Psalm 34:1-3

 I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

let the humble hear and be glad.

O magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt his name together. (NRSV)

This beautiful psalm captures the essence of why we worship.  We have been created for worship.  As Christians, it is who we are, a community of broken people, healed through God’s mercy and forgiveness; recognizing that God is indeed worthy of being praised continually.  Worship is one vehicle through which the Word is heard in scripture, confession and forgiveness, song, prayer and the Sacraments.

Worship encompasses much more than sending you out the door on Sunday, feeling good about yourself.  Worship is more than receiving- it truly is the giving back to God through praise, it is about soul connecting and deepening a relationship, humility and the community that we are part of-- in worship you are surrounded!  Worship is also about being sent out to tell of a God who is GOOD. 

When you stop attending worship, have a hard time getting back to a routine of worshipping or just decide “Bed-le-hem” Lutheran is a good place to be- it is time to take a moment to rethink and sink back into a more intentional pattern of worshiping with the community of saints as often as you are able.

Worship is what you and I are created to do.  Worship is important as it connects you deeper in the mutual relationship you have with God and God’s people. Worship is a mark of our discipleship. 

 Lent, Holy Week and Easter is a great time to practice this mark of discipleship on Sunday and/or Wednesday Midweek Service. Come, see, hear and taste that the Lord is good.  Come and “together let us praise God’s name.”  

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Worship is part of the Wonder of your life that Opens you to receive the grace and goodness of mercy and forgiveness through a deepening Relationship with God, through the sacraments and the communion of saints; providing you with opportunities of practicing the Stewardship of your faith life in thought, word and deed; while allowing any Healing that is necessary in all of our lives; responding to the Spirit which calls, gathers and enlightens us; Inviting us to make worship a Priority in the life we have been given through God, whose desire it is to be worshiped by those who love him. What a gift!

Pastor Carol