Church visit #2

Church name: The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church

Church address: Paul VI Street 109 Madbassah Square Bethlehem, Palestine

Date attended: March 9, 2014

Church category: Liturgically Different Church

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

This was a service in the historical section of Bethlehem, Palestine.  Because it is a Lutheran Church, the service was very much more liturgical and traditional than my regular church context.  Even the physical layout of the church was very traditional and in a sense cathedral-like. The service was a mixture of Arabic and English, but was mostly done in Arabic. The entirety of the service was very liturgical, with psalters, hymns sung from hymnals, confession of sin, and singing of the kyrie. Everything was done in a very respectful and reverent manner.  The congregation acted out in reverence and solemnity. 

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

One thing I appreciated about the church was the evidence of a rich history and tight community.  The church has been around since 1893, and because of its location, has been through and seen much more than a typical church that I have ever visited.  Despite the persecution and marginalization they have experienced, they still have a deep commitment to their church community and worship and interact with each other with genuine joy.  Nothing within the service was taken lightly, and there was a sentiment of thankfulness and privilege for the opportunity to worship. 

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

As much as I enjoyed the service, the fellowship, and location of the church, there was so much that I couldn't understand and in a sense felt like I missed out on because so much of the service was in Arabic. It was beautiful to hear the language, however the entire sermon was done in Arabic so I felt completely lost.  However it was helpful that the Scripture readings and creeds were done in English. I am also used to having communion every Sunday, so not doing that here was a bit disorienting. 

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

There was a point in the service where the congregation said the confession of sin out loud together.  For me, this emphasized the importance of church unity.  Ultimately, we are all sinners and all journeying together to grow closer to Christ.  This confession together illuminated that fact, as well as emphasizing that we can't keep or hold our sins in the dark.  They need to be brought into the light, and what better place to do that than in the community of believers?  As well I think this was a good means for orientating a reverent posture of humility for the rest of the service.