Now That Faith Has Come

Today, the surprise of Pentecost and the glory of Trinity Sunday propel us toward…Ordinary Time. This is always the way of it in the liturgical year and in the Christian life, this juxtaposition of extraordinary and mundane, the shocking revelations and the ordinary question of “What do we do now?” As you invite your congregation into this extended season after Pentecost, take a moment to explain the meaning of this season. In Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, and Eastertide, we re-member the story of God’s revelation of divine love among us in Jesus, God Incarnate. Ordinary Time calls us to listen, discern, and wrestle with how to live into the story of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection in our daily lives as individuals and as a community.

As you pull out the green paraments or cloths for this season, consider how you might incorporate visual representations of the themes of this series on or around your altar. Throughout the three parts of the “Dear Children of God” series, we will approach the epistles as different forms of written communication. For Part 1, the graphics and title imagine Paul texting the Galatians. So, you might consider incorporating emojis on the altar or show different means of communication, especially if you want to keep the altar somewhat the same throughout the summer.

Musically, consider how this series and this season present opportunities to return to some of your congregation’s favorite hymns. Perhaps now is a time to lean into the comfort of familiar songs while also digging deep into the history or theology of the text, highlighting key insights for the congregation before singing or during the sermon. That said, this series might also offer an opportunity for your congregation to learn a new heart song over several weeks. You might consider “Welcome” (W&S 3152), “Bring Forth the Kingdom” (TFWS 2190), or “Let Us Plead for Faith Alone” (UMH 385). Whether you choose already established heart songs or decide to teach something new, use music, visuals, prayers, and even silences to guide the congregation into the rhythms of Ordinary Time that will carry them forward over the next few months.