“Preparing the Assembly's Worship”

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: July 22 2011 July 22 2011

In overseeing the worship life of a congregation,
the starting point is the gift of the congregation's traditions.
At the same time, worship is always contemporary,
designed for a particular congregation at a particular time.Craig M. Mueller

Saint John’s Board of Worship and the Arts oversees the details of the congregation’s worship life.

The Folds of the Flag

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: June 24 2011 June 24 2011

This script, which suggests a special meaning for each of the folds of the American flag, is presumed to have been written by a chaplain at the Air Force Academy. It is often used at the gravesides of veterans.

The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of eternal life in Christ.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the United States and in the pursuit of peace.

The fourth fold represents the citizens of the United States turning to God for His divine guidance in times of peace and in times of war.

The fifth fold is a tribute to the country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations, may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for the hearts that “pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.”

The seventh fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, who protect this country against all enemies.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to mothers. Through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The twelfth fold represents eternity and glorifies the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The thirteenth fold wraps the flag in the white stars and blue field, harkening the motto, “In God We Trust.”

There are many rules of etiquette when it comes to displaying, storing and disposing of an United States flag. We fold the flag, for example, into a triangle, with the field of stars enclosing the red and white stripes. Ceremonial touches help us to remember that the flag is more than a piece of cloth: it is a symbol of the people and events that have shaped this nation. The police won’t hunt you down if you don’t follow these rules, but respecting them is a way of demonstrating your respect for the things for which the flag stands: “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

This concept—setting aside something common for a special purpose—is one with which Lutherans are very familiar. In the sacraments, common elements—bread, wine, water—are consecrated for heavenly ends. Every Sunday is a special day for rest and worship.

On the weekend when our nation celebrates the anniversary of its hard-won independence, we have a special gathering to thank God for this freedom from tyranny and for the even more important freedom that was won for us—Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

Saint John’s Board of Worship and the Arts oversees the details of the congregation’s worship life.

Come and See!

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: May 25 2011 May 25 2011

Philip said to Nathaniel, “Come and see!”

St. John jumps right into the action in his Gospel. After the prologue (“In the beginning was the Word …”), he tells how Jesus came to call His first apostles. Andrew and another man were following John the Baptist when Jesus came to them and the Baptizer confessed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” After spending the day with Jesus, these two decided to follow Him. Andrew then invited his brother, too: Simon, whom Jesus would rename “Peter.”

Then, St. John says, Jesus “decided to leave Galilee” and “finding Philip, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” Jesus sought out Philip, and Philip followed after just two words! In fact, like Andrew, he went to share the news: Philip told his friend Nathaniel, “We have found Him!” When Nathaniel expressed doubts that the Messiah could come from such a humble place as Nazareth, Philip told him, “Come and see!” And Nathaniel would follow Jesus, and see many works and wonders and hear many astounding teachings.

“Come and see,” said Martha to Jesus.

Mary and Martha had sent an urgent message to Jesus days before, telling Him that their brother, Lazarus, was very ill. But Jesus did not come for ten days, and, by the time He arrived, Lazarus had died. Mary and Martha, in faith, had given up on seeing Lazarus again on earth, though they both knew that they would see him again in heaven.

Jesus asked the women where they had laid Lazarus, and Martha said, “Come and see,” and guided Jesus to the tomb, which had been sealed with a stone. Jesus wept at the loss of His friend, but then had the tomb opened. He called, “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus walked out. With this astounding victory over death, Jesus began the walk toward His own tomb.

“Come and see,” said the angel to Mary Magdelene and the other Mary.

Jesus had been taken by the authorities, accused, beaten and, finally, convicted to death and hung on a Roman cross. His body was placed in a rich man’s tomb and sealed with a stone and a guard.

The two Marys came that morning to finish performing the death rites on Jesus’ body. They arrived with tears in their eyes and sorrow on their faces.

And then, announced by a thundering earthquake, an angel arrived and said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” The women saw the empty tomb, and they believed.

“Come and see” is the invitation that the Holy Spirit makes through all of God’s people, using us like He used Philip, to bring all people to the Gospel. That two-part invitation is the basis of our witness, as we invite others to “come”—to join the congregation of Saint John’s in this special place that is set aside for the worship and work of Jesus Christ—and to “see”—to experience our Risen Christ in the teaching of the Scriptures, the water of baptism, the bread and wine of communion, in singing, in rejoicing and in fellowship.

Extend the invitation: “Come and see!”

Tom Miles is the Parish Administrator at Saint John’s. You can reach him at the church office Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at 482-5316 or at miles@StJohnsFC.org.

