Some parts of the tree seem unimportant. There are many plants that not only survive a serious pruning, but actually thrive as a result. Tree branches can be well trimmed and the tree grows back healthy. This is why people think they can "top" trees, radically cutting off of most of branches and the smaller ends of limbs. In this way they can enjoy a thick, rounded, tree-top in the summer. But in the winter one can see how topping has destroyed the original grace and beauty of the tree. Usually topping exposes the tree to disease, insects and rot, shortening its life. It takes discernment, an understanding of trees and careful judgment, to prune well.

January 3rd, I knew I had to leave the worship service before Beth's sermon. Knowing this made me focus more on the earlier parts of the service, to get all I could from them. On the other hand I know that some people only come to the services to hear a sermon, or take in Jim Helton's wonderful piano playing. I know that some people intentionally "prune" the service each week by coming late, cutting off announcements and chalice lighting, perhaps even Joys and Sorrows. But, how important are the early parts of the service? How do they change the meditation and sermon? If you prune the worship service, would it lose its organic beauty and integrity, or is every part essential? This is something to wonder about as you look at the bare limbs of trees and wonder how important are they, how valuable are the healthy trees, how important the forests of the world. Let me know what you think about forests or worship services.

Peace,
Thomas