~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
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Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans Worship (March 21, 2003) What in the world is a Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans? Here is your opportunity to learn more about the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church (USA). On Sunday, March 30, 2003, we will have a special service. Carried out as Reverend Peter Marshall intended in 1943 (when it was started), with the aims he had in mind, this service can be a wonderful opportunity to worship God and have fun. Dr. Peter Marshall, a native Scot, was Pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington DC, from October 3, 1937 to his death on January 25, 1949. He was also Chaplain of the US Senate and a member of the St., Andrew’s Society. In most Kirkin’ services the Clan Banners are carried in procession by Clansmen in Scottish attire into the sanctuary led by at least one Piper playing and at a given point during the service, the tartans are blessed in recognition of their heritage. There are differing opinions about the ceremony but if you take some time to learn the history one of the legends is that the Scottish people were not always free to wear their Tartans. During the Scottish Proscription, about 200 years ago, Tartans were forbidden. People used to bring their Tartans under their cloaks. Peter Marshall believed that the Kirkin’ O’ Th’ Tartans would keep this memory alive as well as provide a natural outgrowth of the devotion Scots placed in their Tartans. I hope you will be present on Sunday, March 30. Jim McLeod, whom most of you know from the McLeod family at First Presbyterian Church, will preach at this service. We will have banners, pipers, and drummers. Here is what we want you to do. If you are of Scottish heritage, wear the colors of your clan for this day. If you are not, then wear a tie or other piece of material that celebrates the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church (USA). So, come and worship God, enjoy this historic service, and have some fun!
 Equipping for Ministry (March 10, 2003) I want to extend my thoughts that I shared in worship this past Sunday about “equipping God’s people for ministry.” This is a time when secular words and concepts often invade the church. We speak of “auditoriums” rather than sanctuaries; “members” rather than disciples; of workshops and training rather than “equipping the saints for ministry.” I am first to admit I get caught up in the use of such language that sounds more like working for a business or being a “member” of a civic organization rather than being the body of Christ. I need to return to the language of scripture and biblical theology. There’s nothing better than dusting off some moth-eaten old words and savoring their original aroma. “Equipping for ministry” is one such phrase. I believe our task is not to recruit (I’m trying to give up that word!) volunteers (another one!) for “jobs” in church. It is to equip our disciples for ministry both inside and outside the church. As I see it, equipping is the work of elders and pastors. “Equipping for ministry, Not recruiting volunteers” I learned this late in ministry. How often have I sought to “recruit” volunteers? And the way I have done that is something like this: “This is not a time consuming job, you don’t need to prepare, and don’t worry if you can’t be around much.” How wrong I have been. The church is different from secular organizations. We are called to make disciples, nurture them and send them into ministry. Ephesians tells us that God’s people have been “gifted” and each of us has a place in building up the body of Christ (not an organization!). These gifts are many; all of these gifts are found within you, the people of God, a royal priesthood. The ministry of the laity is no less important than of the ordained elders and ministers. A major responsibility of the ordained is to equip (καταρτισμόν) the laity for ministry. In the church, we don’t volunteer for a job, get thrown into an unworkable situation, left to “dig or die”, then get burned out and tossed aside. At least, that should not happen, but I know it does here in our church. In the church, we are baptized into ministry, equipped and nurtured and along the way discover where our gifts meet the needs that surround us. And as the “equipped” ones, we are held accountable and supported in our ministry. Or at least that is how it should be. What do you think? I’d like to hear over a cup of coffee or a visit in the office. May God bless your ministry.
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