*Pictured: Families watch Pastors Laura Goerzen and Luke Unruh lead Communion at First Mennonite Church, Newton KS.
Recently I attended an organizational meeting for a new small group at my church. With a focus on Bible study and mutual support, our leader had us read several scripture passages and discuss our “why” for meeting. What were the reasons for our gathering and what was our purpose together?
I found this exercise to be incredibly helpful. I must confess, I don’t often stop and think about how the Biblical text informs my “why” for something. I might think about the positives, the good that will result for me or others; but to ground all of my “whys” in the very nature of God and my calling as a disciple empowered by the Holy Spirit, is an important spiritual discipline.
One of the major functions of our congregations is corporate worship. How recently have we stopped to consider our “why” for worship? What scriptural truths about God motivate us to spend part of our Sunday morning in the act of worship together?
Is our “why” to praise? To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? To follow Hebrews 10:25 and not neglect meeting together? To encounter Christ? To learn? To be challenged? To be comforted? Or something else entirely?
Sometimes our worship connects to the theme of important days in the liturgical calendar (we immediately think of Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas), and can help us celebrate these days, mourn losses, or spur us to action.
A couple of less-observed holidays are the International Day of Peace (September 21) and World Food Day (October 16). MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) has prepared resources for worship to mark both of these days. Whether your congregation marks these days or not, the worship resources provide information and suggestions suitable for household worship and discussion or personal reflection as well.
Regarding these themes, MCC writes:
“This year’s International Day of Peace theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopting the Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace. Through this declaration, the UN emphasized that peace is not only an absence of conflict and violence but requires equitable partnerships and mutual collaboration.
The theme for World Food Day, on October 16, is “Right to foods for a better life and better future.” According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 3.1 billion people—42% of the world’s population—are unable to afford a healthy diet, causing rising hunger and malnutrition. Food is a human right and a blessing from God (1 Corinthians 9:4; Exodus 23:25). Human decisions, however, such as unfair government policies, corruption and land grabbing, can leave people hungry.”
Check out these guides and others on the MCC website here.
On these days, and every Sunday, as you gather to worship, take some time and space to consider the “why” of the gathering and the impact of your worship.
-Jennie Wintermote, WDC Resource Library Director
P.S. In thinking about other special days to mark, the Resource Library has lots of Advent, Christmas resources available for worship, programs, and devotional reading. Stop by or email me at crlib@mennowdc.org