For it is sufficient for the true unity of the Christian church that the Gospel be preached in conformity with a pure understanding of it and that the sacraments be administered in accordance with the divine Word. It is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that ceremonies, instituted by human authorities, should be observed uniformly in all places. It is as Paul says in Ephesians 4:4-5: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Augsburg Confession, Article VII, 1530)

By official ecumenical invitation in my new role as spouse of the bishop, I was invited to attend the ordination and consecration of William “Chip” Stokes as the new Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey on Saturday, November 2. The liturgy took place at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton at 11 a.m. In true Episcopal Church fashion, the service began with the elaborate procession of musicians, clergy, bishops, and worship assistants with titles not normally used in my daily vocabulary. Many of the prayers and litanies were intoned. Hymns were sung heartily with descants. Participating bishops, including my dear wife, wore elaborate vestments including albs, cassocks, surplices, pectoral crosses, stoles, and even copes. All the core elements of the ancient liturgy were clear—gathering, word, meal, and sending. But they were dressed up in elaborate ceremonies. What a glorious worship experience!

Later that same afternoon, I entered a contrasting worship environment for the All Saints Eve APLC Saturday 5:30 p.m. liturgy. I led the service in a plain, black clerical shirt without alb, cassock, surplice, pectoral cross, stole, or cope. There was no apparent processional or recessional fanfare. The prayers were spoken. Hymns were sung heartily without unnecessary sophistication. All of the core elements of the ancient liturgy were clear—gathering, word, meal, and sending. What a glorious experience in all simplicity! By no means was the liturgy a scaled-back letdown.

Part of the beauty of Lutheran thought is this clarity of core beliefs and worship elements that can then be shaped for differing contexts of ministry and celebration. Thank God the Reformers recognized that it is not necessary for the true unity of the Church for ceremonies and worship to be observed uniformly in all places!

Let us pray… God, you are the Lord of unity through variety. Help us to preserve and to celebrate the need for both sophistication and simplicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen..

Contributed by Pastor Dan
Monday November 11, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 50
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 27
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost