How does this work, I wonder? I just got off the phone with my kitchen gadget hostess/new church friend and she told me that on Pentecost, they are deconsecrating her church. In my mind, I imagine taking the crosses and other religious symbols, stripping the altar (like on Maundy Thursday) and maybe sending up some incense. I can't imagine what that will be like for the people who have been going to that church for years, for a lifetime. Some of the parishoners are from families who have been members for generations.
Deconsecrating.
On Pentecost.
Beloved,
Please comfort your children in their pain and loss. They seek you. They know you in one another. They listen for you in their choir and their pulpit, at coffee hour and bible study. I pray that they find peace in the midst of their sadness. I pray that they see your face in places they don't expect it...
The altars may be stripped,
the bibles taken away,
but God,
you are now and will always be
present in that church,
and everywhere.
2 comments:
That seems like an odd Sunday to schedule a deconsecration. Maybe the valedictory sermon will touch on the people of God who've been a part of this parish going out into the world and furthering the Reign of God in new ways.
Gosh...we just had a groundbreaking for our new, expanded and handicap friendly sanctuary. It seems that our congregation is bucking the trend, and while that makes me happy, it also makes me feel sad for congregations that are struggling.
Ours is growing like gangbusters, too. Isn't it strange how one church grows while others dwindle? I really can't figure out why there is such a difference from one parish to the next.
Congratulations on your new sanctuary! It is wonderful that you are going to be accessable to all. (We are working on that at Grace, too. Our nave is accessable, but the bathrooms aren't. :(
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