Kermit Culver, left congratulates, newly ordained Rev. Juwle Nagbe, during the Celebration of Life in Ministry Service. Photo by Joni Rasmussen, jlynnstudios.

A few months ago I wrote and published a blog from a verse in Acts 17:27 that came to my mind during the festivities of honoring retiring colleagues, ordaining and commissioning new friends into this shared clergy life. You can read that blog here if you wish. In the blog and during this worship service, I was impressed with the seemed incongruity and juxtaposition of such a High Church, liturgically rich; a tradition inspired worship service and such new forms of contemporary praise. It made my heart glad to know that the marriage of these divergent styles is not only possible; it is awe-inspiring! It made it easier for me to “feel my way toward God, and to find him - though he is not far from any one of us.”  

I am uniquely aware that all of us have our preferred ‘styles’ of worship. The intentional blend of ancient and future elements, coupled with the simple acts of washing feet, laying on of hands, and the sacred ordinations, were all illuminated and enhanced by a variety fo worship music. The contemporary songs of praise and ancient hymns of the faith, were all done in worshipful ways that brought glory to God, and filled our human hearts. At least it did mine.

The awareness that I have way more days behind me than ahead of me fills my heart and mind with the hope that we might get a few more glimpses of the life ahead, beyond this one. During that evening of celebration, I felt like we were all just a big choir rehearsing our parts in anticipation of a glory yet to be realized, and it felt good. Observing the free-flowing tears, the raised hands, the worshipful eyes, and yes, even some stoic unfazed faces reminded me that there is room for all of us in this great grand choir, and it is not one bit about the quality of our music, but the condition of our heart and the offering of our praise. After all, none of what happened that night (or during any worship service, for that matter) is ultimately about us!  

True worship has only one source and one recipient - and we are mere bystanders, cheerleaders really, playing our parts. I felt it that night - I hope you did too. Let us not wait till next annual conference to feel it again.

View photos of the Celebration of Life in Ministry Service here.
Get a summary and all resources from the 2019 Dakotas Annual Conference here. 

2019 Celebration of Life in Ministry Service