Wow. It was a powerful service. Having grown up Baptist and then a number of years in non-denominational land, I was skeptical of course of all things traditional in the Christian faith–lumping them all together in a sort “Catholic nonsense” category. Discovering in seminary that the crowd I belonged to theologically and historically have always been on the fringe of the Christian movement was disturbing; that knowledge helped me become a Presbyterian.
In light of that, discovering the Christian tradition and living out the year with a sense of sacred time and space by observing the Christian calendar, the lectionary and various traditions American presbyterians are skeptical of has really given me a sense of identity, historical continuity with the Christian story; indeed, it has given our church the same.
When Rock Church was re-organized in 1956, frm my reading of the historical material, it appears that they were square in the liturgucal renewal movement in the Southern PCUS. When they joined the PCA, they became much more Puritan. My observation here without going into the regulative principle of worship is that abandoning tradition gives way to more traditions. I have discovered the truth in this regard for sure, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. While an ARP and somewhat PCA, this rings true. Following the Christian calendar was something “they did,” that is, the Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans and Catholics (and some “uptown” Baptists); but we ARP’s and the like only do what Scripture commands in our worship–but where does it tell us to observe Christmas and Easter? Where does it tell us to use the shorter catechism? I could go on.
When God brought me to Rock Church, both the church and my family were afloat in a sea of lost identity. Reclaiming our Scottish heritage (since Knox favored fixed forms in worship and other inovations) has given us a new sense of worship “awe” and “reverence.” Joining the EPC has given us a lost Presbyterian identity. Since the EPC is closer to the mainline than the PCA, ARP or the OPC, it allowed us to feel a sense of identity and continuity with other presbyterians (the two PCUSA churches in town celebrated Ash Wednesday as well).
We felt a sense of community and corporate repentence and purpose–to move forward and strive for Christ-likeness. Plus, the Ashes were cool.
