Sermon for 7 Easter B

May 28, 2006

St. Luke’s Church

The Rev. Eric M. Williams

Notes for homily as part of Instructed Eucharist

1)      Participation:  Richard Hooker’s theology of Christian life

a.       Finds its fullest expression in the Eucharist, the Mass

b.      Liturgy = the work of the people

c.       “Communion” means participation with God and each other

d.      Communion is what makes us a community – nothing else in common.

e.       Common cup is the most radical thing we do – expression of the intimacy of this community which is deeper than family

f.        Gives us the strength to do the work God has given us to do as members of one body

2)      What does participation look like today?

a.       Preparation – self-examination, repentance, centering, read lessons in advance (posted on website the week before)

b.      Got to actually show up.  If Hooker is right and participation is the key to our membership in the kingdom of God, it’s meaningless to “belong” to the church if we don’t actually show up.

c.       Follow along and say/sing responses – bulletin is specially designed to be “user-friendly” so that you don’t have to juggle the books as much

d.      Sing hymns.  God doesn’t care if you have a good voice or not.  “Make a joyful noise.”  Some are familiar, some are new.

e.       Lots of ways to join in leading worship.  Join choir, ushers, acolytes, readers, altar guild.

3)      Participation is the key to our goal of “joyful worship in the Anglican tradition.”

a.       Participation is what gives worship its power and meaning.

b.      This is not a performance with actors up here and an audience down there.

                                                               i.      You are not here as theater critics evaluating whether or not you liked the sermon or the anthem or the hymns.

                                                             ii.      You are active participants.  If this is a play, then you are the actors as well, if you will.

c.       Worship is not a performance, but an experience we all help to shape and create with God as ultimate director, participant and audience.

d.      When it all clicks, it can be really fantastic. 

4)      Time for questions

410 North Main Street, Jamestown, New York 14701

Phone (716)483-6405 * Fax (716)483-6406 * stluke@madbbs.com