Un-Sunday: Worship in the Time after Epiphany
I mean, what is an un-birthday present?"
"A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course."
Alice considered a little. "I like birthday presents best," she said at last.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" cried Humpty Dumpty. "How many days are there in a year?"
"Three hundred and sixty-five," said Alice.
"And how many birthdays have you?"
"One."
"And if you take one from three hundred and sixty-five, what remains?"
(Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, 1871)
There is a terrible misconception that a congregation’s ministry involves primarily what happens on Sunday mornings, in Bible studies and committee meetings, or at church-sanctioned events. This is accompanied by the twin misconception that a Christian person’s faith consists primarily in attending worship and participating in congregational activities.
There are fifty-two Sundays in a year. If you take fifty-two from three hundred and sixty-five, what remains?
The primary vocation of Christians is to live out the covenant God made with us in baptism: "to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth."
This holistic faith unfolds each day and every moment, in the many arenas of our life: in our family, workplace, school, local community, and world. I live my faith in my kitchen when I make soup to feed a neighbor. A parent lives his faith on the playground when he treats his child with compassion. A student notices their classmate looking sad and offers a hug. A professional stands up for what’s right, even though it’s unpopular. Another tends a garden in her backyard, being gentle with the earth.
The ministry that happens within congregations is important, of course — but it is only one piece of the whole. The other three hundred thirteen (or so) days of the year deserve a closer look.
In worship this winter, we are paying special attention to the Un-Sunday parts of our lives — those times and places when we aren’t at church but we are engaging in ministry. In our scripture readings during the Time after Epiphany (January 14 - February 4) we hear the voice of God calling disciples and prophets, young and old, at home and on the road, at work and at rest.
During this season, worship will include testimony, real-life stories from members of our community. Where do you practice your faith in surprising ways, or in places that others might not see? How do you serve your neighbor at home, at work, or in the community? What does being a Christian Monday through Saturday look like for you?
If you have a story to share, reach out to Pastor Erin (pastorerin@stlukesls.org). I’ll buy you a coffee or beer while we talk about your story and prepare together to share it in worship.