When I last wrote I mentioned that it was suggested I post a blog each week. My last blog was four weeks ago and so it is quite clear I have not succeeded in following this suggestion. Even as I wrote my first blog I wondered how I would find things about which to write. My life–although for the most part quite good–is also uneventful. There is very little in my life that I think would interest others. Neither is there much that is special in my life and worth reporting. Rarely do I need to dress up in my best “bib and tucker”. Most days of the year it seems I have nothing more to do than throw on whatever’s clean.

Recently I was looking at webpages for the various churches in my neighbourhood. It has probably been all the publicity surrounding The United Church of Canada (UCCan) and the Rev. Gretta Vosper that has been one of my motivators. How are the churches in my neighbourhood presenting themselves and what type of worship do they offer.

There are four churches in this part of the city that would be considered main-line descendants of the Reform Tradition. Two are UCCan and two are Presbyterian. From the webpages it appears that one of the churches is happy to be both theologically and socially conservative. The other three, that are within walking distance, proudly advertise themselves as casual. It also appears to me clear they are progressive theologically.

I read the webpages and the way they present themselves and I suddennly realize I’m getting old. I miss special. When everything is casual it is no longer unique or special. When every Sunday is casual, none is special. These churches are no more noteworthy than the churches of of my childhood when everyone dressed up for every Sunday–none special. Then again, when I was very young most of the people with whom I went to church belonged to blue collar families and so dressing up one day a week was special. In my teen years it was different. Most of the people were white collar workers and not wearing a tie or panty hose was a reason to rejoice.

I often sit with my family and friends in a casual fashion, after we have been working out and are still in our sweats; or over coffee, lunch or a drink. There have even been times when my son and I have sat in our pyjamas together enjoying a single malt as we discuss how to make a perfect world. (We have all the answers.) However, there are times when I see my family and friends that are special and I dress up and behave differntly–more formally. I would not think of wearing my overalls to a wedding, or when attending a citizenship ceremony.

I love my triune God (yes, my theology is orthodox). And just as I love those casual, intimate moments with friends and family I also love sitting in the casual comfort of God’s embrace. However, I am missing the special when celebrating certain events in the Christian year. Just as I appreciate the casual I also appreciate those times when the surroundings are special, and there is a reason to “dress up” without feeling out of place. I believe that Godhead that is the centre of my faith is very, very special–and occasionaly, I’d like to do something special to celebrate that specialness. I guess I am growing old.