Grace Notes 2025-02-05
A highlight of the congregation workshop many of you attended on January 18 was to hear the stories of a special memory that stood out in each person's journey at Gift of Grace. They were stories of welcoming, affirmation, encouragement, and belonging. They extolled the caring, the standing firm on God’s Word, the singing, the substantial historical and Biblical patterns of worship, and the broad participation.
We were sharing these things at the behest of an outsider, the Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador. And yet, this afforded an opportunity to hear from each other. A good part of the rationale for the workshop is that in learning who we are, which includes our history together, we might better know the uniqueness of what we have to give to others as we do outreach.
We had a good turnout for four hours on a Saturday! Six of you were able to participate virtually by Google Meetings. Thanks, Carrie Cunningham, for helping to make this possible. The input was robust and enthusiastic. It was unfortunate that the workshop was allowed to linger an additional hour. Although most everyone remained, it was taxing and a bit much.
Where we go from here is a legitimate question. I am new to this along with you. Dr. Meador will be returning to meet with our leaders and with anyone else who wishes to be involved on Sunday, March 2. He will meet with us around 10:45am (the usual time for Adult Education). It is hoped that we will be able to refine a statement that succinctly describes why we believe that God has placed Gift of Grace in Holmen, and what impact we hope to have on the community.
Again, being new to this, I think we know Biblically the answer here. Every congregation is to witness to the Gospel of Christ and make disciples of Christ. But it may be helpful to refine and recognize our more unique role in this. Stay tuned as this effort continues. Thanks.
Since You Asked…
Why is incense used in some churches?
The use of incense is not unique to Christianity or Judaism and is used in many of the world’s religions to enhance special times and places by sight and smell. In Christian worship incense is effectively used at the beginning of the Service of the Word and in preparing for receiving Holy Communion. The burning of incense is associated with the prayers of worship rising before God (cf. Psa 141:2; Rev 8:4). Good worship should engage all the human senses. In this connection it should be pointed out that the olfactory sense is perhaps the most sensitive of the five senses; it continues to function even during sleep. (Indebted to Aidan Kavanah in his “Elements of Rite”.)