Robert A. Meyering

Robert Meyering explores the concept and practice of ritual in various Reformed congregations, reflecting on both seasonal and weekly traditions, as well as rituals for special life moments.

To Reach Out and Touch Someone An understanding of personality trite action to perform in the middle preferences may help explain why some people like to greet others in church and others don't. Invariably when a church introduces the practice of turning around and extending a greeting to fellow worshipers, some members are very pleased to do so while others find it unpleasant. Perhaps personality has something to do with it.

Two heads may be better than one. Duane and Carl are preachers. It's Wednesday noon, and they're having lunch together at Burger King. Over a Whopper and a large order of fries they discuss the meat and potatoes they'll be dishing up for their congregations on Sunday. This lunch is a regular part of their week. If s also a regular and important part of their sermon preparation.

An item in the liturgy called "Encouragement from the Saints" may seem out of place in a Protestant worship service. Saints, after all, have never fared well in the Reformed tradition. We don't pray to them; we don't celebrate their feast days; we don't recognize them.