|
On the first Sunday in June, we shared the ways we would be celebrating this Pride Month. One of which is the remaining Sunday, this weekend, when through our communal worship we will celebrate Pride Sunday. “Communal” is one of the words I don’t recall using prior to seminary. Its definition is roughly something that is utilized, shared, or belonging to everyone in a group, and specifically in common, equally by everyone in said group. The adjective “communal” reminds that we each are a part of the experience when we gather for worship. Not only does this mean we all contribute to worship by being a part of it, but it suggests (or insists) that worship is not simply a consumer experience. This isn’t to say that to be a part of worship you have to be up on stage, sing a harmony, dance in the aisles, or shout “Amen!” to contribute. San Marco Church invites participation to whatever degree you are willing and able, and we do so with the belief that intentional, experiential presence is holy. If all you can muster right now is being with us, in person or online, then you have contributed, and I believe God can be at work in you through the experience of worship. I’ve been thinking about communal worship as I prepare for Pride Sunday, not least as questions have come from several I’ve shared with that often boil down to a simple one: why? The best answer I’ve heard was one shared in worship by our own Derrick Scott, who offered on the first Sunday of June that we would be leaning into Pride Month as San Marco Church to “celebrate the members of the LGBTQ+ community that are a part of our congregation and connected to our congregation. To say very, very proudly and boldly that everyone is welcome at this table. But specifically in the month of June, we celebrate the inclusion of queer folks at the table.” Moments later on that Sunday we gathered at the table. Male and female, cis and trans, gay, straight, bi… black and white and Hispanic and Asian, young and old, housed and homeless, able bodied and differently abled, and that was just us on the first Sunday in June. As the broader Christian family around the world came to the table prepared by God, grace was a nourishing gift for all; part of its celebration is the limitless diversity of participants invited by the gifts of the body and blood. Communal and communion share a common origin, the Latin communis. I don’t know enough about etymology to know if this is actually true, but with that connection I have long understood an undergirding of communion to be that it is utilized, shared, and belongs to everyone, and in common, equally by everyone. We are, each of us, in need of grace. We are, each of us, invited to the table. We are, each of us, recipients of its gifts. When we celebrate Pride Sunday this weekend, I dare say we are not only claiming and celebrating this, we will be participating in the kingdom of God. We will profess and practice the incredible work of God’s grace as we come to the table, acknowledging God’s invitation through the mighty acts of Christ. An invitation extended to us and to all people. So come be a part of worship, and of Pride Sunday. Celebrate the miracle of the welcoming. Whether or not you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether or not you have been with us before. Whether or not you feel like wearing something with a rainbow or the progress flag or you want to dye your hair blue (Christine has us covered there). Come and be, and take joy in those that will be a part of it with you. Rev. Ben Richards
|
