What is something from your childhood faith formation that still fulfills you? Or, is there something from your childhood that you would like to get back to doing that you don't do anymore? Is there a component of childhood faith that feels closed to you now? How can you reclaim that if you need to? (you can write about any one, or all, of these question)
One of my favorite moments in childhood at church was when the triptych over the altar was closed, and only the face of Jesus was visible. Where before there was Jesus supported by John and Peter and four Angels, now there was only Jesus. I stopped in writing to see the images again, hoping they were posted on-line. There were only a few, and mostly from a distance. But then I found the stories of the stained glass windows in this same church. What a rich treasure they were as well!
ReplyDeleteI realized what I miss most from my childhood experience of faith is the rich visual imagery that existed in the church that I have often thought of as home. In addition to these pieces, there was the ornate woodworking on the choir loft, surrounding the organ chamber, on the pulpit and lectern. There was the simple cool elegance of the stonework, on a church modeled after an English country parish church. I remember waiting for Pastor Eberhard to complete the apostolic shields that adorned the balcony.
Then I realized how unusual it was to have a Pastor who carved wood, and began to wonder about all the meditations that must have a part of the very fabric of that church. That thought led to realizing how much I simply miss a sacred space, and I decided to visit another church this weekend. Here I found little visual symbol, but at least a language that was rich and meaningful, tailored to this time of year. It had all the craftsmanship about it of a well thought out piece of art, and I realized how much I miss this too.
Such a rich environment you bring out. thanks.
DeleteLent 2, Wednesday
ReplyDeleteHoly One’s Child
Conception brings a universal truth unique.
Forever in history each person does it tweak.
Holy One acts to bring wholeness about.
Creation states its paradox; “Be not afraid”, angels shout.
Child 101 teaches the mystery of inclusion,
Adults make space for another, ‘tis not delusion.
Family occurs unrestricted by the connubial dyad,
At its most basic, now comes the relational triad.
Infancy held dear brings demands most profound,
Female, male become mother, father ‘til time’s unbound.
Nurturing behaviors get perfected, lessons learned.
Extended family gathers, from elders wisdom discerned.
Infant child moves from prone to toddler,
Activity abounds good parents aren’t a molly-coddler.
Boundaries become primary lesson teachers,
Hot, cold, pain, safe cuddles reward the reachers.
School age brings separation from the initial nest.
Teachers join parents assisting growth with a test.
Peer group lifts up its multi-layered head,
“Who am I really?” Soon childishness shed.
Early adolescence transitions body, brain, spirit.
Holy One rejoices in loving grace, awkwardness we inherit.
Amazing vistas unfold, possibility begins to bloom.
Natural, learned ability takes off with rocket zoom.
Adolescence fully formed sets a course for life,
Much that adults do, gets done, includes daily strife,
Relationships take on hues of lasting color,
Friendships get built in every town and holler.
May childishness be supplanted, childlikeness upheld.
May wisdom combine with innocence, stupidity felled.
May enthusiastic rejoicing bring us to Word Made Flesh’s arms.
May each moment of the day overcome Scatterer’s harms.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
13.3.15
I don't remember a time of not singing.
ReplyDelete"Old MacDonald" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb" lived right alongside "Jesus Loves Me" and "The B-I-B-L-E" in my mind.
As I grew, I learned more of the Sunday School songs and added hymns to the list of music I love. As a family, we sang them at home - at prayer times, after church, birthdays, anniversaries. Each event a celebration of thanks for what God does for us.
My grandfather played the hymns on his violin. My father plays them on the harmonica. My sister sings them beautifully. I painstakingly plunk their chords out on the piano.
I love so many of them.
A Mighty Fortress
The Church's One Foundation
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Just As I Am
Still today, when we visit my parents after church, I'll search out the "green book" and play my favorites on the piano. My father whistles, hums, or sings along. My child, though unfamiliar with most of these, tries humming along as well.
Still today, the words and the music together move me in a way that little else does. I often find I've got a lump in my throat and my voice is a bit shaky.
But how can it not move me?
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Sustain me in the raging flood;
When all supports are washed away,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.