20th April 2015
Robyn and I had the privilege of attending the Caloundra UC Explorers progressive service yesterday – Red Poppies for Remembrance, White Poppies for a Peaceful Future.
The focus was on ‘sacrifice’ and a strong spirit of love pervaded the event. There was an obvious move away from a traditional or familiar liturgy that is repeated every week to an educative and reflective liturgy that drew on the narratives of Jesus and of the ANZACs. Many ‘first hand’ and powerful anecdotes were shared through dramatic readings, symbolic candle lighting and placing, and hymns drawing on contemporary social justice issues that brought the ‘sacrifice’ concept into a focus on the world we know today. Progressive values were clearly stated, many of which pose challenges to people who have lived a life of faith that has not given space for asking the questions.
The crowd attending followed the service with a very friendly conversation and critique of the progressive view on salvation presented in the service. There were examples of individual meaning making and many positive reactions to the way in which those attending had their imagination and mind drawn to deep reflection on the events of Gallipoli and Easter.
For everyone present there would be a different impact. In our own reflections, on the journey home, we discussed the differences between the sacrifice of Jesus and that of the ANZACs. There is no doubt that there are parallels in the ‘dying for others’ that the scripture describes as the greatest sacrifice of all, but there is a major difference in these events. The soldiers sent to Gallipoli were unaware that the bungling of their leaders was taking them on a doomed journey. Their sacrifice was not part of the big plan. For Jesus there was an awareness of where his sacrifice was going. His sacrifice was foretold and the outcome fulfilled many expectations.
Where does that leave us in a contemporary Australian culture? Can both of these narratives influence our own actions and thinking in a way that moves us to work for the kingdom of God in this place?
Thank you John Everall and team for preparing this service that clearly left us thinking about possibilities.
The Caloundra Explorers Group has members from the Uniting Church and others. It conducts an ‘Emerging Church’ service bi-monthly on the 3rd Sunday evening at 5pm. You can add your name to their mailing list and be kept informed about events including book club, guest speakers, and services. Just send your contact details to John Everall.
oOo