Mindy Goes to a Wedding

The Woodard Wedding at Farm Kitchen, Poulsbo, Washington

Last year, we thought it would be good if, in addition to going to a church in every state, we could attend a wedding and a funeral., since those two events frequently take place in a church.

When my mom died rather unexpectedly, we returned to Indiana for her memorial service, and Dean wrote about it. But we weren’t able to attend any weddings (though at least two of our hosts got married after we visited), so we couldn’t write about them.

This year, we were invited to our nephew’s wedding near Seattle. As it happened, the wedding didn’t take place in a church, but it was decidedly a Christian worship service. There were prayers, a sermon, worship songs, and the bride and groom shared communion. I think it’s fair to think of this particular wedding celebration as a worship service of the Church even if it wasn’t technically in a church.

In lieu of the usual statistics (since taking notes at the wedding might have been a bit tacky), here’s a dozen or so things that seem to be true about weddings and church services:

1. There will probably be some way to show you were there

2. Snacks are appreciated. Coffee is especially appreciated

3. Somebody is really glad you're there

4. There will probably be a prayer. Possibly lots of prayers

5. It's likely that not everybody will take communion

6. Somebody should make you feel welcome

7. Children add to the fun

8. Dancing may or may not be encouraged

9. There will probably be flowers. Possibly lots of flowers

10. You're likely to sit with people you know

11. There will probably be music. Possibly lots of music

12. Somebody will preach a sermon

13. And sometimes, there are games

We Don't Need a Building to Worship God: Outdoor Worship Month

If I had a dime for all the times I've heard people say, "I don't need to go to church, I worship God in nature" I'd have enough to buy a whole lot of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups; maybe not a gross of them or anything, but still a lot.

What baffles me is that people treat these two things as if they're mutually exclusive. You can either worship God in a church building or under the skies but not both. The Psalmist doesn't seem to think it's a one or the other thing.

Scripture certainly affirms that God can be seen in His creation. Psalm 19:1 says, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- His eternal power and divine nature --have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Go to the Grand Canyon, go to the ocean, look up at the sky or look closely at the ladybug in the grass and you can see God's workmanship and give Him praise.

Yet the Psalmist also says in Psalm 66:1, "I will go to your temple" and Hebrews 10:24 & 25 say, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Sometimes the exclusively worshiping in nature people don't realize how much we need other people in order to have the best possible relationship with God.

If only there was some way to bring these two things together; worship God in nature and in church with other believers. If only there was some way to bring together this spiritual peanut butter with this spiritual chocolate. This month, we will. We'll worship with other people in the great out of doors. Welcome to our month of Reese's Peanut Cup Worship.

-- Dean