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A long time ago I heard the story about a little boy who drew a picture of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus on an airplane. The Sunday School teacher was quick-witted enough to figure out this was his rendition of “The Flight to Egypt” but wasn’t sure about a fourth person that the boy had placed on the plane and had to ask. Yes, the plane had a pilot, and his name was Pontius. On a recent flight, I ended up on an aisle seat in the last row of the plane. Out of curiosity (and boredom), I counted the rows---twenty-three, plus the half row I was in, for a total of 141 passengers. It occurred to me that this was similar to a row of pews and the total number was similar to an average worship service attendance in many congregations. From there, my imagination took off (I was really bored). There are many similarities between flying and going to church. In both, many different people of different ages and backgrounds are brought together into relatively close proximity (closer on airplanes) for a short period of time, after which they disperse. Some know each other, others do not. Some speak to others, others do not. Though most churches have dispensed with it, airlines have adopted the Moses-practice of taking off shoes before proceeding onto “holy ground.” Not everyone contributes/pays the same amount for their spot. You can usually tell the difference between the worshiper/traveler who does this all the time and those who don’t. At the front is a place where usually only specially trained people are allowed to go. There are official pronouncements, some to which people listen, others to which they don’t. Some of the official pronouncements take the form of ritual and are accompanied by hieratic-like gestures. Some who are there pass the time by sleeping. Ultimately, however, everyone is there because they share one thing in common: they want to get safely to the same place. The disturbing thing to me about all of these analogies is this: I don’t like flying. So what is it about the unpleasantness of flying that we could learn from when designing worship services? Thinking about what I don’t like about flying, I’ve come up with these:
When I began this article, I thought that when I had reached this point, I would next provide wise counsel, based upon the negative experiences associated with flying, which would address concerns some people have about worship services. Now that I am here, I realize the outcome will be different. When I apply my dislikes about flying to attending worship, I do indeed recognize that many are similar. However, rather than leading to ideas for change, they lead me to recognize that many of the things that irritate me about worship are necessary irritants. I don’t like losing control, but ultimately, isn’t that what worship is about---a reminder to myself that I am not in control? I require this reminder of my need to bow humbly before God, to learn to accept and to look for God’s presence even in those things that don’t please me. I don’t like waiting, but waiting is virtually synonymous with faith. In the instantaneous and frenetic world in which we live, the slow pace of worship is a needful discipline. I don’t like some of the people I meet in churches. But church isn’t just about being focused on the destination. It is an opportunity to practice looking for the image of God in all people, to learn to set aside our own agendas long enough to reach out to others, and to be willing to accept the care others may wish to extend to me. I don’t like the “noise” and the germs. Church is messy. It may be much more aesthetically pleasing to seek God in solitude on a spiritual retreat, but God calls us to kneel together, pray together, In my seat at the rear of the plane, I was literally at the foot of a cross winging its way through space. I’ve decided I like my seat in the nave much better, but I now know that whenever I take flight, it’s important to look for Mary, Joseph, and the Baby (as well as that pilot. . .what’s his name?) who are companions on the journey. Pastoral Care Case Conference Discussing specific pastoral care situations with others is a way to improve pastoral care skills and to receive insight and support from others. One group meets in Omaha on the third Tuesday of the month. There is room for a limited number of others. If interested, contact me for more details. Support for Partners in Caring
The No-Frills Airline You may have seen before the ad for “Lutheran Air”---it has been around for awhile. But since it fits my theme, here it is again with some additions and alterations:
In Christ's Service, Roger Kruger This e-mail newsletter is an endeavor of Partners in Caring, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. I envision it as a way to share ideas, resources, and conversation about the joys and struggles of ministry. I welcome your input. Feel free to pass it on to friends. |
Cruciform Design 
I especially don’t like being unable to get off the plane or even out of my seat when we are stranded for hours at a gate or on a runway, not going anyplace. 
and sing together with those on the journey with us. Sometimes, that leads to distractions. Sometimes, to uncomfortable situations. Sometimes, even to risk. In the process, however, we typically come to recognize that we have far more in common than what we thought when making judgments from the back row.
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We apologize for the tobacco stains by row 20. Sven didn’t like it when we changed colors so he spit some tobacco juice on it.