Accidentally Creating Liturgy

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog on Tuesday I was at funeral training. But there was an interesting bit I forgot to mention.

The speaker was very easy to listen to, with a delivery style that kept you interested.
She decided to enliven the feedback sections, by giving a very brief description of the clothing of the person wishing to speak, was wearing
The first person to raise their hand was duly invited to speak with the following description.
"Lady in the blue patterned dress"
Delegates mentally note
'Lady in blue patterned dress'.


Then someone else raised a hand.
"Another lady,"
The speaker notes with some surprise -
"also in a blue patterned dress!"
Delegates mentally note
'Another lady in blue patterned dress.'






We come to the second section of feedback. I raise my hand.
"Lady in the black top"
"Actually it is blue!"
Delegates murmur
'Blue' and nod, sagely.
I make my point.




A gentleman raises his hand, indicating his desire to contribute to the discussion.
"Gentleman in the grey shirt"
Delegates whisper
"Greyey BLUE"







We have lunch,
consuming the sandwiches which we brought with us.
No attempt is made to replicate the feeding of the 5,000.
This is funeral ministry, not miracles.
There is deep joy when we discover coffee
and we are satisfied with that small miracle.
Listening is thirsty work.

At the allotted time we resume.

Our speaker continues with the next section - appropriately named the graveyard slot, and then we come to a point where further feedback is invited.
"Lady in pink top. It's cerise! You cannot call that blue!!!"
declared the speaker, an air of desperation entering her voice.
Delegates mutter
"Pinky BLUE"

Then a second person speaks
"Gentleman in the check shirt!"
Delegates all turn round and look at Mike
'BLUE Check!'

We move on to talk about times that bereaved people find difficult - Christmas, Valentines Day, New Year. A mention is made of the fact that some churches offer a quieter service in December.
"Do any of you know what name this service can be given?"
"BLUE Christmas" respond the delegates.

And THAT is how you accidentally create liturgy..