Decently and in Order

The Presbyterian Church's tag line is 'decently and in order' from 1 Corinthians chapter 14. So about now, those of you who know me are scratching your heads, wondering 'what is SHE doing in THAT denomination?' I will be the first to admit that while I think I handle the decently portion just fine, its that orderly thing that always trips me up. For most of my life I have been able to fool people. Most are shocked the first time they see my office. What a mess! I like to claim that I keep an orderly MIND, which is fairly true, although advancing age is putting a dent in that as well. So while I appear organized to others, I really cannot keep papers organized, I cannot figure out how to keep my laundry in the drawers, I don't know what to do with magazines, fliers, reports and all that other info that comes into my home or office. But here I am in the PC(USA) being asked to approach all things with decency and order!

This struck me yesterday as my office is still under construction. A call to jury duty as well as a day-long denominational meeting have set me back at least two full days. Add in that lovely Protestant invention for the summer; Vacation Bible School, and I'm behind the eight ball in the office refurbishment area. And guess what? It's beginning to bother me! The lack of order, having no decent place to put my books, my laptop, my artwork, is all taking a toll. Simply put, I'm antsy to get back into my office in a manner that suits the ministry I want and need to do! While those blue baseboards still require another coat of white paint, I raised the white flag instead. Too humid for painting, I gave my painting partner and myself the day off and put the office back into a 'decent and orderly' arrangement. It felt terrific! Maybe the Presbyterians are onto something.

My other musing on this topic came out of Tuesday's Presbytery meeting, a five x/year gathering of the local congregations. One of the aspects I love about the PC(USA) is its insistence that we are all part of the priesthood of believers, that we are all gifted for the work of the Kingdom, and that we are all called to use those gifts for that endeavor. What this looks like in denominational life, is that we are not a hierarchical organization that approaches ministry and the world from the top down from only a clergy perspective. Nor are we an independent, congregational organization that approaches such matters from just the pews. Our approach requires an equal number of lay leaders and clergy working together to set the vision and direction for the church and carry that vision forward.

So the Presbytery meetings are gatherings of lay leaders and clergy that deal with the business of individuals' needs, congregational needs, and the corporate needs of the denomination. I had been once before to just a portion of a meeting, so this was my first full day of attendance. I was pleasantly surprised to run into quite a few people I already knew and of course to meet some new to me. I traveled to the meeting with two older couples who have been longtime attendees; one clergy and one lay leader. They were great companions to explain processes and terminology.

And worship! Oh my! Fill a sanctuary with committed laity and clergy and the affect is astounding. The first corporate prayer blew me out of my seat with its commitment from the gathered community. And talk about hearing hymns sung with gusto, fervor, and delight. The song that emanated from the pews was so inspiring. It was a deep joy to be part of such a worshipping group. Now, it was a very very long day! But for the most part it was enlightening and educating. It was good to be there...

And so I ponder Paul's words and intentions. Of course, he was speaking to a congregational need: worship is filled with the Spirit, but must also be conducted in a manner that allows for all to share their gifts. I was privileged to worship in just such a manner at Tuesday's meeting. I was privileged to feel the affects of disorder in my personal being. I am privileged....praise be to God!