ROBED
FOR REJOICING
Sermon by Dwyn M. Mounger, M.Div., Ph.D. Interim Pastor
Community Presbyterian Church, Deerfield Beach, Florida
September 20, 2009, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture: I Chronicles 15:16, 22, 27-28; 16:7-10; Psalm 98 (excerpts, 8:30), Choir anthem based on Psalms 100 & 96, 10:30; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 11:7-19.
Sermon by Dwyn M. Mounger, M.Div., Ph.D. Interim Pastor
Community Presbyterian Church, Deerfield Beach, Florida
September 20, 2009, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture: I Chronicles 15:16, 22, 27-28; 16:7-10; Psalm 98 (excerpts, 8:30), Choir anthem based on Psalms 100 & 96, 10:30; Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 11:7-19.
Isaac
Singer, Nobel Prize winning author, was famous for his wonderful
Jewish stories, such as "Yentil: The Yeshiva Boy." Barbara
Streisand made that one PARTICULARLY famous in the movie, Yentil,
in which she plays a devout young woman who, well ahead of her
times, feels called by God to be a rabbi. Because only
males can be rabbis, she DRESSES like a MAN in order to begin
her studies. And in one ESPECIALLY moving scene, Yentil
declares, "What a strange POWER there is in clothing!"
How true! Friends, today, please think with me
for a few moments about clothing. -And, more specifically,
about the very special raiment of the men and women, and
one boy and girl, who make up the wonderful CHOIR of this
congregation. Whenever they sing or play for
our worship here, each of these choirs wears ROBES.
One might well say they're ROBED FOR REJOICING!
Our FIRST LESSON for today, from First Chronicles, chapters 15 and 16, presents a picture of robed choirs and musicians singing and playing glorious music, like that which our own talented vocal and instrumental choir, organist Jeffrey, and soloists regularly render in our 10:30 service of worship-and occasionally in the 8:30 one, too. And, of course, our violinist Peggy Everett, plays faithfully each Sunday for 8:30 worship.
But look with me at our lesson. It's a time of great joy and celebration for the Jewish people. With much ceremony they're marching in parade, at King David's direction, bringing the wonderful Ark of the Covenant (God's throne!) up the twisting, mountain roads to the Holy City Jerusalem, to install it in its place of honor, the Tabernacle! Later it will adorn the glorious Temple, that King Solomon (David's son) will build.
As our passage here opens, you and I see priests carrying the Ark in procession to Jerusalem. And singers and musicians joining in the parade -- trumpeters and harpists and players of lyres and cymbals -- GREAT CHOIRS AND ENSEMBLES, all pouring out their music in celebration of this wonderful event! And, GUESS WHAT! -- EACH of these very special leaders of worship wears a celebrative, white linen robe. Yes, ROBED -- FOR REJOICING. King David himself has donned a pure white linen ephod, or gown--and in one of the most famous (or infamous, depending on ones point of view) of Old Testament scenes, is DANCING and LEAPING before the Ark, as the noisy, joyful procession winds its way up to Jerusalem!
Now, you musicians and singers, you are the designated leaders of our music in this congregation, so I now address my remarks MAINLY to you. And I include, too, those of you who, on occasion, may play trumpet, guitar, or other instruments for our worship -- let me address my words also to YOU. FOR ALL OF YOU ARE ROBED FOR REJOICING! Indeed, there's a sense in which EVERYONE in this congregation is so clad! But you regular leaders of music and members of the choir especially, your role in this church is EXACTLY that of the singers and instrumentalists here in our lesson. Listen again (verse 16 of chapter 15): "David . . . commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kindred as the singers to play on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise loud sounds of JOY!" You EXIST mainly to lead the whole congregation in expressing our JOY in God! Yes, humanity's chief and highest END, says the Catechism, is "to glorify and to ENJOY God forever!"
