Well, it was long past due.
A holy pilgrimage to the center of devotion for all Wisconsinites. To the promised land of Lambeau. Where the water runs green and gold and so does the blood that pumps through our veins. Long lines of devoted pilgrims milling about in a sea of green and gold, praying the lines into the stadium moved fast enough to be seated before kick-off. It was a momentous experience.
Our tickets told us to climb as high as one can go in the stadium. Section 748S. So close to Jesus are these seats, that they do not show up on a normal seat map when you pull up the stadium on your laptop. And yet, they were perfect. Chairs with backs and just 22 of our closest friends to share in the experience.
Even Aaron Rodgers showed up on that late September night. Well, the real Aaron Rodgers. The one we celebrated for so many good years – even as we have struggled to be faithful in these last few years of difficult defeats and paltry passing games. Yet Rodgers did not disappoint. Especially in the second half of the game.
And the Pro Shop. Good Lord! If you think Lambeau is overwhelming – steer clear of the Pro Shop. Never have I ever seen such a display of fan fanaticism. What can you buy with a green and gold color scheme? The question is: what can you NOT buy washed in green and gold? They have everything. And so much no one should ever purchase, but to each their own.
Going to my first Packers game was an incredible moment. One I will not forget. Now, how to take that experience and package it into someone’s experience at Ascension? We are going to need fireworks and a jet for a flyover for sure. We will need bigger video screens for sure! And more entrances and metal detectors and bathrooms and concessions and expanded parking. And of course, an Ascension Pro shop where you can buy autographed 8×10’s of Pastor Tony all decked out and ready to preach. We can change the name of the Ascension Choir to the Frozen Tundra Choir and robes have to be green and gold striped like the bib overalls of Packer fame. Pews get switched out for silver benches and we can quit heating the place in the winter for more of the “experience.”
I am kidding and then again maybe not. What if people looked at the experience of worship in celebration of their faith with the same kind of dedication as they put into the planning of their tailgate menu and timing of entrance into the stadium? So grateful to our God that we are reminded that the table of welcome and worship is big enough for everyone not just those with a precious ticket. Grateful, still more, for the people who gather for worship week after week to give thanks and inspire me to reach out in love and hope to a world far larger than Lambeau Field.
I will go back in a heartbeat. Maybe even the same seats. I might skip the Pro Shop and find better food than the hotdog I bought this time around. And maybe not…that hot dog tasted so much better sitting in the stadium then they do at home. Yes, I will go back! I have more research to do!
For now, we will leave the pews in the sanctuary and keep the heat on. But the green and gold choir robes … I could get behind those tomorrow!
Peace to you people of God. Grateful for your presence. See you soon.
Pastor Chris
Reprinted from the Oct. 2021 newsletter.
