Low Sunday

 Traditionally, there are "low" Sundays in the church year, when ministers don't really expect the congregation to show up: long weekends, holy days that fall on holidays, summer breaks and the Sunday between Christmas and New Years. That was what the minister at the Anglican church in my neighbourhood called it, when I introduced myself on the way out. "Thanks for coming, even on a "low" Sunday."

But the service itself was not low. When they handed me the order of service on the way in, the word that came to mind was "encyclopedic!" Four sheets containing the liturgy, the scripture readings, announcements, etc. etc. (They also had a recycling box in a prominent place at the end of the service.) The traditional Anglican liturgy was balanced with the preacher and congregation's much more relaxed greetings, sermon delivery and music.  There was no choir (as one might expect on a low Sunday) and the sung parts of the service were offered by a soloist. I really appreciated the minister's sermon, and found it was something that had broad appeal, with a strong biblical storyteller vibe to hook church geeks like me and newcomers as well.

I guess even a low Sunday can be a high point in your week.