Epiphany

 

When I walked into the Salvation Army Citadel for Sunday morning worship, I heard the sounds of a bass guitar and drums grooving to a contemporary song - a welcome change from all the traditional church music in Advent and Christmas. But the music in worship was even more diverse - brass band, praise band, hymn-singing, choir anthem, tambourines and clapping in the congregation. The Salvation Army has long been known for its music, and this was a great example of how to have it all in one service.  Clearly they invest a lot and have the volunteers to carry it out week after week.

Paul said to me "Are you ready to sing Onward Christian soldiers?"  Lo and behold, it was the first hymn! With words even more triumphalist than what I grew up with.  In the UCC it is probably the one old hymn people still ask for, though it hasn't been in our hymn books for a long time. They remember the tune, the upbeat sound of it, but when I show them what the words actually say, mostly they choose not to sing it.  

This is the Salvation Army, however, and they are unapologetically located in a tradition of Christian Triumphalism.  The uniforms and officer ranks, the exclusive words in prayers and images in hymns, all spoke to the Christian mission marching onward into a battle against sin and evil. In Ottawa, they house one of the biggest shelters in the city and provide many compassionate services to the vulnerable, but there was little mention of that, the overall theme was putting Christ in the centre of your life so that all will go well for you.  

Clearly I am not "in tune" with the theology of the Salvation Army.  However, I do want to say what a wonderful service it was. Folks were friendly and introduced themselves to me, there was a warm and welcoming spirit there and ethnic diversity. About half the people were in SA uniforms, they were clearly core members of the community, but many were actively involved in worship leadership (through music, scripture readings, announcements, children's time.) As someone who appreciates a well-constructed sermon, I loved the way the "major" preached, and the thoughtfulness of his sermon. No hellfire and brimstone, and only a very mild altar call.  

There was no mention of Epiphany on Sunday, but the epiphany for me was realizing that, in spite of our differences, I am able to put aside some of my expectations to recognize the common ground of the whole Christian family and worship with a whole heart.