“We do it your way.” We can see why a “please the crowd” business must take this thinking seriously. In fact, it is a please the crowd business that developed and shared this thinking. The business in question did very well – does very well. However, is this the proper slogan for the Church or for a parish?

The St. Nicholas website invites people to try “our way.” Somehow, I think that this is the way it must be in religion. Hamburgers are something we know all about – God and the well-being of our soul are areas where we are still learning. “God moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform” – and the things of God are not quite like getting our mustard balanced with our catsup – there are times when we must be still and let God prevail.

Even when it comes to St. Nicholas itself, we hope that “our way” is God’s way abundantly. St. Nicholas is part of a living tradition. Out task is to explore that tradition in a way that is lively and Life-giving. We do not set out to do things just because they are “old-fashioned” or need protection – we do things, believe things, proclaim things because they are proven, loved, and Spirit-filled.

People can have more than one friend and there is more than one way to respond to God. The point is for us to be firm and informed about what we celebrate and share. I have seen material that welcomes people to parishes with the thought that “it is a privilege to have you with us.” I reject this tone because all of us are privileged to hear from the Bible and to be fed from the Eucharist – we are privileged to have a God who both matters to us and cares about us.

The ceremonies of the Church are designed to take us to God and to represent God to us. From time to time, we have services that welcome those from outside our tradition. At such times, it is appropriate to consider what would be a barrier blocking participation. However, even in such circumstances we must consider the heart of worship and what proclaims that which we value and experience. Most guests understand that we have an identity that is not theirs: they do not expect a “watered down” liturgy although they will appreciate a well-explained and properly conducted expression of our faith.

I suggest a parallel from daily life: if friends with little children are coming to visit, we put away things that might create problems for active toddlers but we do not change all the furniture in the house.

My bottom line is this. Every expression of Christianity should have humility and realize that it can never say all that is to be shared about our infinite and mysterious God. At that same time, we should be confident in sharing and explaining our heritage.

Forward in faith!

Father James