Ritual Art: Why us? Why now?
You are in excellent hands and I trust both Pastor Elaine and Spirit to lead you with joy and wisdom.
What a great time we had in worship on Sunday! I still find it hard to believe that I will not be worshiping with all of you until September. However, you are in excellent hands with Pr. Elaine Kirkland. She brings many gifts – and she and I share some hopes and dreams for the Living Table community.
I’ve been with you for 7.5 years, and we’ve accomplished a lot together. Some of the growth and change is obvious – our move to New Branches. Some is less obvious – we are a more cohesive, compassionate community with an awareness of needs beyond our doors. Even so, there is more to be done.
Worship is the heart of our community. It is where the largest group of folx gather week after week. Pr. Elaine has established ritual arts teams in other congregations. This team is more than the old Worship Team. It is composed of people who engage in visual and verbal arts, musical and technical arts, and other arts, to enhance our worship experience.
Over the summer you will have opportunities to explore these ritual arts and be invited to use your gifts in particular ways. There’s nothing to fear here. Our worship could use some new life, a fresh breath of Spirit. So take this time to explore and experiment as you worship and praise God together.
Please know that Pr. Elaine and I have been working together with the Sabbatical Planning Team for several weeks. She has a great vision for Living Table. I have dreams of our worship being much more engaging of our senses – our eyes, our ears, and our bodies – when I return in September.
You will be in my prayers as you explore and experiment. You are in excellent hands and I trust both Pr. Elaine and Spirit to lead you with joy and wisdom.
See you in September!
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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