Four and a half hours of worship. Songs, some a cappella and others accompanied by a keyboard, which would give you chills. Dancing by young and old. Words in Portuguese, English and Chindau. This is worship with the United Church of Christ in Mozambique.

So many thoughts ran through my mind in this worship service.  First, what a privilege it is to be a part of worship in a different culture, with different languages and varied theology and views.

Second, I realized how little I know, as a minister, about pastoring such a congregation. What would it be like to minister to so many who have so little materially? What words would be adequate enough? What actions and/or attitudes would one require to share Christ in this context?

And last, why can I not break loose and go singing and dancing with my offering to the basket? What holds me back? Is it me? Is it God? Is it my upbringing in the USA? Is it my lack of skill in the rhythm department?

Singing and dancing are important aspects of many African cultures, and worship serves to mark special occasions in the lives of individuals and congregations.  On this Sunday,   fifteen new youth were “initiated” into the youth group. They were dressed in new white shirts with the UCC symbol on them. The “old” youth robed the “new” youth with these shirts and then were hugged and congratulated by the youth, pastors and deacons. Why do we in the Global North not mark these important stages of our lives with more celebration and recognition?

The offering collection is a highlight of worship! It begins with song and dance and ends with a fabulous tossing of the coins into the basket. Churches or zones are called forth individually so that each one can display their own, independent act of giving. It is a time of celebrating!  There are smiles on people’s face, there is joy in the air with song and dance, and giving is truly an act of worship. Some folks even join the dance line more than one time to give again. There is so much to learn from our African family when it comes to giving.

Gandhi said, “give all, gain all.” And this is what our brothers and sisters here in Mozambique are doing in worship. They give all of what little they have to gain all…to gain Christ, to worship our living God, and to be a part of community that sings and dances together, despite the circumstances.

What would happen to our Disciples and UCC churches in American if we could experience, learn and live out the cheerful act of giving from our African family?  If we could lose ourselves in worship, letting go of our inhibitions and truly celebrate, being led by the Spirit in song and dance to “give all” and “gain all”? I think it would change us as individuals, thereby changing our churches and our communities.   What if?

Revs. Jon and Dawn Barnes

Jonathan and Dawn Barnes serve with the Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, based in Maputo, Mozambique. Dawn serves as an HIV and AIDS Coordinator and Jon serves as project and development officer.