So, St. Matthew's Church of Scotland is having a Christmas Watchnight Service in the Capital Asset Bar and restaurant next door to our sanctuary on Tay Street. Controversial? It ought not to be!
Some members of our church go to the Capital Asset prior to worship on a Sunday, others go for lunch afterwards, and even the Kirk Session meet, as a Kirk Session, from time to time for a pre Session meal. If it's acceptable for such neighbourly interaction in this way, why not so for worship itself?
The whole Christmas message, according to the Gospels at least, is that Jesus is the light of the world who came to dwell amongst us (all his people). Why would we only want to limit worship of this living God to those who happen to come into a church building then?
I think, in fact, St. Matthew's is in good company. Wasn't it Jesus himself who turned the water into the wine, wasn't it he who asks us to remember his shed blood by using wine, and wasn't it at an Inn that Mary and Joseph had tried to find accomodation immediately prior to the birth of our Lord in that stable? This year the Innkeeper (The Capital Asset) is saying, "come on in". I for one think it makes perfect sense, then, to accept such warm hospitality and help others to worship on Christmas Eve who, otherwise, probably would not come to the church itself.
There are, of course, other services taking place simultaneously in our partner churches in the city centre of Perth. Anyone who feels that this service in the bar is not for them are invited to share with fellow Christians in St. John's, St. Leonard's or the North Church just as they have in previous years when St. Matthew's has had no watchnight service at all. Equally, St. Matthew's continues to have our traditional Carol Service at 7pm within the church itself.
Friends, there is room in the inn this year, and I warmly invite those who would like to attend to come along to The Capital Asset and worship with me from 11:30pm as we celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus himself.
With sincere best wishes, thoughts and prayers for you and yours.
Scott
Rev Scott Burton BD Dip Min
Listen in to our BBC radio broadcast regarding our christmas service in the pub next door. (tune in at around 1hr 40 mins and 50 secs - oh, and a wee correct to what was said: There will NOT be anyone dressed as Jesus behind the bar pouring pints!)