On Sunday members from nine Bowmanville congregations and three of the Christian schools will gather in Rotary Park, normally known for its summer concerts, for a service of worship. This seems like a rather mundane statement of fact, but it is quite an extraordinary event -- Christians getting along with one another! Often it is a challenge to get congregations of the same denomination to cooperate. It is impressive to have an ecumenical event bringing together those who have different theological outlooks for a service of worship. While scripture proclaims "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, we are exasperating in our enthusiastic theological hair-splitting. Last year Bowmanville celebrated its 150th anniversary and included an ecumenical worship service. Folk were so impressed that we decided to do it again and this year we are using the theme of unity, One in Your Hand.
Our Rev. Cathy has been instrumental in the planning and Doug Dewell, our choir director, has been coordinating the choirs for the music. The fact that the local newspaper blithely printed last year's ad for the service (have they heard of proof-reading?) does not dampen the importance of this worship service. A couple of weeks ago the Latter Day Saints congregation in town contacted us and asked if it is alright that they attend. Of course everyone is welcome to worship, and we said so. The real test of our inclusivity will be next year, should these Mormons offer to be involved in leadership.
We do hope this year's service will be a successful Christian witness in our community. Do you support this initiative?
3 comments:
What could be better really?
We humans do seem to take the difficult path too often,living life like a competition, focussing on weaknesses rather than strengths, and as you say David, differences rather than similarities. Truly we should be on the same general path. There is strength in numbers. As my kids say.."Group Hug Time". Okay, I know there won't likely be hugging but I do hope the sun shines down on this great event. Will be with you in spirit.
I agree that this is a "better" way. I hadn't thought in terms of a spiritual group hug, but I like the image.
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