As your interim, temporary pastor, one of the major tasks that the Session and, indeed, the Committee on Ministry of Tropical Florida Presbytery, has asked me in my written covenant with them to do is to strengthen your ties to and appreciation for our Reformed and Presbyterian heritage. In that regard I'm GREATLY enjoying, in my role as Moderator of Session and Teaching Elder, at each meeting of the Worship and Music Committee, taking about 15 minutes with them to reflect on and, usually, to discuss, a section of the excellent "Directory for Worship" of our Book of Order. As you know, the Book of Order is, of course, part of the very Constitution of our church, that each of us who is an elder, deacon, or pastor, just before kneeling for the apostolic ceremony of the laying on of hands, with prayer, in ordination, solemnly pledges to God and before the assembled congregation that we'll be "governed by" as we minister to God's people. AT the Worship and Music meeting last Monday we looked at the part of the "Directory" that tells us that NO music in our worship is EVER meant to be ENTERTAINMENT for us, but, instead, our sung PRAYERS! That is, the hymns and responses that you and I sing in EACH service, indeed, the choir anthems and the organ selections, are our very utterances to GOD! And most FREQUENTLY these prayers through music express our collective JOY in our salvation and life through Jesus Christ!
But, choir and musical leaders, your music not only helps us all to express our joy in THE LORD but also our joy in the advancement of PEACE! Yes, God uses your talents to bring folks together in harmonious fellowship! Indeed, music can and does produce true PEACE within individuals and even between alienated peoples! Years ago, when my wife and I were living in New York City, I remember frequently taking the Broadway bus downtown and passing the modern buildings of Lincoln Center, that wonderful cluster of concert halls and theatres dedicated to the performing arts. And I recall one time, looking out the bus window and chuckling at a sign posted there: "SAVAGE BREASTS SOOTHED HERE." Yes, in the words of William Congreve:
Our FIRST LESSON for today, from First Chronicles, chapters 15 and 16, presents a picture of robed choirs and musicians singing and playing glorious music, like that which our own talented vocal and instrumental choir, organist Jeffrey, and soloists regularly render in our 10:30 service of worship-and occasionally in the 8:30 one, too. And, of course, our violinist Peggy Everett, plays faithfully each Sunday for 8:30 worship.
But look with me at our lesson. It's a time of great joy and celebration for the Jewish people. With much ceremony they're marching in parade, at King David's direction, bringing the wonderful Ark of the Covenant (God's throne!) up the twisting, mountain roads to the Holy City Jerusalem, to install it in its place of honor, the Tabernacle! Later it will adorn the glorious Temple, that King Solomon (David's son) will build.
As our passage here opens, you and I see priests carrying the Ark in procession to Jerusalem. And singers and musicians joining in the parade -- trumpeters and harpists and players of lyres and cymbals -- GREAT CHOIRS AND ENSEMBLES, all pouring out their music in celebration of this wonderful event! And, GUESS WHAT! -- EACH of these very special leaders of worship wears a celebrative, white linen robe. Yes, ROBED -- FOR REJOICING. King David himself has donned a pure white linen ephod, or gown--and in one of the most famous (or infamous, depending on ones point of view) of Old Testament scenes, is DANCING and LEAPING before the Ark, as the noisy, joyful procession winds its way up to Jerusalem!
Now, you musicians and singers, you are the designated leaders of our music in this congregation, so I now address my remarks MAINLY to you. And I include, too, those of you who, on occasion, may play trumpet, guitar, or other instruments for our worship -- let me address my words also to YOU. FOR ALL OF YOU ARE ROBED FOR REJOICING! Indeed, there's a sense in which EVERYONE in this congregation is so clad! But you regular leaders of music and members of the choir especially, your role in this church is EXACTLY that of the singers and instrumentalists here in our lesson. Listen again (verse 16 of chapter 15): "David . . . commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their kindred as the singers to play on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise loud sounds of JOY!" You EXIST mainly to lead the whole congregation in expressing our JOY in God! Yes, humanity's chief and highest END, says the Catechism, is "to glorify and to ENJOY God forever!"
