The overwhelming sense of God’s presence in such an atmosphere of praise is indeed uplifting and your whole body is involved in the act of worship – no stiff standing, rooted to the spot, but an overflowing of your feelings into every part of your being, as Jesus is indeed ‘lifted high’. The singing reaches the roof, and beyond, I should imagine, but with well over 500 worshippers, you would not expect less than the very best being offered to God. Although there are the standard 5 hymns, the first of which is a good Charles Wesley offering, there is actually much more singing than that and you join in where you can. The music is very varied, with the traditional contributions of the robed choir in the processional and recessional hymns and the anthem, together with the band whose lively beat and rhythm adds a different dimension to the praise of the Almighty.

However, alongside the joyful praise, there is room for silence. Imagine the powerful impact of over 500 people being still before God at the beginning of the service, utterly quiet in His presence, listening for His word. There follow the prayers offered by the Presbyter on behalf of his flock, very much made their own by the resounding AMEN after each part, and the intercessory prayers are appropriately succeeded by the hymn, ‘O, Jesus, I have promised’. Prayer is an integral part of the service and part of the offering to God of His people.

One of the most wonderful experiences of worship in the African tradition is the emphasis on giving. There are always several offerings, all for different things, but with a common theme of thanksgiving and these occupy an important place in the worship. You do not only say thank you for lots of blessings, you demonstrate your thankfulness in a joyful, practical way. I say ‘joyful’ because the offerings are an opportunity for dancing before the Lord in order to bring Him your gifts and with them the service of your life. The notices inform you that at least some of these gifts are to be used to meet the needs of the less privileged – ‘Give and it shall be given unto you’. Judging by the number of times the worshippers come to the front, it seems as though they take that duty towards God and their fellow human beings very seriously.
 
There is a real focus on the Scriptures. As the first lady to be ordained in the Methodist Church Nigeria last August put it to us, ‘I am called first and foremost to preach the Word’. The Old Testament reading, the Epistle and the Gospel for the day are all read in that part of worship set aside for the Ministry of the Word and most of the congregation will have their Bibles with them, so that they can follow it more closely. The printed notices contain appropriate Bible texts and the readings are detailed in the order of service, so worship is taken back into the home and there is opportunity to meditate further on the message of the Word.

The Archbishop preaches the second of his sermon series. Last week was ‘The Folly of our Faith’, this week it is ‘The Wisdom of our Belief’, based on Isaiah 41 verse 31 – ‘But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength….’ The people of God in that place cannot fail to be challenged by his exhortation to become transforming agents in the community, not depending on anything or anyone except the Lord. When Jesus is in a small situation, it becomes big and if God is in a problem, it becomes an opportunity.

A changed Christian can change the Church and a changed Church can change society. During the peacefulness of the celebration of Communion, we have time to reflect on what God is saying to us through his message.

We leave that service uplifted, changed and challenged by all that we have found of God’s love and power at work in what has been a transforming experience.