6/11/2008 – Wednesday

Twelve hours of Biblical Stewardship is the assignment. As of this afternoon I have completed ten of the hours. The challenge is how to address three pages of questions that have come form the gathered pastors and church workers. The practical realities of the how this all functions in parish life is the challenge. The Biblical challenges are much more easily met. The Bible study seemed to be eye opening, but the questions are how to make it work in an environment that has seen a change in funding patterns without the associated learing and education to the parishes that life will be different and more is being expected of them.

The second part of their Church Worker’s Retreat is on Liturgy. With the assistance of a Finnish born musician, the church has been working on an order of worship that reflects past patterns, but also attempts to prepare the church for some changes. While much of the work is based on LCMS materials, the sung liturgy is in Tswana and is using a young local composer to direct the writing and learning by the church workers. Once again we experience the power of a cappella singing the African context. All week long the counter-point to my presentation was a rehearsal of a liturgy in Tswana. IT was sung at the final service prior to departure for most of the participants. It is in the audio section. Enjoy.