Being at Church Fully

As our program at work finished up this weekend, I noticed that well before the speaker finished, several of the students were already standing, putting on their coats and placing up their chairs. This was especially painful since the students are becoming teachers and will soon face this same issue from the other side. I mentioned this to them in closing, somewhat scolding them for their behavior. This, however, is not the only time that I have seen such behavior: People already preparing for their next activity before they have completed the last.

Like many church services, our Sunday worship has a predictable structure. Prayers, readings, and hymns may change but they are always placed in the same place. Traditionally, just before the benediction, we sing "Go Ye Now in Peace". As we begin to sing, the rusling starts: coats are put on, handbags are put over shoulders, hymn books are put away. As I watch this behavior, I am often left wondering When did the clock out from church? How long have they been waitng to put their coat on?

Worship is about connecting with God. Can't we release teh outside world long enough to be fully present during worship? Wouln't it be interesting if there was a pause after worship while we absorbed the fullness of the service before we got our coats and left.