This morning I went to Christ Church Cathedral for the second time. I really love how beautiful the church is, the history and tradition behind the service, and the amazingness of the all male choir singing in Latin, but something about traditional worship doesn't "hit home" like the services to which I've become accustomed. That's one reason I love St. Andrew's. Going there this evening and hearing familiar hymns and praise songs was like water in a desert. I don't how emotions are supposed to factor into a worship experience, but I'm personally a fan of them. I'm looking forward to getting involved with a Bible study and getting to know and experience the congregation.
Another thing I've come to appreciate to a much greater extent is the Word of God itself. During high church this morning the Word was held high during the procession of the ministers, four of which are employed in the reading of it. It's really quite remarkable reverence. Being the efficient packer (or bad Christian) that I am I didn't bring a Bible to Oxford with me. This evening I was overjoyed to hold one in my hands as we read from Isaiah 40. It's strange to realize how much I take such a blessing for granted when it's so readily available to me (in multiple translations and sizes even).
Church in England is different and yet it's very similar. People are people no matter where they live. They still need a community, desire fellowship, ache for love and are in need of grace. I really think I'll enjoy working with the people at St. Andrew's, as well as continuing to visit other churches for evensong and what not.
Tonight I went to another pub (the Radcliffe Arms), this time for Guinness. I also learned how to eat peas by placing them on the back side of a fork (held in the left hand) using a knife (held in the right). I was slow but successful.
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4 comments:
You didn't bring your Bible. You are a bad Christian. Thank God there is no need for good Christians. :)
Yes. I've been wanting to go out to "bares" here, but I haven't found the opportunity. Of course, I'm beginning to realize that I need to suggest my own opportunities and not rely on others to remember that I exist and would like to go. That never seems to work out for me.
You're learning quite a lot. I enjoyed your comment about people being people. I think it helped jump start my sermon. I have a funeral sermon due on Wednesday and I haven't started yet. :)
Mom and Dad were here this weekend. You should see the Chelsea jersey they got for me...gorgeous!
Peas with a fork? That's... interesting. Did you eat the peas at the bar? Because that's even more interesting.
What's your address in Oxford?
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