy on Sundays, in the parish hall, and even as we worship together.
All three of these sounds, among so many others, are the sounds of celebration, fun (spelled joy), and of the beauty of our shared lives together.
I thank God when I hear them.
Hugh+
First, on Sunday morning almost precisely at 8:30 and again at 10:00 we are ready and ring the steeple bell. It is a call to worship. However, if you are coming through the parking lot, we will most likely wait for you.
Recently I read that the North American Guild of Change Ringers were meeting in New York City and ringing changes on the set of bells at Trinity Church. They quote the author Thomas Merton: "Bells are meant
to remind us that God alone is good. They speak to us of our freedom, which responsibilities and transient cares make us forget. The bells say: Rest in God and rejoice." I believe that. The call to worship is a gift, as are the bells.
Secondly, as we worship together and prepare, as a congregation, to ask for God’s forgiveness for our sins, is the sound of the kneelers hitting the floor. This is another reassuring sound for me. I know where I am and what I am supposed to be doing when I hear that sound.
And thirdly, is the sound of laughter; in the office on weekdays, in the Sacristy on Sundays, in the parish hall, and even as we worship together.
All three of these sounds, among so many others, are the sounds of celebration, fun (spelled joy), and of the beauty of our shared lives together.
I thank God when I hear them.
Hugh+
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