Ambassadors Visit Living Word, Roslyn
Redeemer’s Ambassadors visited this congregation in Roslyn, Pa, on the morning they were hearing a sample sermon from a pastoral candidate. We expected a large crowd but there were only about 60 at worship.
They were considering the call to Rev. Ellen Anderson who was present with her family. One of the Ambassadors used to work with her recently deceased father, Arvid.
The opening announcements revealed the usual hodgepodge of good works. Their crocheters had contributed 243 squares to a blanket project and supporting an American Cancer Society event. Cancer causes are a focus of the congregation’s ministry.
The sample sermon was introspective of her own faith journey. After a brief recognition of the Gospel Story of the Widow of Nain, she witnessed to God’s influence in her personal life, calling it her Pentecost story. She invited the congregation to tell their “Pentecost” stories. Seems to the common theme this Pentecost. We heard a similar slant on Pentecost Sunday.
The bulletin was mostly “reminders.” Their web site says they use an overhead projector to eliminate the use of paper. Still, Redeemer managed to print the entire service and reminders on less paper than they used.
Overhead screens have some limitations. They shift the focal point from the altar to technology and there is really no guarantee that everyone can read them.
Their approach to offerings was innovative. They do not pass the plate at all but invite people to place their offerings in a box at the back of the church. Passing the plate has become awkward in many churches, because they really don’t pass the plate. They reach into the pew, never letting go of the plate. This is an interesting solution. Hope it works!
The service itself was simple, using a couple of standard hymns and a few newer ones.This is the first we’ve heard the Peruvian Gloria in our visits. We used it almost every week.
We did not stay for the vote.
The call process is seriously flawed. Basing so much of your congregation’s future on a sample sermon and limited knowledge is calling a pig in a poke, so to speak. Congregations need to know so much more before making a major commitment affecting their future. Today’s congregations need so many skills that the call process doesn’t tend to showcase. Making a course correction after the call is issued is problematic and often divisive. Yet we keep following the same process!
We wish them well, all the same.