Filed under: Community Group, Family, General, The Church in La Paz, Tom | Tags: Bolivia, church, Community, Group, la paz, worship
I told the folks at our monthly Community Group, “May’s meeting will be ‘bring your own worship’.” They were given an explanation, that it meant they could bring anything that they thought would build up our little body of believers. “… for the strengthening of the church” (1 Cor. 14:26 - NET)
I was given many responses, usually along the lines of, “I don’t know… I’m stuck… I’m not sure I have anything… that’s not my, um, thing, ya know?”
But, when the time came, they… well, they brought it. They really, really, brought worship!
Just a sampling: Abby (age 4) led us in “Hallelu, Hallelu”; songs of various types were shared both live and on mp3; Avery (age 4) did liturgical dance with Abby; quotes from Henri Nouwen were read; a 4th century prayer was read and reflected on (that was mine); Tim sang while his wife Whitney did a chalk-drawing of the Father carrying His weary child (see photo); testimonies were given.
In short, worship was brought and it built up Christ’s bride as she met in our living room. Amen.
If you wish to see what our evening looked like, check out an extended version of this post at my worship blog. Chau for now!
Okay, we didn’t get palm fronds at church. No one had ever heard “All Glory, Laud and Honor” before I taught it this morning. No one processed in. But, in the afterglow of an awesome time of Holy fellowship and Holy communion last night, and with Bishop Frank celebrating Communion this morning, and with all four accounts of the tragic triumphal entry being read and discussed, it was definitely Palm Sunday, and Holy Week has definitely begun.
Like my palms? I bought them from a lady on the street after church.
We had Community Group last night. Our fifth. Tons of new people. Curry chicken (which, for those few who went vegetarian for Lent, was an unforseen bummer) and tons of great fixins. We gathered, sang “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and the Gloria by John Michael Talbot, as well as some “Hosanna-y” songs of praise. This was followed by the traditional “bring your own worship” segment (otherwise known as “stump the band”; I’m the band. They stumped me a whole bunch!). Afterward, folks broke off into small groups, discussed their walk with Christ, and lifted each other up in prayer.
Residents of La Paz seem to be new to many of the traditions we Northern Christians have taken for granted for years.
Take Advent, the wonderful time of preparation for Christmas. Frankly, many Bolivian Christians - even traditionally liturgical Christians, such as some of those in the Anglican church we attend - have never heard of it. So, being the liturgically-minded and generous folks that we are, Anne and I have taken the opportunity to share about this blessed and historic season in Christian life.
I have written more extensively about this topic on my other blog, http://blendedworship.wordpress.com, but for now, I’d like to share a fun little aspect of the whole situation. Well, we made this Advent wreath. Made, because they are not to be found anywhere. Thankfully, fake greenery and cheap candles are available in abundance. Actually, we did find a regular wreath and did some ugly-ornament-amputation surgery, stuck the candles in and - viola! - Advent wreath, made with love and great rejoicing.
Hi. A quick prayer request:
Every Wednesday, we were told today, church leaders from around La Paz meet to discuss issues and (I hope) pray together and fellowship. This Wednesday - we were told by Pablo and Kristi, husband and wife who run the brand new, small English fellowship that meets in the Anglican church in the heart of the city - that there will be a bit of an edge to the weekly meeting. Apparently, what is at stake is church unity in the city (they say there is very little of that to start with).
The Body of Christ, already divided here in La Paz, could become more so after this meeting; or healing could begin. We don’t know all the details, but we want to ask you to join with us in lifting up God’s church in La Paz; His wisdom and love for the church are enough to bring that healing and unity.
Oh, and while you are praying, you could pray Jesus’ own prayer in John 17:20-23.
