This past Sunday afternoon, we had the Total Experience Gospel Choir in concert at Hope. Any of you who know Pat Wright the director and inspiration of that group, know how professional yet free-wheeling she is. There was a piece she warned us in advance might raise some eyebrows, but that it was part of their praise of the Lord. What she thought we might raise our eyebrows over was the movement of the choir in a type of dance that only a Gospel choir could do. When she brought me up at the end of the program to say a few words I said something to the effect that no forgiveness necessary for that number. It had been done with a joyful exuberance of praise. The next day I thought of something else I might have said. " We who dance the liturgy every Sunday morning appreciate bodily movement, gesture and their meanings in service of the Lord's praise. "

It's good for me to think about liturgy as a form of dance. We get so used to it, that we forget that our bodies are moving and giving a meaning in that movement. Standing up is more than a stimulant to keep people alert, it is showing respect for that part of the service. Kneeling at the altar rail and receiving the sacrament or praying is a posture full of the meaning of reverence, because Christ is truly there and the way we conduct ourselves reminds us of that fact. Another gesture full of meaning is the greeting of peace, which is tied to that ancient gesture of a handshake, which shows an openness and trust with another. Not only do we show there is no weapon in our hand, but we say the "Peace of the Lord," which becomes present in the very gesture. Yes we know a thing or two about body movment and gesture.


Another thing from Sunday was having the Hopes School Choir sing in the second service. Everybody very much appreciates their adding their music to our service. Sometimes people will clap, but this Sunday people did not. It had nothing to do with lack of appreciation, it probably had more to do with the fact that no one started it. And the reason no one started clapping was the question of whether it is appropriate. I have wondered that as well in many a service when people spontaneously break out in applause.

"What could be wrong with that?" I ask myself. The children need to know they are appreciated. I would not disagree, but is applause following a choral piece in the middle of a worship service the best time to do that? Would not a personal word to the director and some of the choir members following the service, saying how it added to your worship experience also be an expression of thanks.

Clapping in the service for a musical anthem meant as an offering to God, who is after all the focus of the worship service, shifts the focus to those doing the singing as though it is a performance piece for the enjoyment of the audience. It could actually be considered to be disrespectful of the children themselves who intended it for God; as well as the rest of the congregation who tries to maintain their focus on God.

That's probably coming across heavier than I need to, since applause as a body action can be a worshipful act. But once in a while, it's good for us to be reminded where we are and what is happening, and to realize that worship is a counter-cultural action in our day. We are saying that God, and God only is the one worthy of our praise. And for that matter silence in God's presence is more often than not, quite appropriate.