Worship Arts Fund Raiser

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Written by Pat Prill Pat Prill

Created: May 25 2011 May 25 2011

The Worship Arts Committee is looking for bakers and partakers for their first annual Bake Sale and Treasure Exchange fund raiser! It will be Sunday, June 26. Items will be sold during the fellowship and coffee time between the services, starting at about 9:00 in the Large Fellowship Hall.

“What is the Worship Arts Committee,” you ask? It is a dedicated group who “brainstorm” enhancements to the traditional decorations used in the church sanctuary and entrances for the major holidays and seasons through the church year. Though this is a new new committee, only one year old, they’ve already tackled many projects and received lots of compliments for their work.

The members of the Worship Arts Committee are the ones responsible for decorating the church for Christmas and this past year’s addition of the Angel Tree at the back of the Worship Center. They also purchased, made and put up the beautiful adornments for Easter and the Easter season.

The committee is currently working on building a wooden cross to be placed at the north entrance during Lent and Easter, as a reminder to all passers-by of God’s grace. They’re also working to “repair, replace and return to flight” the angels that once graced the heavens of the Worship Center at Christmas. Watch the upstairs hallway in the south addition: the group has recruited Diane Gilbert to lead a project to make a set of banners for the “window” spaces to match the processional banner she made for Saint John’s 100th anniversary. This small group is full of ideas for making the building a special place set aside for the Lord, and will pursue other projects as funds allow.

And that’s where you come in! Please come and support this ministry while enjoying some delicious baked goods and looking for some treasures in our rummage-style sale. If you can help out by preparing baked goods for this event, please sign up at the Welcome Center. We’re also looking for your used household items. Bring those tchotchkies and trinkets you no longer have a place for, the collectible you no longer collect, or other items that you no longer value—but think someone else might. The Worship Arts Committee will keep the proceeds from your donation, and asks that donors plan take back anything that doesn’t sell. So please mark each item with your name and a promising price. We’ll have a drop-off spot for donations by the Welcome Center on June 19, or you can bring your items in to the church office from June 20–24.

Thanking you in advance for your support!

Pat Prill is a member of the Worship Arts Committee, which works throughout the church year to enhance the visual aspects of Saint John’s worship.

Acolyting

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Written by Alison Woodward Alison Woodward

Created: May 25 2011 May 25 2011

The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament, where young Samuel is seen assisting Eli in the temple, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet. The word “acolyte” is derived from the Greek word acolytos, meaning companion, attendant or helper. Acolytes serve as a companion to the pastor, performing a number of important duties before, during and at the close of the worship service.

The responsibilities of an acolyte include leading the entrance, or processional, and exit, or recessional, helping to prepare and distribute the Eucharist, helping during special services throughout the year and preparing the church for worship as they light the altar candles.

Acolytes will find their perspective on worship altered dramatically. For example, did you know that the altar is the symbol of the meeting between God and His people and a place of God’s action? Bowing before the altar is an act of reverence and respect for the Lord. The altar candles are also symbolic. The right side is the “Epistle” side, and is lit first. The left side of the altar is the “Gospel” side. The Paschal candle is the large decorative candle used during Easter to show the presence of the risen Christ among His people. It is also, therefore, used at baptisms and funerals as a sign of the Christian’s dying and rising with Christ.

Together with the clergy, choir, band, lay ministers and lay readers, acolytes are leaders of the liturgy. The acolyte’s role is to create the right space and mood for worship. They are visible leaders and, as such, can help other people to follow along with the service. The congregation depends on acolytes and appreciates this special ministry. This is why acolytes take their responsibility seriously and dress and act accordingly.

But while being an acolyte is a big responsibility, it’s also a joyous experience. At Saint John’s, acolyting is a ministry that is especially suitable for young people. As youth begin to transition from childhood into adulthood, the church asks them to begin taking on new and greater responsibilities in the life of the congregation. Acolyting is a very spiritually-fulfilling opportunity, and all eligible youth are encouraged to participate. The acolytes serve based on a rotation from a list of active acolytes and depending on the number of youth available to acolyte for each style of service they serve once a month or so. The acolytes serve during the service time their family prefers.

I am thankful for each of the acolytes who serve the church so willingly. I also encourage you to please take time on Sundays to thank them for their service.

Christ is our greatest example of being a servant to others, from what He taught and how He lived. Developing a servant heart is one way each of us can work on being more Christ-like. God gives believers of every age the means to accomplish his or her called upon duty by filling them with the Holy Spirit.

Saint John’s Board of Worship and the Arts oversees the details of the congregation’s worship life.