Wow, it's been a bit! I've stepped away for a month or so to take some vacation time with family and attend a conference in Minneapolis. All of it was SO worth it.
As for vacation, we didn't do anything epic. Just went to LA for a few days to check out Universal Studios (first time!) for our annual birthday bash. My daughter Rory and I are one day apart—mine is August 21 and hers is the 22nd. We also visited family in Reno and the Sierra Valley. Simple. Perfect.
The conference, though? That was next-level nerdy and I loved every minute of it.
Lutheran Liturgy Nerds, Assemble
It was called "The Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy: Curating the Evangelical Catholic Tradition" and it was one of the most informative seminars I've ever attended. It shaped my ministry profoundly and I can't wait to go back in a couple years to reconvene with my Reformed Catholic liturgy nerds.
If you're saying to yourself: What the heck is 'Evangelical Catholic'?! Here's the gist from the brochure (you can click here to read more):
Since the earliest days of the Reformation, the Lutheran tradition has been one founded and nurtured as being evangelical catholic. This term assumes several important theological assertions that remain a part of our tradition, including a continuity with the historic catholic faith of the West. Luther did not set out to found a "new" church, but rather to reform the old, and his reforms were essentially conservative, especially when it came to the forms and practices of Christian liturgy. "At its core, the Lutheran tradition is deeply and fundamentally catholic" (Matthew Block).
When this lens is applied to liturgy, it means that the structures and ceremonial of Lutheran liturgy (the mass, particularly) should maintain historic forms while being open to new contextual realities. "In doctrine and ceremonies nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the Catholic Church" (Confessio Augustana, Article XXIV)
Why I Say "Mass" (And Why It Matters)
I know we Lutherans don't often use the term 'Mass' much, but I think it gives the best depiction in one word about what our worship ceremony is like—especially for people who have no idea what this whole 'Lutheran' thing is.
When I say, "Hey, come to Mass," they'll probably think, Ohhhh, okay, so there will be robes, bowing, standing, crossing ourselves, old hymns, maybe some incense, and bread and wine. Not a fog machine and praise band. (Not that there’s anything inherently WRONG with a fog machine and praise band, but ‘tis not what our little parish does.)
The Personal Stakes
On a personal level, if it weren't for the Catholic expression of Lutheran liturgy, I know I wouldn't be a pastor now.
I was raised Roman Catholic as a kid and deconstructed later in life. I floated for some time. Thought it was all stupid and oppressive. The usual journey.
But when I came back to the church, I needed the ancient rituals. I needed my old symbol system and ways to mark the turning of the seasons. I needed the physicality and sensorial deliciousness of the Mass.
But I also needed to hear that grace-filled angle that the Lutherans hold. And it didn't hurt that they ordain women priests and welcome LGBT folks to participate in all sacraments. ‘Nuff about that. Where was I? Oh, right…
Back to the Foundation
So yes, it was a joy to get back to the foundation of what my job actually is: to celebrate the Lord's Supper in a way that connects with the global, universal church.
Amen and amen.
I hope you and yours have been well. It was so nice to have a summer break, but I look forward to sharing more regularly with you again.
I was raised in the ALC during the 1960s and miss the liturgy of that time. Our much simpler liturgy of today at our very small local Lutheran congregation is wonderful, but I do wish I could attend a "high" Lutheran service every now and then. Thanks for this note!
That was a lovely post. Thank you!