My wife and I were invited to a Friday night Shabbat service at a synagogue recently. (According to Jewish tradition, sundown Friday is the beginning of Saturday: the seventh day of the week, the Sabbath (the english form of Shabbat). We have a taste of this tradition in our Christmas Eve services. Whew!)
Throughout the service, the rabbi invited members of the congregation forward to read scripture, lead the singing and prayers, open the doors to retrieve the scroll with the scriptures, give announcements, and drink wine together at the end of the service.
I was reminded of the church tradition of a “carry-in”, “pot-luck” or “covered dish” dinner when everyone brings a contribution to the meal and the result is greater than the sum of the parts. The playful exploring of connections of offering to the preparer is something missing from technically perfect preparations of a catered meal professionaly provided.
When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.— 1 Corinthians 14:26
If worship tastes bland to you and the presentation isn't interesting, try bringing something you made to the gathering to share with others. A prayer request, a scripture reading, a greeting for that person sitting alone, a hearty song, or a open heart prepared with prayer and seasoned by life. Worship should be more a shared family meal than fast food eaten alone with others.
God can't wait to see what you bring!
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