Today I went to an Anglican Palm Sunday service at the local parish church. Growing up in very non-traditional Protestant churches, this was an intriguing experience for me. First we "processed" from one small room back to our seats after having our palm branch crosses blessed. Apparently these are supposed to be burnt after the service at some point and then the ashes are used on Ash Wednesday. Quite a logical idea, actually. We were supposed to go from the church offices about ten minutes away, but the icey conditions made that impossible for the many older people who can't walk quite as well. So we happily sang the hymns and processed around the small church, quickly finding our seats.
Then the priest (or the priest's minion - I don't know the proper names, ok?) filled the air with incense as he honoured the palm crosses, the communion table, and the priest reading the Gospel of Luke. This reading took the place of the sermon as we listened to the several chapters of Christ's passion - possibly the first time I have heard it read aloud in church all at once. Communion was the same, however, creating a sense of continuity. Even though this is the holiest week of the church calendar, it is still a part of our ordinary lives with God.
The traditions, the liturgy, the hymns, and the respect for scripture made me think about the benefits about both types of churches I have attended here. Both are valuable and I do not understand why some are so determined to reject the other. The Nicene Creed that is recited every week in this Anglican Churches says that all who ascribe to it believe in "one holy catholic church" and I wish that this could be seen in Christian life.
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