A few more words about the concert we attended Monday night.
The experience was . . .
Friendly – among a group of strangers united only because most people liked the music of the particular artist. I’m sure there were some who were dragged along, but everyone in attendance appeared to forget about everything else when that first note was played.
Relaxed – this particular venue is a large hall filled with tables and chairs. Participants can arrive early and eat dinner or show up (like we did) just in time for the concert. Sitting around a table brings a whole new dimension to the event. I loved the stage and the backdrop. If I were a church architect this is what the gathering place would look like!
Moving – this artist could sing and he could play. The nuances of pitch and control were evident in his voice. The evidence of preparation in his guitar playing. It’s always a treat to see someone give their best.
Entertaining – i was encouraged, uplifted as part of the crowd. I was in a good mood before the concert and in a better mood because of the concert.
Telling – people who are passionate attract a following. Here is a musician who sang and played his heart out in front of a group of people who came to here him sing and play. But he also talked and had some strong opinions on certain topics. His soulful singing and passionate playing became the conduit to share what he had to say. People listened and responded.
The whole experience left me dreaming of what fun it would be to have a worship gathering at the Birchmere.
I like the table design. I would love to be able to get rid of our pews for a more multi-purpose type atmosphere.
We’re talking about moving a FEW tables into the auditorium for fellowship time before Sunday morning services. I would love to see the pews go away and allow a more intimate setting where we were actually facing each other.
No pews in heaven. Sounds like a song.
Steve – lol.
Randy – This is for you:
“No pews in heaven and no more elders than seven.”
Of course, I remember going to the OLD Birchmere. In those days we had to sacrifice for our music. Now you kids have your fancy tables with tablecloths and soft napkins, and fancy dinner food, and comfortable chairs at the NEW Birchmere. Oh, and what about that stage you love with the cool backdrop with a musician who could sing AND play AND was prepared AND gave his best.
OLD Birchmere was crap and we knew it and we still went and we were thankful to get crap.
Now, guys, you know I love ya, but a worship service seated at tables facing each other? That’s bound to be unscriptural…………..
And besides, it gives me a feeling of sibkbri in the pit of my stomach…….just like being seated in a classroom with the chairs in a circle!
Chuckles!
only concert I ever saw at the Birchmere was Ralph Stanley. We ate dinner beforehand with friends so were sitting right up front under his nose just about. That was quite an experience. For a guy in his 70′s he can still put on quite a show.
I think you’re on to something with tables in the sanctuary (can I use that word?). One could argue it’s about as bibilical as you can get if you want to get technical about worship. Think of it, big meals together; no rushing around Sun. morning trying to get the kids fed; sharing the LS together (as long as no one’s getting drunk); having the band playing right before you while you enjoy your latte……the list goes one