For The institute of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Red Online Worship History Course with Dan Wilt.

This week’s discussion and readings centered around baptism and communion, 2 symbolic languages of worship.  It was great to discuss and read about the various historical traditions that accompany these 2 sacramental rites.  It was also interesting to discuss ones that didn’t make it (such as foot washing) and groups that rejected them altogether (like the Quakers).  I think it is always helpful for us to consider Why we do what we do, especially in light of history, because many of the things we do today are based on decisions made long, long ago, in very different circumstances.  For example, what would you say to three years of training before baptism, and then being baptized naked in the closest stream on Easter?  Can you imagine being baptized in the Stilli in March?  In large groups?  Coooooold! Especially for the priest!  A far cry away from our heated indoor tubs and people who have said they want to be baptized don’t show up half the time.  Or how about communion every day?  And the belief that it literally turns into the body and blood of Jesus as it is blessed and you partake.  Did you know that there are millions of people who believe and practice that every day?  Did you know you can partake of Eucharist (as communion is called in many churches) every day of the week in a church in Stanwood?  At Cedarhome, we do it once a month, usually on the first Sunday of every month.  Why?  Is that the best? Crackers?  Mazza?  Juice?  Wine?  At a table?  Once a year during Passover.  Lots of variations.

What is the meaning of it all?  Covenant ceremony, like marriage? Life giving sacrament?  Necessary for salvation?  Initiation ritual?  Faith testing?  Symbolic Picture?  Sacred Ritual?  Creeds?  Setting apart of the Faithful?  Witness to the community?  Physical act?  Moment in time like an altar, to point back to?

Studying the history and discussing the variations on these two ordinances/sacraments/action symbols/… has given me lots to think about.  If you are completely convinced there is only one “right” way for any of this, you probably haven’t studied much.

Hope this gets all y’er brains a cookin’!

Thanks for letting me intrude!

jason