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| Author | Topic: How to share the Peace |
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Pastor Eric (Moderator) |
posted 4/11/07 2:31 PM
On pg. 44, there are the notes on how to share the peace. I think this is one of the most misunderstood rites that we share. Passing the peace is a rite of forgiveness in the church. It is meant to express the grace we share between one another, and that we are forgiving and accepting of one another. It is tied to the sacrament of communion, as we must be reconciled before we come to the table ("Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" -Matthew 5:23-24) To make this more clear, for the next six weeks at the second service we will re-order the service with the confession and forgiveness in the service prior to communion. Passing the peace will be after the pronouncement of forgiveness so that our passing the peace becomes the affirmation of that grace. To say "Peace of the Lord be with you" is to bestow upon someone that concept of "Shalome" the Jewish word for peace. It is that state of being where we feel accepted, safe and secure. It is not that we are faultless but that others around us will accept us for who we are while striving for righteousness. It is one of the things that makes our service corporate, a joint activity. We are not in our seperate pews doing our own thing, but we are the gathered people of God, working together to communicate in word and deed the grace of God. In God's sanctuary there are no human judgements, no prejudices, no pettiness. I am so happy to see people move and reach out to one another during this time, it truly says that we are a family, and we do care about one another. |
| Karen |
posted 4/15/07 3:02 AM
It used to make me really uncomfortable when it was time to share the Peace, but now as I've gotten used to it, I enjoy moving around and sharing the Peace with others through the church and not just the people sitting in my pew. I don't think I ever understood its significance before -- like I didn't know that we are forgiving and accepting one another or that we were expressing the grace we share. [This message has been edited on 04/15/2007] |
| Karen |
posted 4/15/07 3:02 AM
I just thought we were being friendly. I will look at it differently in the future now that I understand the purpose a little better. [This message has been edited on 04/15/2007] |
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