What is a Sacred Space ?
Tonight I sat in the sanctuary and was entertained by wonderfully gifted jazz musicians. Performing were some of Scotland's talented musicians including jazz guitarist Marcus Ford, saxophonist and raconteur Martin Foster, double bassist Roy Percy and on drums and saxophone also Dru Baker. The guys were joined along the way by a few special guests including singer Erica Bonnar and violinist Trudie Ford. A surprise singer from Nebraska Amy Schmidt added to the colour of the evening.
The banner on the chancel read " The Gifts of God's People" As I listened to my friend Marcus Ford in Church this evening I realised that he had brought his gift into the sanctuary and with it his working companions. What a privilege and gift it is to be a musician and be able to move people. It got me thinking about this space in the front of the church we call the chancel. How remarkably versatile it has become over the years.
In the past few months it has been the place where a couple make their vows of commitment to each other or it has been the space in which a child has been baptised. It has been the space where a loved one's coffin has been placed. However It has also been the space where cafe tables have been set out this week and conversation held, food served and prayers been said. This evening it was yet again turned into an amazing theatre of hopes and dreams and joy and sorrow as music was played that reflected the whole tapestry of life.
This week has really been about what it means to be a Church Without Walls. A church welcoming people who are different. People of faith, people searching, people living through anxious times, people of no faith, people different countries, people who have lost their way, others who are finding it.
What a wonderful week we've had. I want to say a huge thank you to an magnificent group of people who have worked so hard to bring all this about. I can't name everyone, but they know who they are and God knows. the thing is its not all over later today we'll welcome Rev Kenny Borthwick from Holy Trinity Wester Hailes. Kenny will be speaking about using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to make the world a different place an that of course includes the church. The Holy Spirit is continually shaping and changing us into the likeness of Jesus Christ the Father's Son.
Posted By: albertbogle On: 6 Oct 2010 At: 1:09am
Yeah Mike
i thought keny sermon was excellent. Well worth listening to again
go to http://www.standonline.org.uk