An appropriate subtitle to the book Words Around the Table is "Reflections on the Words and Deeds of the Sunday Eucharist." In the book, Gail Ramshaw has sought to expand the readers' thinking concerning the mystery of the supper of our Lord.
Still have questions about copyright? The article "Copy Right" in RW18 answered many questions, but you may have others, including some about church rights in taping and broadcasting worship services and use of copyrighted videos. "Rightful Use" is a new free brochure from the Presbyterian Church (USA). To order, call 1-800-524-2612 (DMS #223-91-006) or write to Presbyterian Church Distribution Management Services, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202.
Sharing of God's Forgiveness
[Members of the congregation turn to each other and say, "God's forgiveness is for you . . . and for you."]
Hymn of Thanksgiving: "We Come, O Christ, To You"
[PsH 238, TH 181]
Prayer of Thanks and Petition
Tithes and Offerings
The anxiety begins around mid-February Palms sweating, lips thin and straight as a mail slot, you peek ahead in your calendar. There it is staring up at you from the page—the queen of Christian festivals, the holy day of holy days, Easter.
It was the season of Lent, the time when all God's people prepare to celebrate the mystery of Easter. Once again a branch stood in our sanctuary, stark and white against the rich oak woodwork. It was supported by a pot filled with heavy stones and covered by a black cloth.
"Says who?!" So say kids when they have disagreements. And so say church folk to each other when they disagree about worship practices or changes. Who determines what happens during worship? What should be said or done? In what order? How much variation is allowed from week to week or within a denomination?
There are revisions, and there are revisions. Some publishers will add a new preface, update the bibliography, and trot out a book as a NEW, REVISED, IMPROVED, ENRICHED EDITION. White's book, even though appearing only ten years after the first edition, is a genuine revision. Although much of the earlier edition is left intact, both additions (such as a section on worship and justice) and numerous minor changes make this an honest "Revised Edition."
This is not a general textbook on homiletics. Charles Rice sharply defines the focus and early forges the link between Word and sacrament. His basic thesis is that preaching cannot stand apart from the sacraments, and the aim of the sermon is to bring the worshiper to "make Eucharist."
