A time of prayer and the reading of Scripture marks the season of Lent in order to help prepare us to celebrate Easter. We invite you to join us as we reflect daily during this season.
By Fred Harrell
"What do I wear?" It's an important question we ask each day because we know that clothing conveys a message about ourselves and our context. A business suit often says, "money" or "CEO" or "business." Casual clothing often says "comfort" or "me." A police uniform says, "law." A tuxedo often says, "wedding." Any of those messages might be valid in different contexts, so you have to make sure you are wearing the right clothes for the occasion.
I've been asking this question a lot lately as we transition to a multi-site church. Do we change clothes for each location? Does each location deserve it's own attire? More importantly, what's the purpose of what we are wearing? Because clothes communicate. The occasion of a worship service, preaching, administering sacraments, fulfilling the office of "minister" demands a more thoughtful answer to "what do I wear?" than I've given it in the past. It must include contextual concerns, but it must do more, and here's why.
In the broader culture judges, police officers, doctors, etc, all wear uniforms that convey the responsibilities of their office. Judges and policemen wear a uniform because they do not act for themselves. They are under orders. They represent the law and government of the county, city, or state in which they serve. Likewise, a minister does not act for him/herself, but for Jesus Christ, representing the law and government of another kingdom, and I'm convinced the clothing he or she wears should testify to this.
This is a Biblical idea, where clothing and calling are connected, and which began at least three thousand years ago, when in Exodus chapter 28 the priests were directed to wear special clothing that set them apart for their office whenever they were leading worship. So it is with most of the world's ministers - they wear the "uniform" that conveys their unique role in leading God's people in worship. The history of a Christian minister wearing a white collar has been associated with the iron collar of a slave. The minister is the bondslave of Jesus Christ and represents and ministers Christ to the world. The symbolic clothing serves to minimize the importance of the personality, social class, or economic status of the person and highlight instead their calling. Not because pastors are extra holy or have special access to God. Quite the opposite. Clerical attire is designed in part, to de-emphasize the personality of the minister (a refreshing concept in a time when much of Christendom has become personality-driven), and to emphasize their office and calling, and direct our thoughts to the fact that in worship we enter into the presence of God, not the Cult of Personality.
For this reason, beginning Sunday February 28, you will be noticing a change in the attire of all our Ministers of Word and Sacrament at City Church as we seek to bring our practice in line with what the Bible implies, back in line with what the historic Church has practiced, and in line with what other churches in the Reformed tradition do worldwide. And one more change to note. City Church is not only becoming more historic in its attire, but also more "modern" in its use of the creeds. We will be using versions of the Apostle's Creed and Lord's Prayer in worship that are not only more modern in their language, but more accurate as well. The word "trespasses" for example meant one thing to its original audience, while today we might immediately think of being on someone else's property! Both of these changes, our dress and our updated language in our creeds, reflect City Church's commitment to being both historic, recognizing the Holy Spirit didn't show up when we came onto the scene, and modern as we seek to be comprehensible to a post Christian world. What won't change is that we will continue to explain, apply, remember what it's like not to believe, and create an environment where it's always safe to bring your friends who are not familiar with faith in Christ and may be interested in exploring what that might mean for them.
"What do I wear?" There's not a perfect answer I know. But we are going to be purposeful in answering this question. We will dress in a way that clearly communicates "The Lord is here to speak to you and to serve you at the table of his grace."
Read More about what the clerical collar says about Me, You, and City Church.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday,April 1 | 6:30 PM
Russian Center | 2460 Sutter Street | Map >
This is the service where we remember Jesus' last night with his disciples. He washed their feet and gave them the new commandment to "love one another even as I have loved you." 'Maundy' comes from the Latin word for 'mandate' referring to Jesus' new mandate to "love one another." Just as Jesus shared a last supper with his disciples on this night, we will share in a simple meal of bread and soup together and then share in the Lord's supper.
Suggested donation $5 per adult (PB&J provided for children 0-9 years old). The meal begins at 6:30 PM, and worship begins at 7 PM. Register Here for Childcare.
Good Friday
Friday, April 2 | 12:00 - 1 PM
Russian Center | 2460 Sutter Street | Map >
Good Friday is an old way of saying 'God's Friday,' the day of Jesus' crucifixion. During this worship service we will read through the passion narrative of St. John, sing together, pray together, and remember Jesus' death.
Childcare 0 - 9 years old. Please help us plan by registering for childcare. Register Here >
Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 3 | 5 PM
Russian Center | 2460 Sutter Street | Map >
At this evening candlelight service, we will hear scripture readings that record the history of Redemption from Genesis to the Gospels. Then, as was the practice of the early church, we will celebrate the sacrament of holy baptism and share in Holy Communion. There will be a dessert reception following the service to celebrate Easter, and to welcome the new members into our church family.
Childcare 0 - 9 years old. Please help us plan by registering for childcare. Register Here >
Easter Services
Sunday, April 4
Sutter Street | 9 AM 10:45 AM & 12:30 PM
Russian Center | 2460 Sutter Street | Map >
23rd Street | 10 AM
Horace Mann Middle School | 3351 23rd Street | Map >
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