St Paul's United Church of Christ
50 North Main St.
PO Box 129
Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-2447
The Reverend William J. LaSalle, Pastor
email:stpaulsucc@dejazzd.com

Pastor's Message

June 2007

In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, artists created countless works focusing on the Christ story. As we look back at these works, we are staggered by the breadth and depth of the early church’s commitment to artistic expression.

One large grouping of works focuses on Jesus and Mary in the center of a painting or fresco, with individuals gathered around them who depict saints, biblical characters, or donors. Some freestanding paintings are in triptych form with outer panels folding to cover the central image. Other paintings were intended for use above altars or were converted to stained glass. I have many memories of some of these beautiful altars in the German churches in Bavaria, where I lived for several years while serving in the Army. The paintings express a wide variety of emotions. Some images include characters that are engaging in quiet prayer and devotion, eyes cast down with bodies still and silent. In many of these instances, the setting is that of a church or monastic cloister. In the latter part of the fifteenth, the characters move from a more staid and meditative placement to being engaged in laughter and emotion, in activity and expression. Musicians and teachers, poets and clergy are often included in these later depictions. Settings for the art works range from homes and sitting rooms to classrooms and halls. Though each work is different, they usually share a common title, “sacra conversazione” – the sacred conversation.

During the season following Pentecost, the church looks back at the fasting of Lent and the feasting of Easter by recounting the important conversations that occur as the church emerges and evolves into a community. As it moves from a loose band of followers to a recognized gathering of Christians, biblical conversations between Jesus and those he meets deepen the ensuing transformation. The church needs to retell these stories for its life to be sustained. The image of a sacred conversation grounds God and the human story in which revelation grows out of relationship.

Whenever two or three are gathered, the liturgy becomes the setting for this sacred conversation to occur among the faithful. Whenever the liturgy happens, a conversation about things sacred takes place. Summer liturgy encourages sacred conversations.

Sometimes the conversation, like the paintings, is vigorous and engaging. The biblical narratives may be emotion-filled dialogues with a disciple or a challenger, a seeker or a nay-saying doubter. Sometimes, the conversation seems more one-sided, as in a proclamation, a saying or a parable. Sometimes silence and withdrawal mark the sacred time. Yet even quiet and reflection become critical and essential so that in the inner silence, dialogue can happen.

A posture of prayer, a gesture of grace, a home for heart and spirit – these are the unspoken language of the sacred conversation. Subtle and striking, these signs are important too, for they mask yet another level of encounter. Touching the mind, the heart and the body by the power of the Holy Spirit, God reaches humanity in unassuming and personal ways. This is what liturgy provides, a way for that which is wholly “Other” to meet us.

It is our hope that you will also soon be facing another holy conversation. Soon, it is to be hoped, the Search Committee will be recommending a new pastor. Your eventual vote to extend a Call will begin, not end, a process of holy conversation about your future. Together you will become the congregation of the future at St. Paul’s, led by the Holy Spirit to embrace that future together on a great, new journey of faithful response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These Sundays after Pentecost will include many of the same questions that faced the first Christians as they sought to move forward in faithful service in Christ’s name. It is a chance again to reconsider direction, energy, mission and purpose as a congregation. I hope that there will be an enthusiastic movement toward this holy moment of renewal. May God continue to bless this congregation in the months ahead.

Pastor Cluley