Practical Guidelines For Worship And Social Ministry

Concern for social justice is properly reflected in the practice of Christian worship. The vision for the coming kingdom of God should shape not only the words of the Christian liturgies, songs, and prayers, but also the actions of the worship. This article briefly outlines ways in which very different congregations practice justice in worship and then reflects on their significance for the lives of worshipers. The parishioners at St. Anskar's Episcopal church are gathering for the Sunday morning celebration of the Eucharist. Many of those who have gathered to worship are bringing food with them, canned goods and other nonperishable food items for contributions to the food pantry which this parish supports. As people enter the worship space they pass by a shopping cart. Here they deposit the food offerings they have brought for the food pantry. As their worship progresses it will soon be time for the offertory. Here the monetary gifts of the congregation are collected, the tithes a…