President and First Lady George W. Bush came to the 8:00 service at my home parish, Christ Church, Alexandria, this morning. Mom and Dad and I were able to go. I thought we might have a hard time getting a seat, so I went early. Though I'm not sure the 8:00 service has ever had that many attendees, we still would have been able to find a seat. I was impressed that our Rector kept the service exactly as it had been scheduled before they received the news that the President was coming at 9pm last night. It was a straightforward Rite I Eucharist. The President and First Lady sat in the President's pew, where Winston Churchill, George Washington, Ronald Regan, and Robert E. Lee, among others, have sat. They were both friendly and amenable to a star-struck crowd. The integrity of the service was maintained quite well, I thought. I also don't envy the Clergy Resident, ordained priest last week, who celebrated for the first time today. (Not sure I would have made it through...) The experience really made me think about how I might have reacted had I been preaching, presiding, or ushering. What would you say to the president, assuming you had his ear for 30 seconds? What would you preach? Does reverence and awe take over despite political differences? All good things to ponder! I would love to hear your thoughts...
Blessings to all on this Fourth Sunday in Advent
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