Down to the River to Pray

Sunday night (4/19/09) we watched the season premier of "In Plain Sight" and were jerked up short at the end when the strains of the haunting Appalachian gospel song quietly stole into the soundtrack---"Down to the River to Pray." We'd first encountered it in George Clooney's hit movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou." (I have the soundtrack playing as I type this.)

This got me to thinking of the several excellent TV series which, as part of their weekly offering, include some excellent music as a footnote or exclamation point to the storyline. It got so that when we watched "Joan of Arcadia" and "The West Wing," we waited expectantly to see/hear what the producers would serve up for that musical point/counterpoint. We were never disappointed. Now we occasionally catch these bits of spice on "House," "Bones," one or another of the "Law and Order" offerings and other favorites that we follow, but it seems they're not used as a regular habit as they were in the earlier series.

Music---specifically church music---has been at the core of my existence as long as I can remember (and probably had its roots even earlier). One of the enduring agonies and ecstasies of my life as a pastor is the privilege of planning and leading worship for a community of faith where music is essential to the fabric of our existence. Yet, though personal taste may move us in one direction or another, I'm always a bit surprised to find my Spirit being equally nourished by Appalacian gospel as it is by Gregorian Chant or Taize or....

If you watch TV or go to the movies or worship with a congregation keep your awareness high for the choice and use of music---whether it's featured or part of the background. Note where, when, and how your Spirit resonates with the music and the message of the song. Then take time to dialog with your soul about what the music demands.

A Church Ancient and Alive

Pilgrims' UCC has made much use of the work of Marcus Borg, Diana Butler Bass, and others of their ilk over the past 3 years as we've worked hard to become and remain a church "ancient and alive," a church in touch with those parts of the authentic Christian tradition which have always energized and motivated Christians and Christian communities. We've also affirmed our belief that Pilgrims' posseses a "vibrant and vital" understanding of our call and commitment as "authentic Christians in our day."

If you'd like to read more about how Borg, Bass, and company understand these terms and phrases---and if you'd like to understand more about the progressive theology, worship, and practice which is Pilgrims' CLICK HERE to read an article posted in today's Presbyterian Outlook. (OK, we're not Presbyterian, but in matters of church health, we share some common features with Presbyterians.)