Today we (Ben Kautzer, Gaelen Gilbert, Emily Smith, and Dane, friend of Emily) went to the old English town of York. For those who know me, I have a picture taken of me by the statue of Constantine -- for it was in Northern England he heard that he had been made emperor "not far from this spot." The York Cathedral (Minster) is massive and beautiful (http://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/admin/photos/YorkCathedral_small.jpg). York and Nottingham are much older, less industrial towns in England.

I felt that I really needed to be drawn into worship and pray -- more tomorrow. A choir sung the hymns and liturgical responses -- a choir spanning from ages 8 through upper 60s. It had been years since I have heard the beauty of boy saprano voices. The priest tried to inform the "congregation" what was going on, how to prepare, what was to happen. The gospels were read; a "sermon" (liberal moralizing about what matters is the 'inwardness' of the heart -- non-judgmental sincerity -- ie, what MacIntyre would call emotivism) given. Jesus in Mark 7 gave a moral teaching that reproduced the status quo of the contemporary liberal society.

I was overwhelmed with the history of those gathered in this space; I was overwhelmed that it was a "cultural event" for those who gathered -- which, of course, worship is. But . . .

There was a vitality, a beauty in the setting and service. The setting, the music, the gospels, the prayers, all gestured appropriately to God. The musical formation that had been undergone was amazing; I am humbled and thankful. But . . .

I looked for the congregation, not voyeurs like me. I saw about 8 whose movements, interactions, gestures, signified that they were congregation members, not paid museum personel or cultured performers of English history. I wondered -- this massive, beautiful cathedral; where was the church, the congregation? It was not gone, I was grateful and thankful to see the faithful there. But it was, well, diminutive in relation to the cathedral.

It is after midnight. I need to get to sleep. I hear that Dave Harrison testified at the service in Mid-City. Dave is a friend; I'm humbled by him; and thankful as he has moved into a "home" for the first time in around 17 years. Give God praise.