Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation St. Phillips & NLC
04-15-2024
St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Charleston, South Carolina
Scripture:
Jesus’ prayer for all believers shortly before his crucifixion:
“I do not ask for these [his current disciples] only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
(John 17:20-23 ESV)
Comments:
When I planned our recent getaway to South Carolina, I didn’t realize we would be there during Holy Week and in Charleston on Easter Sunday. An aspect of planning, therefore, included where to attend church on Easter. Following some research, we decided on St. Philip’s Anglican Church, which according to my Google search, is the oldest Christian congregation in South Carolina.
Ron and I realized attending Easter service at a well-established liturgical congregation such as St. Philip’s would be much different than Easter at our vibrant, growing, and more relaxed 25-year-young faith community in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The Easter service at St. Philip’s was memorable and meaningful for both of us. Certainly, we felt like “outsiders.” Ron surely was not wearing a seersucker suit and bow tie like many of the men. My casual jumpsuit and white “tennies” did not compare to the expensive, attractive, pastel-colored Easter dresses lovely Southern ladies wore.
Gifted and well-trained musicians—most volunteers—sang and played beautiful liturgical hymns. A pastor, wearing a black robe, delivered an excellent, compelling sermon from an elegant wooden raised pulpit. Ron and I carefully followed the order of service from the 14-page bulletin we received upon entrance. We prayed silently and responsively; knelt; sang; and received communion per helpful instructions.
As the choir closed the Resurrection Day service with the powerful Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, I noticed the beautifully groomed lady sitting in front of me holding her hands, palms up, in reverential worship, dabbing holy tears from her eyes. I felt too self-conscious to assume the same worshipful position but could not prevent my tears from welling up.
It was a holy 90 minutes in which we were privileged to worship with fellow believers who rejoiced in the same Risen Christ we came to honor.
Ron took this photo with his phone prior to the service.
The next Sunday, we were back in our home church in our little North Idaho hamlet. Talented, enthusiastic musicians—most volunteers—passionately led the congregation in worshipping God with loud, upbeat, sometimes rock-and-roll music.
A pastor, wearing blue jeans and stylish leather bomber jacket, delivered an excellent, compelling sermon, referencing his Bible and sermon notes, which rested upon a black metal music stand.
As the worship band played and singers led a contemporary Christian song, “I Speak Jesus,” I noticed a young woman sitting directly in front of me. She assumed the same worshipful posture as had the lady at St. Philip’s. This week, I comfortably took the same stance, unashamedly wiping tears from my eyes.
Holy moments with fellow believers at two different faith communities with unique styles of worship. Maybe not all in attendance—but perhaps most—were the people for whom Jesus prayed, asking the Father to make us of one heart and spirit so that this hurting, fractured world in which we live may know that God sent Jesus, and that God loves us even as He loved Jesus. What an amazing, hope-filled thought!
Prayer:
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty …
May my meditation be pleasing to [you],
for I rejoice in the Lord.
(Psalm 104: 1 and 34 ESV)
God, the world within you have placed me is so diverse.
Thank you for revealing your love within great cathedrals, humble chapels, and in your magnificently varied creation.
My soul, O Lord, praises you—my never-changing God in my always-changing world.
Amen
Reflection Question(s):
Is there something in my comments that creates tension or resistance for you? If so, are you willing to meditatively re-read the scripture from John two or three times and sit in silence with God about your emotional response? What thoughts emerge?
Blessings on your meditations this Monday!
