Have you ever paid much attention to the lowly asterisk?
At first glance, it doesn't seem to carry much importance with it. It looks like an ink dot that some tiny particle splashed into, creating the little tendrils that identify the mark as the asterisk. Even the name is odd and difficult to pronounce fluidly. I hear the word mispronounced more than I hear it said correctly.
Does the asterisk have a purpose?
Actually, its function is very important, serving to draw attention to various bits of information or to draw the eye to another place for clarifying details.
Where am I going with this discourse on the asterisk?
Well, in the traditional Protestant church bulletin, the asterisk plays a critical role to relay to the congregation exactly when to stand and when to sit. Without this liturgical clue, people would be haphazardly sitting and standing and the congregants would look more like Jack-in-the-Boxes than worshippers. The alert pastor or liturgist gives verbal cues to the congregation - commanding them to sit or stand for hymns, the Call to Worship or the Benediction. When the officiant does not cue his or her flock, you can see the uncertainty of the people, with some sitting, some standing and some frozen in a squatting position that resembles a pose more often found in the water closet. The worst snafu of all is when the bulletin has the proper double asterisk indicating "congregation standing" or does not have the double asterisk, indicating the congregation should remain seated, and then proceeds to ignore the lowly asterisk (or lack thereof) and gives the opposite verbal cue. The resulting up and down motion resembles horses on a merry-go-round while the flock figures out just what to do.
That is exactly what happened at a service at my place of worship this past Sunday. Laughable if it were not so annoying. The people - the pastors - who compose the content of the bulletin should pay attention to what THEY put there. Just pay attention to the paper before them. This is not rocket science, just the ability to read and process. The congregation will appreciate this attention to detail.
There. I feel better.
Just sign me Ancora imparo and Annoyed