As your interim, temporary pastor, one of the major tasks that the Session and, indeed, the Committee on Ministry of Tropical Florida Presbytery, has asked me in my written covenant with them to do is to strengthen your ties to and appreciation for our Reformed and Presbyterian heritage. In that regard I'm GREATLY enjoying, in my role as Moderator of Session and Teaching Elder, at each meeting of the Worship and Music Committee, taking about 15 minutes with them to reflect on and, usually, to discuss, a section of the excellent "Directory for Worship" of our Book of Order. As you know, the Book of Order is, of course, part of the very Constitution of our church, that each of us who is an elder, deacon, or pastor, just before kneeling for the apostolic ceremony of the laying on of hands, with prayer, in ordination, solemnly pledges to God and before the assembled congregation that we'll be "governed by" as we minister to God's people. AT the Worship and Music meeting last Monday we looked at the part of the "Directory" that tells us that NO music in our worship is EVER meant to be ENTERTAINMENT for us, but, instead, our sung PRAYERS! That is, the hymns and responses that you and I sing in EACH service, indeed, the choir anthems and the organ selections, are our very utterances to GOD! And most FREQUENTLY these prayers through music express our collective JOY in our salvation and life through Jesus Christ!
But, choir and musical leaders, your music not only helps us all to express our joy in THE LORD but also our joy in the advancement of PEACE! Yes, God uses your talents to bring folks together in harmonious fellowship! Indeed, music can and does produce true PEACE within individuals and even between alienated peoples! Years ago, when my wife and I were living in New York City, I remember frequently taking the Broadway bus downtown and passing the modern buildings of Lincoln Center, that wonderful cluster of concert halls and theatres dedicated to the performing arts. And I recall one time, looking out the bus window and chuckling at a sign posted there: "SAVAGE BREASTS SOOTHED HERE." Yes, in the words of William Congreve:
Music
hath charms to soothe the savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
God uses music, both within and outside the Church,
to STOP hostility and produce PEACE-not just in congregations
but in the world! Dale Topp, in his book Music
in the Christian Community, relates a terrifying
but beautiful and true incident that happened during
the final year of World War II. I may have shared
this with you before, but the story bears repeating.
It happened to the Dutch family of Jan Vander Stelt,
near the city of Arnhem, the Netherlands. Jan
was a little boy at the time. It was Christmas
Eve, 1944. The Vander Stelt family was quietly
celebrating the birth of the Savior--when, about 8
p.m., five furious but exhausted German soldiers STORMED
INTO THEIR HOME. A few minutes earlier the soldiers
had been engaged in bloody combat with British troops,
just a few kilometers away.
"COOK US FOOD--NOW!" they bellowed at Mevrouw Vander Stelt. She tried to EXPLAIN to the soldiers that SHE needed the little bit of food and drink to feed her FAMILY. But one of the soldiers grabbed his rifle, pointed it at her, and screamed: "FIX US FOOD NOW--OR WE'LL KILL YOU!"
Weeping, Mevrouw Vander Stelt went to her kitchen and, with trembling hands, began to cook. Jan's father, meanwhile, quietly walked into the living room and, sitting down at the family organ, began to play the carol "Silent Night"--very softly, at first. After the first stanza, Mijnheer Vander Stelt paused a moment, to listen to what was happening in the kitchen. But then he began to play more loudly and to sing, in German:
"COOK US FOOD--NOW!" they bellowed at Mevrouw Vander Stelt. She tried to EXPLAIN to the soldiers that SHE needed the little bit of food and drink to feed her FAMILY. But one of the soldiers grabbed his rifle, pointed it at her, and screamed: "FIX US FOOD NOW--OR WE'LL KILL YOU!"
Weeping, Mevrouw Vander Stelt went to her kitchen and, with trembling hands, began to cook. Jan's father, meanwhile, quietly walked into the living room and, sitting down at the family organ, began to play the carol "Silent Night"--very softly, at first. After the first stanza, Mijnheer Vander Stelt paused a moment, to listen to what was happening in the kitchen. But then he began to play more loudly and to sing, in German:
Stille
Nacht, heilige Nacht!?
Alles schläft, einsam wacht,?
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar,?
Holder Knabe mit lockigem Haar,?
Schlaf in himmlischer Rüh,?
Schlaf in himmlischer Rüh.
Alles schläft, einsam wacht,?
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar,?
Holder Knabe mit lockigem Haar,?
Schlaf in himmlischer Rüh,?
Schlaf in himmlischer Rüh.
Just listen to what
happened next, according to Jan: "I still can
see the soldiers change almost instantly. The
look in their eyes changed, and their hand muscles
relaxed. A few minutes later one of the soldiers
hummed the song. Before the evening was over all the
soldiers showed us pictures of their loved ones in
Germany. A few hours earlier they had lost two
of their best friends in the battle with English soldiers.
