VST comes to Kootenay

The Eucharist in five movements

By Micahel Lavinnder

SO MANY BOOKS, SO LITTLE TIME — The Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett Professor of Liturgical Studies at Vancouver School of Theology receives a T-shirt at his seminar in Fruitvale illustrating the "plight of academics."

Lay Leaders and Clergy from around the West Kootenay Region had come together in Fruitvale, in March 2009 to broaden our knowledge and enhance our liturgical skills. Little did we know that we were participating in the first movement of a Sonata. For, on the weekend of October 16, forty five people gathered, in anticipation of the second movement of our Sonata, led by the Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett, Professor of Liturgical Studies at Vancouver School of Theology. "When we gather to celebrate the Eucharist," we learned, "we perform a symphony that attempts to express, in five movements, God's public work for our common good." As leaders, we are encouraged to prepare in advance, and to play a leadership role, much like that of a conductor of the symphony. As the congregation sits to worship, we are to direct the focus to the table, to the gathering of the community, so that, through the proclamation of the Word and the prayers of the community, we are led to Holy Communion. It is come—union—with God and each other. The leader fades from centrality, as the focus shifts from our daily work to this work of God. The commissioning of the community sends us back into the world transformed and enabled. "Our liturgical assembly has gathered, heard the Word of God proclaimed, opened itself in prayer to discern the will of God, and has shared in the meal which renews Christian fellowship and community. But the liturgical community does not exist for itself: the Christian faith is not lived safely within the walls of this place and insulated from the world. As William Temple said, "The church is the one human institution which exists primarily for its non-members." Go home. Go to work. We have a mission to perform and we have received the gifts we need to perform it." We are spiritually invigorated for the task.

Part III of the Symphony, will be held April 24-25, 2010 at St. Saviour's, Nelson. Everyone who wishes to achieve excellence in the leading of services, or simply wishes to know more about this celebration we experience together weekly, are invited to join us, as we continue this exciting exploration of the Symphony entitled "Liturgy."