From Easter Sunday to the Parish Hall

We sang our alleluias and basked in the resurrection light. We had conquered the journey of Lent and Holy Week! Yet one more journey is ahead we are to conquer... RENOVATION!

Renovation has now begun on the sanctuary and other areas of the complex and our liturgies are being held in the parish hall. Will we have the strength to endure no organ, no beautiful stained glass, kneelers, and everything else that makes our liturgy special? Can we endure the "hall" experience and yet be as one in Christ? We've been reminded that the church is not the building but it is the people.

At the end of the 3 months (or so), I will be the first to run in the sanctuary and play the organ and wonderful grand piano. I will be so excited to worship in our space again. And yet, I am enjoying the hall experience. The people... the church... are talking to those they might not have before. The choir is closer to the congregation and singing has been heightened. The incredible people at St. Peter's  continue to ensure that Christ is present in our liturgies and in each other.

Through the next few months, my question will be how to capture this elevation of singing and bring it to the sanctuary when we return. What will we be able to do to heighten the music ministry? The thoughts enter my reflections but for now, we must continue to bask in the light of the resurrection. We must continue to worship and see God in all. We must continue and we must carry on.

"Come let us praise the living God, joyfully sing to our Savior. Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord Alleluia, alleluia! Give praise to his Name." - #178, Hymnal 1982.