They later joined us in singing other songs about
holiness and tears wiped away. That night they
slept in our living room."
This brings me to a THIRD word to members of our choir and musical leaders: God calls you to give your very BEST in your praises. Here in our lesson King David doesn't appoint just anyone to be singers in God's tabernacle. He doesn't just drag a stranger off the street, put a robe on him, and cry, "SING!" No, we read, "Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, was to direct the music, for he understood it."
You see, Chenaniah especially, but all the OTHER singers as well, knew that to lead worship effectively takes learning and practice and dedication and hard work. For church musicians and choir members it takes rehearsal time--and a willingness to MAKE rehearsal a priority--yes, even when so many OTHER activities may beckon you: like a tempting TV program or a ball game at choir practice time, or maybe a bit of old-fashioned fatigue after a hard day's work or play. Here at Community Church, one of my great PERSONAL joys is your musical program. But this program QUICKLY would fade if [musicians] choir members didn't keep up their week-to-week hard work and practice. Yes, robed for REJOICING; but that takes effort!
And let me tell you ANOTHER important thing to remember: GOD CALLS CHOIR MEMBERS TO BE HUMBLE--in singing and playing NOT to call attention to YOURSELVES, but ever to point to GOD and GOD's LOVE! Søren Kierkegaard, that wonderful "great Dane" in the 19th century whom many folks regard as the father of existentialism, gave us a wonderful little essay on Christian worship. Although he was speaking mainly about the Danish state Lutheran Church in which he'd been raised, he could have made the same complaint about SO MANY congregations everywhere. In worship, said Kierkegaard, too often we think of the pastor as the chief actor in a stage play, with the choirs' being in the supporting roles, and the congregation as the audience. But NO, said Kierkegaard. Really, the congregation is on center stage; the CONGREGATION is the star actor; the pastor and choir are the stage DIRECTORS. And who is the audience? -- GOD is the audience!
How true! Back when I was a student at Princeton Seminary, in New Jersey, occasionally, on a bright, fall Saturday, we'd go to a football game at Princeton University. Now, friends, to many folks, Ivy League football's a joke. Especially to people here in the South-and in the Southeastern Conference to which the Gators, who play in "The Swamp" in Gainesville, belong, where football's a religion, Ivy League teams aren't taken very seriously. And the fans in the stadiums, even less so. I remember hearing Princeton students chanting an occasional yell or cheer in Latin. And I remember one half-time show, by the Princeton band, that attempted to portray in music the life and activities of the university. The band, in formation on the field, played one tune to illustrate the classroom, another to poke fun at certain faculties or professors. And when they came to the Princeton University Chapel--the beautiful, neo-Gothic edifice at the center of campus--what do you suppose the band played? -- "There's No Business Like Show Business!"
But, friends, Christian worship ISN'T a show--except, perhaps, in keeping with Kierkegaard, a show for God. As I said before, the church choir DOESN'T exist to entertain us, but to reveal us the ARK-GOD'S THRONE--in all its GLORY! Yes, through music, to usher us into the very presence of GOD--and to reveal to us God's love and mercy!
Robed for rejoicing. Tell me, what's the basic purpose of wearing a robe, anyhow? Why, for millennia, have pastors and assistants and acolytes and crucifers and choirs donned vestments before entering the Sanctuary? Is it just because robes cover a multitude of sartorial sin? I personally find it tremendously reassuring to know that my alb does conceal any and all gravy stains on my shirts, and missing buttons, and torn pockets, I remember an occasion when I was asked to help lead a certain town's annual Thanksgiving service. Because we were from various denominations, we decided not to wear any vestments, but just business suits and clerical collars, if we had them. Scheduled to preach the sermon was our colleague, a strict, fundamentalist minister who boasted that he never EVER wore a robe because, he thought, such smacked of Roman Catholicism, which he vocally and frequently distained. Well, imagine our surprise when, a few minutes before the service was to begin, our friend suddenly cried, "I want to wear a ROBE to preach in today! Do you have one I can borrow?"
