I got a first glimpse into what to expect on Friday when loud sounds began wafting through the Bethel sanctuary, sounds that kept pulling me away from my desk. At night, at the send-off concert, I was up for a surprise-not only was there music, but dramas and videos as well.
As the tour date came closer, I began wondering what to pack and when to leave. OMG, sleeping on the floor? Where, in the world is my camping gear--after all we are in the process of selling our home and moving? Due to the late date of Pentecost, I ended up flying to Portland, stuffing pillow, sleeping bag, and camping mat into the same humungous red suitcase that held my clothes.
Thus far, I have been part of 4 performances - 2 in Washington, 2 in Oregon. All of them were we'll attended by people of all ages. I have slept in 3 different homes (ranging from magazine-worthy to girlish-pink) and one church. I have eaten well and enjoyed wonderful attractions along the way: Pike's Market in Seattle, watching as the group enjoyed the local indoor swimming pool all to themselves (courtesy of our host church), speed boating on the Willamette River, and sand dune bugging at the Oregon coast.
Along the way, the performances have become better and better. Consonants actually are now getting enunciated, the singers and musicians actually SMILE when on stage, talking and any whispering on stage has stopped, and the group nicely interacts with host church members during dinners and greets audiences.
My biggest surprise on the tour, though, has been to see that Common Ground is far more than a musical tour. Sure, musical performance and excelling in them is an important part of the tour, but far more important is what I would call the spiritual-formation element of the tour.
I have learned how the dramas have grown out of many hours of discussion and sharing. This year's theme, "Living out Loud," indeed provides for ample thought. How do I as an individual practice God's salvation in my own life? How do I practice what I preach? Can others really experience God's love and grace and forgiveness when they meet me?
Most Lutheran congregations plenty to learn from the kids' message of living out loud: As churches, we must always ask ourselves how we can be more sharing, inclusive, and welcoming. Do we speak out in the name of God's love when we watch others being bullied, abused, and exploited? Do we hold back, out of fear that we cease being popular or that we might be mistaken for political propagandists? Are we truly Live out Loud" houses or do we more closely resemble social clubs of the well-to-do? When encountering abusive behavior and oppressive systems, is all we do to pray and watch as things only get worse or do we strive to do something to spread God's love in word and deed?
Common Ground also offers the youth and their adult sponsors great opportunities for developing leadership skills and learning about equipment and technology. It is amazing to watch how the "kids" speedily set up ver complex sound, video, lighting, recording, and projection equipment, how they know what to plug in where, which cables to run, and what lights and screens to set up. Roles are easily switched. Multiple-tasking seems to come naturally.
In addition to the performances and the recreational fun, each day tine is set aside for sharing and processing--either in pairs or "family groups.". Each performance begins with group prayer out of sight of the audience--everyone checks in with a prayer concern of their own.
In the process I am learning who's the most enthusiastic in the group ( without doubt, Tyler), who's holding back, who's simply copy-catting, who tries to avoid chores, who takes on leadership roles willingly, or who is quiet, chatty.
And let's nor forget the sponsors -- the 10 adults that are traveling with the choir and band. They are the ones training the kids in the use of the equipment, giving feed-back after performances, doing vocal coaching, helping with stage choreography, tending to a bleeding nose, a hurting stomach, personal crises, time and money management, and faith sharing. In the process friendships are strengthened and first connections made.
Can you tell that I am thoroughly enjoying my road trip? Yes, I do and I am grateful to be included into this year's Common Ground.
I hope to see many if you soon -- hopefully at the Common Ground homecoming concert on Sunday, June 19, at 7:30pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino.
Location:Pacific North West
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