Sitting in the Front Pew

Last weekend, Pastor Steve challenged us to look at worship as “our responsibility” and encouraged us not to be merely spectators, but to be participants.  When we do that, we don’t focus on ourselves, but rather we focus on the reason we are gathered together – to worship our Creator and Lord.  Our very lives should be an act of worship.  However, while we were created to worship God, sometimes on Sunday mornings, many of us struggle to just get to church on time and find a parking spot.  So when we enter the Sanctuary for worship, many of us may be feeling a little frazzled and stressed.

As a child who grew up here at Calvary, my family was often late for church.  In those days, the Chapel was the Sanctuary, and the ushers would literally escort you to the front row if you were late.  Parking was a problem then, too!  We often arrived during the opening hymn and we would be paraded down the main aisle to the front row.  It was a mortifying feeling to always be late and to have people stare at you as you were being escorted to the front.  I felt so embarrassed. 

When I was a young 20-something, I decided that I would never be late for church.  I would usually be in the Sanctuary about 10 minutes BEFORE the service started.  I suspect part of the reason for being early was to avoid sitting in the front pew, but the main reason I did it was to get my “heart” ready for worship -- to sit quietly and to just spend time with God. 

When we arrive in a frazzled state to church, it takes us a few minutes to lower our blood pressure and set aside the chaos of our lives so that we can make room for the Holy Spirit to move in, around and through us.  And that does make all the difference!

Worship is not just something we spend an hour “experiencing” every week.  Rather, worship is a way of life.  We are invited to be a worshipper everyday and everywhere we find ourselves.  When we sing a song or say a prayer -- we are worshipping.  When we reach out to a co-worker at work and speak words of encouragement – we are worshipping.  When we read God’s Word – we are worshipping.  When we serve others who are in need or alone – we are worshipping.  How does worship look in your life?  Remember, worship doesn’t start and end on Sunday morning; it is meant to be part of our daily lives.

Listen to this wonderful song written by Lenny LeBlanc and performed by the Women of Faith worship team called “We All Bow Down.”  Listen now>>

Pax,

Pastor Carol