Our host pastor quickly fetched him a robe, which he donned just in time. After the service I kidded him. "What's the matter? Are you about to convert? --Maybe to Anglo-Catholicism, where you can be a multi-vested priest?"
"NO!" he whispered, "JUST BEFORE THE SERVICE I LOOKED DOWN AND FOUND MY ZIPPER BROKEN OPEN!
No, friends, the purpose of robes on leaders of worship is to conceal individual identity! To HIDE ones own personality, lest it hinder our primary aim of always pointing worshipers beyond ourselves to Christ, the source of ALL our life and our salvation!
In Cornwall, England, stands an old village church with a wonderful sign, inscribed in Latin, just above the medieval choir stalls: Amor, non clamor, ascendit in aures Dei ," it reads-- "LOVE, NOT LOUDNESS, RISES TO THE EARS OF GOD." Choir members and musicians, may that ever be your own motto in your faithful ministry in this church. Robed NOT for SHOW but for REJOICING -- in JESUS CHRIST!
Prayers:
O God, the angels of heaven proclaim your glory without ceasing. Help us always, as choir, musical leaders, soloists, instrumentalists, and as a congregation of your people, especially when we serve you in your house, to sing to you with our whole heart in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
God our Sustainer and Upholder, guide and strengthen the[se] members and leaders of our choir throughout this season, just begun, that they may faithfully work to lead us in your praises and ever point us to your great majesty and love in Jesus Christ.
Hear our prayers now for your Church throughout this earth; for the world, including every nation and race, and especially the peoples of the Middle East, that warfare, strife, and violence may cease, and that they may enjoy the reign and love of you, our God of Peace. Hear our prayers for this congregation, as they seek a new shepherd for the flock; for each member and family unit, for regular visitors and friends, and for those who may be new to us but who seek a church home. Particularly grant your blessing to those in this holy place today who need you in special ways--and sustain, heal, help, and support them with your love in Jesus Christ. Deliver our brothers and sisters who are sick; comfort those who mourn.
Finally, God who cares for us beyond the limits of our earth-bound vision, keep us aware of your great Realm that transcends all time and space, and preserve us in fellowship with your children who, in Christ, have gone before us into your perfect presence. May we, in time, join them there--and ever lift our voices in the heavenly choirs of praise to your glory; through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
This brings me to a THIRD word to members of our choir and musical leaders: God calls you to give your very BEST in your praises. Here in our lesson King David doesn't appoint just anyone to be singers in God's tabernacle. He doesn't just drag a stranger off the street, put a robe on him, and cry, "SING!" No, we read, "Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, was to direct the music, for he understood it."
You see, Chenaniah especially, but all the OTHER singers as well, knew that to lead worship effectively takes learning and practice and dedication and hard work. For church musicians and choir members it takes rehearsal time--and a willingness to MAKE rehearsal a priority--yes, even when so many OTHER activities may beckon you: like a tempting TV program or a ball game at choir practice time, or maybe a bit of old-fashioned fatigue after a hard day's work or play. Here at Community Church, one of my great PERSONAL joys is your musical program. But this program QUICKLY would fade if [musicians] choir members didn't keep up their week-to-week hard work and practice. Yes, robed for REJOICING; but that takes effort!
And let me tell you ANOTHER important thing to remember: GOD CALLS CHOIR MEMBERS TO BE HUMBLE--in singing and playing NOT to call attention to YOURSELVES, but ever to point to GOD and GOD's LOVE! Søren Kierkegaard, that wonderful "great Dane" in the 19th century whom many folks regard as the father of existentialism, gave us a wonderful little essay on Christian worship. Although he was speaking mainly about the Danish state Lutheran Church in which he'd been raised, he could have made the same complaint about SO MANY congregations everywhere. In worship, said Kierkegaard, too often we think of the pastor as the chief actor in a stage play, with the choirs' being in the supporting roles, and the congregation as the audience. But NO, said Kierkegaard. Really, the congregation is on center stage; the CONGREGATION is the star actor; the pastor and choir are the stage DIRECTORS. And who is the audience? -- GOD is the audience!
