tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post338734227539519197..comments2024-03-29T09:20:16.581-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Why is it bad to use old ceremonies but okay to invent new ones?Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-48105553730892290082012-04-24T17:19:56.746-05:002012-04-24T17:19:56.746-05:00One of the most unfortunate pieces of mistaken thi...One of the most unfortunate pieces of mistaken thinking in Lutheran circles seems to be that we must be more like the world and the rest of the churches to attract people. Non-Lutheran experts as well as Lutheran theologians say that programs and cute worship does not draw many people to worship or to the church. People are not looking for the same type of thing they get in the world when coming to church, but for authentic Christians, showing love and care, both in ritual and in life. Liturgy, when well-taught and well-done reminds us and points us back to God as the author and finisher of our faith. That is what worship is about, God coming to us in Christ so we go into the world and become His witnesses. All of the symbolism helps our senses of sight, smell, touch, and hearing to produce this reminder. My wife and I attend her home congregation to observe major festivals because such services are offered there with good, Law/Gospel preaching and the sacraments. Friends. Pr. Peters has exactly the right idea.Rev. Paul Dobbersteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06717123086470864079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-28882592390000607032012-03-17T18:59:28.458-05:002012-03-17T18:59:28.458-05:00After the Divine Service last week the mom of a 2 ...After the Divine Service last week the mom of a 2 1/2 year old boy that I baptized shortly after taking the call to this congregation came up to me and asked if I noticed anything about Joshua when he came forward with them to Communion. I had not. She said that he now bows reverently as he approaches and leaves the rail...at 2 1/2!!! Who says children don't get anything from the Divine service? He's learning how to worship every Sunday without special "things" just for kids.Rev. Roderick Schultzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05934306464772840581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-17938570016037710842012-03-16T06:18:00.930-05:002012-03-16T06:18:00.930-05:00First, the shepherd must not either give or allow ...First, the shepherd must not either give or allow his flock to be given a choice as to the form of the service. <br /><br />The flock must never be given cause for confusion, especially by its shepherd. <br /><br />A flock that is allowed by its shepherd to choose between that which provides Means of Grace or that which is confusing is not being properly tended.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07186384126211612393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-10912086006654347542012-03-15T13:18:40.786-05:002012-03-15T13:18:40.786-05:00Newer is truer, and later is greater. Man always ...Newer is truer, and later is greater. Man always has it wrong.<br /><br />These 'innovative' Lutheran (?) parishes only play into the hands of the Reformed. Thes often say the Lutheran penchant for following the Normative Principle (anything goes if not forbidden in Scripture) is a-Scriptural at best, and anti-Scriptural at worst.<br /><br />Personally, I'd much rather be considered a rabid liturgy-lover than a happy clappy worshiper.<br /><br />And spot on, Anonymous! Children (AND adults) receive, not give in worhsip. Sounds more like a Baptist children's 'church' service to me.Janis Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02947508427040251166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-83530400840099409102012-03-15T12:41:38.595-05:002012-03-15T12:41:38.595-05:00children play a more active role in the service th...<i> children play a more active role in the service through singing and serving along with helping the adults be more than just passive receivers. </i><br /><br /><br />I thought God serves us in the service and we receive.<br /><br />I thought children were actually commended for passively receiving in simple faith.<br /><br />What am I missing?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-9014604409489386092012-03-15T09:52:16.438-05:002012-03-15T09:52:16.438-05:00Who is to question anything that increases attenda...Who is to question anything that increases attendance? Why the need to mention numerical growth? How can you be critical of something that is successful? Well...you know the answer.<br /><br />Has any ever highlighted a congregation that restored every Sunday communion?Rev. Weinkaufhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06109679164669873385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-82804223689885370282012-03-15T07:02:10.601-05:002012-03-15T07:02:10.601-05:00Pastor: Completely agree. There seems to be a sens...Pastor: Completely agree. There seems to be a sense that being different on Sunday morning somehow makes the Church seem more welcoming. I'm not convinced because for me the purpose of Sunday services is to deliver God's gifts of Word and Sacrement.Rich Kauzlarichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04435925743346936088noreply@blogger.com