Comments on: Welcoming Liturgy http://pursiful.com/2007/10/welcoming-liturgy/ Darrell Pursiful's blog Mon, 14 May 2012 13:24:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: D. P. http://pursiful.com/2007/10/welcoming-liturgy/comment-page-1/#comment-769 D. P. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:42:33 +0000 http://pursiful.com/?p=516#comment-769 Good comments all around, PS! Thanks for adding your thoughts. Good comments all around, PS! Thanks for adding your thoughts.

]]> By: PS http://pursiful.com/2007/10/welcoming-liturgy/comment-page-1/#comment-768 PS Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:41:24 +0000 http://pursiful.com/?p=516#comment-768 A few random, disconnected responses: Hospitality/welcoming needs to be one of the first things a newcomer feels, but "central" might mean that it is higher on the list than the Gospel. But this does need to be one of those do what I do, not what I say things. Open communion: this is an issue for me because I'm excluded in a church I visit even though I completely agree with that church's doctrine on communion. I guess I don't understand how a church lets itself come across as an exclusive club, or perhaps, as the only "right" group. That might not be their doctrine, but it "seems" that way. But would I take communion with a group that sees it only as a "symbol?" I don't know because I haven't been offered it in a church like that. Bulletin: I know that having a "worship folder" is the in thing in some churches, but I have problems with all the paper and secretary time needed to have that. However, I suppose that for a visitor, it would be easier than fumbling with books. However, we aren't stupid either. The key would be if the pastor/leader gives hospitable prompts during the service. There is one theory that the liturgy is suppose to flow without these interruptions, but that makes an outsider feel all the more outside. Musical styles: yes, a variety of styles would be more "inclusive," but the music/words has to be accessible in any case. Thumbs down on some of the older hymns that have convoluted language because of translation. Length of service: Shorter services are best for people with children on their laps and for people with some specific problems, as when I was post-surgical. At our church, an occasional service runs way over an hour. I haven't heard complaints when the reason is because of spiritual content, ie our healing service went way way long on Sunday. But we had a pastor who dragged everything out and that had a markedly negative effect on attendance, especially families with young children. Cut scripture readings? You've got to be kidding. This is the only time many people hear the Bible. Confession of sins: Well, yes, of course. That is what is done in my tradition. We are reminded that we are made clean, and they we can worship joyfully. Announcements: Our are at the beginning, before the invocation. Years ago, they used to come about 1/3 of the way into the service, totally inappropriate. I hate them at the end of the service, but maybe from a practical standpoint, that is better. But how about after the benediction. A few random, disconnected responses:
Hospitality/welcoming needs to be one of the first things a newcomer feels, but “central” might mean that it is higher on the list than the Gospel. But this does need to be one of those do what I do, not what I say things.

Open communion: this is an issue for me because I’m excluded in a church I visit even though I completely agree with that church’s doctrine on communion. I guess I don’t understand how a church lets itself come across as an exclusive club, or perhaps, as the only “right” group. That might not be their doctrine, but it “seems” that way. But would I take communion with a group that sees it only as a “symbol?” I don’t know because I haven’t been offered it in a church like that.

Bulletin: I know that having a “worship folder” is the in thing in some churches, but I have problems with all the paper and secretary time needed to have that. However, I suppose that for a visitor, it would be easier than fumbling with books. However, we aren’t stupid either. The key would be if the pastor/leader gives hospitable prompts during the service. There is one theory that the liturgy is suppose to flow without these interruptions, but that makes an outsider feel all the more outside.

Musical styles: yes, a variety of styles would be more “inclusive,” but the music/words has to be accessible in any case. Thumbs down on some of the older hymns that have convoluted language because of translation.

Length of service: Shorter services are best for people with children on their laps and for people with some specific problems, as when I was post-surgical. At our church, an occasional service runs way over an hour. I haven’t heard complaints when the reason is because of spiritual content, ie our healing service went way way long on Sunday. But we had a pastor who dragged everything out and that had a markedly negative effect on attendance, especially families with young children.

Cut scripture readings? You’ve got to be kidding. This is the only time many people hear the Bible.

Confession of sins: Well, yes, of course. That is what is done in my tradition. We are reminded that we are made clean, and they we can worship joyfully.

Announcements: Our are at the beginning, before the invocation. Years ago, they used to come about 1/3 of the way into the service, totally inappropriate. I hate them at the end of the service, but maybe from a practical standpoint, that is better. But how about after the benediction.

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