How true! Back when I was a student at Princeton Seminary, in New Jersey, occasionally, on a bright, fall Saturday, we'd go to a football game at Princeton University. Now, friends, to many folks, Ivy League football's a joke. Especially to people here in the South-and in the Southeastern Conference to which the Gators, who play in "The Swamp" in Gainesville, belong, where football's a religion, Ivy League teams aren't taken very seriously. And the fans in the stadiums, even less so. I remember hearing Princeton students chanting an occasional yell or cheer in Latin. And I remember one half-time show, by the Princeton band, that attempted to portray in music the life and activities of the university. The band, in formation on the field, played one tune to illustrate the classroom, another to poke fun at certain faculties or professors. And when they came to the Princeton University Chapel--the beautiful, neo-Gothic edifice at the center of campus--what do you suppose the band played? -- "There's No Business Like Show Business!"
But, friends, Christian worship ISN'T a show--except, perhaps, in keeping with Kierkegaard, a show for God. As I said before, the church choir DOESN'T exist to entertain us, but to reveal us the ARK-GOD'S THRONE--in all its GLORY! Yes, through music, to usher us into the very presence of GOD--and to reveal to us God's love and mercy!
Robed for rejoicing. Tell me, what's the basic purpose of wearing a robe, anyhow? Why, for millennia, have pastors and assistants and acolytes and crucifers and choirs donned vestments before entering the Sanctuary? Is it just because robes cover a multitude of sartorial sin? I personally find it tremendously reassuring to know that my alb does conceal any and all gravy stains on my shirts, and missing buttons, and torn pockets, I remember an occasion when I was asked to help lead a certain town's annual Thanksgiving service. Because we were from various denominations, we decided not to wear any vestments, but just business suits and clerical collars, if we had them. Scheduled to preach the sermon was our colleague, a strict, fundamentalist minister who boasted that he never EVER wore a robe because, he thought, such smacked of Roman Catholicism, which he vocally and frequently distained. Well, imagine our surprise when, a few minutes before the service was to begin, our friend suddenly cried, "I want to wear a ROBE to preach in today! Do you have one I can borrow?"
Our host pastor quickly fetched him a robe, which he donned just in time. After the service I kidded him. "What's the matter? Are you about to convert? --Maybe to Anglo-Catholicism, where you can be a multi-vested priest?"
"NO!" he whispered, "JUST BEFORE THE SERVICE I LOOKED DOWN AND FOUND MY ZIPPER BROKEN OPEN!
No, friends, the purpose of robes on leaders of worship is to conceal individual identity! To HIDE ones own personality, lest it hinder our primary aim of always pointing worshipers beyond ourselves to Christ, the source of ALL our life and our salvation!
In Cornwall, England, stands an old village church with a wonderful sign, inscribed in Latin, just above the medieval choir stalls: Amor, non clamor, ascendit in aures Dei ," it reads-- "LOVE, NOT LOUDNESS, RISES TO THE EARS OF GOD." Choir members and musicians, may that ever be your own motto in your faithful ministry in this church. Robed NOT for SHOW but for REJOICING -- in JESUS CHRIST!
Prayers:
O God, the angels of heaven proclaim your glory without ceasing. Help us always, as choir, musical leaders, soloists, instrumentalists, and as a congregation of your people, especially when we serve you in your house, to sing to you with our whole heart in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
God our Sustainer and Upholder, guide and strengthen the[se] members and leaders of our choir throughout this season, just begun, that they may faithfully work to lead us in your praises and ever point us to your great majesty and love in Jesus Christ.
Hear our prayers now for your Church throughout this earth; for the world, including every nation and race, and especially the peoples of the Middle East, that warfare, strife, and violence may cease, and that they may enjoy the reign and love of you, our God of Peace. Hear our prayers for this congregation, as they seek a new shepherd for the flock; for each member and family unit, for regular visitors and friends, and for those who may be new to us but who seek a church home. Particularly grant your blessing to those in this holy place today who need you in special ways--and sustain, heal, help, and support them with your love in Jesus Christ. Deliver our brothers and sisters who are sick; comfort those who mourn.
Finally, God who cares for us beyond the limits of our earth-bound vision, keep us aware of your great Realm that transcends all time and space, and preserve us in fellowship with your children who, in Christ, have gone before us into your perfect presence. May we, in time, join them there--and ever lift our voices in the heavenly choirs of praise to your glory; through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.