ABSTRACT
In bringing to a close a study such as this one, it might feel good to be vindicated by arriving at conclusions one anticipated from the start. Far more gratifying than being vindicated, however, is being surprised. Here at the end of this investigation, I am glad to note that the results are surprising, indeed. On the one hand, the past captured our attention over and over again, historical traditions proving themselves remarkably indelible. On the other hand, the presentteeming, as it is, with a great variety of understandings concerning worship participation-also proved striking in a number of ways. Before looking to the future (in the next chapter), it is worth reflecting upon the past and the present as they have come into focus here.
