Last Sunday in the close of the service I made some brief light hearted comments about Hand Raising in worship.  It's obviously a delicate and personal topic.   My visits to other churches this past summer got me thinking about how every church has a unique culture.  GraceSLO is no exception.  Our 80+ year history, our congregational make-up and our more formal/traditional church building are all factors which feed and influence our GraceSLO culture.  

While I think we're becoming more free and expressive in our worship together, we're still stiff and staid compared to most other churches in our community.   My comments were intended to nudge us just a bit and to give permission for a bit more freedom, emotion and expression.  

Of course there's a danger that hand raising becomes a measure of spirituality and something people feel pressured to do. We don't want that!  But our current situation is such that for many it feels odd and inappropriate to raise their hands in worship.  We're aiming for a grace-drenched freedom for all.  I don't think we're there yet.  

To continue our light-hearted contemplation of these issues, enjoy this hilarious bit by commedian Tim Hawkins . . .