Worship

As I mentioned as few posts ago, "Context" is ceasing publishing in December and is reprinting some of their articles from the past. Here's a good one relating to the sermon topic this coming Sunday-Worship...
November 1, 1980: Philosophy scholar Brita Stendahl on Sunday worship: "The purpose of worship is not to hear a sermon, to sing a hymn or two. It is something much larger: to come in contact with the world as it is and as we want it to be. Both, and at the same time. That's why it looks so silly to an outsider who objects to the seemingly easy transition, not knowing that it is not easy at all. It is an ongoing process. Sunday after Sunday after Sunday. It is not a habit; it is discipline and discipleship. In one short hour to moan and to mourn and then to forget oneself and join with joy the others in a mock-up banquet reminding us of bread/hunger, wine/blood, life/death, and resurrection/the hope that defies despair. You don't do that in an hour; the hour only becomes a manifestation of what it takes a lifetime to realize. The hour spent in church is irreplaceable. When I now leave for church on Sunday morning and return an hour and a half later, I can hardly believe such a short time has elapsed. What could I have done in that length of time? Read a little, think somewhat, listen to music, finish a review, prepare a meal, yes. But compared to the cosmic importance and personal engagement that has taken place in church--no, it cannot be compared. Church time is eternal."