The Real Deal

The final part of our liturgy is the "Sending Out". The gathered believers are commissioned to go out into the world and take the presence of Christ to the people. This is the work that communion empowers us for. The latest Anglican Messenger has a story about a church in San Fransisco that distributes food to 800 families a week. The food is distributed in the sanctuary, around the altar! that's liturgy meeting real life! Whenever we feed the hungry, visit the sick or imprisoned, empower the powerless, or stand up against injustice, we take liturgy to the world, and the Kingdom of God is revealed. Check out the article entitled True Communion on page 24 of the Messenger.

The Ultimate Meal Deal

Last Sunday we had a close look at the Eucharist and the way our liturgy seeks to highlight the sense of Jesus' presence with us in communion. The way we "treat" the bread and wine - the kind of implements it is stored in, the words and actions of the priest and pastoral assistants, the words and actions of the people receiving communion - are all "outward, visible signs of an inward, invisible grace." Its awe-inspiring to think these ways of "doing" communion have been passed down to us from the very earliest Christians. Jesus himself may not have had an altar with a silver chalice but he did break bread, share it and pass round a cup of wine, in the Jewish tradition, much as we still do in the Eucharist today.
Perhaps this "eucharistic model" of revealing our faith in Jesus' presence by our words and actions can be applied to all areas of life!?

Getting High On Liturgy

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this Blog so far. Hopefully there will be many more comments as people get the hang of it!

Last Sunday we explored the meaning of our liturgy (our order of service) and I asked the question: is it boring doing the same thing every week? My answer to that question is that its only boring if we are boring. Everything that gives rhythm to our life - the sun rising and setting, the routine of sleeping, waking, working and eating - are all potentially boring if our life has no meaning.

I think we should see liturgy in this way. It's not entertainment for us, it is an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God by the gathered people of God. If we see our purpose in life as giving glory to God by living life to the full and seeking to be in God's presence always then we will look forward with excitement and anticipation to the experience of praise and worship with others.

What does our Sunday liturgy mean to you? Are there ways it could be improved?

Let's Get Started

Welcome to the Swan Symposium! As we spend July reflecting on the history and traditions of the Anglican Church we are creating our own tiny piece of history with this first ever blog for the parish. It is hoped that, amongst other things, this blog will provide a forum for those people who have asked questions or raised issues following last week's sermon about the history and development of the Anglican Church. This kind of online discussion could be a very powerful way of involving people in shaping the mission and mindset of our parish as we continue our quest to become better followers of Christ in the Anglican context.

Its important to note that this blog is not about "questions for the rector!" Although I will be kicking off the discussion with a post each week the aim is that contributors will respond to each other's comments and opinions in an ongoing discussion.

Now, to get the discussion going, In last week's sermon I suggested that one of the positives of the Anglican tradition is that we embrace a wide range of cultures and beliefs in a very tolerant and diverse community. We also occupy a "middle way" between the Catholic Church and the Protestant churches. During the week I also read research which shows the name "Anglican" is generally perceived very positively in the community and associated with community support through organisations like Anglicare. Putting all these factors together, what potential do you see in being Anglican to have a positive influence in the world?

(Click on "comment", write your thoughts in the text box, submit the comment with your web address OR, if you don't have one, register as anonymous but please remember to put your name at the end of your commment so we know who you are)