Mid July

At last, 10 days of "downtime" at home - time with friends, dinners, beachtime - and I begin to relax a bit even as I take time to evaluate where I've been and perhaps assimilate some of these learnings.

The third weekend of the month, I head off to Kennebunk, ME for a workshop titled "Experiential Worship". The title appeals to the hands-on kindergarten teacher in me. But do you have any idea of the cost of motels in Kennebunk in July? I find one of only two open tentsites in the town and pitch tent in the midst of some of the most humid weather of the summer. Then a shower, change of clothes and off to class!

Bob Rognlien is the presenter - and in our packet is included a copy of his book Experiential Worship: encountering God with heart, soul, mind and strength.

Using the text of Mark 12:30, Bob equates heart, soul, mind and strength with attributes of our bodies and our worship.
heart engaging the will
soul engaging the emotions
mind engaging the intellect
strength engaging the body

Each denomination has preferences in their worship patterns; we Lutherans are known for engaging soul and mind, perhaps to the detriment of heart and strength.

This would be a valuable book for all our worship and music people to read and discuss, a section at a time. It ties together a variety of ideas that have been discussed by that group, and others in the congregation.

It appears to me that one of the most difficult things I will have to do when I return is to temper my enthusiasm for this summer's learnings - and put things into place bit by bit. Heart, soul, mind and strength will be key foundations for our future ways of worship, I believe.