Sounds like my church. I think there is a growing desire among people to have something that is more than just a charismatic pastor and rock music. I think people are starting to look for churchs that have an actual confession, stick to their guns and have more than just frosting faith.
I’m sorry but what the heck more do you need after Jesus? Like you said, sacraments, the Word, good preaching, good pastoral care in Christ’s name, and lots of love should be enough, period…I think Pope Benedict XVI has done a masterful job of showing how the historical critical method can be used without being a liberal.
Alix1912,
Alix1912 & Gurney,I agree. I think it’s odd that you have the Incarnate Word of God, Jesus Christ, fully God and Man, walks on water, resurrects the dead as well as Himself, cures the blind, heales the lame, exorcises demons, turns water into wine, multiplies food, died for our sins, the glory of the Easter resurrection, and the power of God Almighty AND YET people say "we need an awesome youth group, guitars, rock music, exciting brunches, and parties and soccer tournaments or people won’t want to show up!!!
No…the Lutheran Church I grew up in had an eternity candle that was always lit to symbolize the light of Christ never going out. My current church cannot have one due to fire codes. The unserved portion of the sacrament is kept in special containers but not in the sanctuary it is kept in the sacristy usually located behind the sanctuary.
Gurney,I agree. I think it’s odd that you have the Incarnate Word of God, Jesus Christ, fully God and Man, walks on water, resurrects the dead as well as Himself, cures the blind, heales the lame, exorcises demons, turns water into wine, multiplies food, died for our sins, the glory of the Easter resurrection, and the power of God Almighty AND YET people say "we need an awesome youth group, guitars, rock music, exciting brunches, and parties and soccer tournaments or people won’t want to show up!!!
Thanks for explaining. I’m not sure how our Sanctuary Lamps are kept lit continuously-may be a gas light-not sure, but there is one located above the place of the reserved Sacrament in both the Sanctuary and the Chapel.
JoshuaNY,
I love the comment in your signature about the pews. That is so true.
In a nutshell, Pope Benedict seems to navigate the two extremes - Biblical fundamentalism on the one hand, which rejects all modern scholarship into the origins of the Bible, and on the other hand, use of the historical-critical method without any due regard for the theology of the historic Church (like the Jesus Seminar types - Marcus Borg, etc.). When viewed through the lens of Nicene/Chalcedonian orthodoxy, the use of the historical critical method can illuminate the Church’s teachings instead of attacking them.
I can definitely see that happening. I usually sit in the back row and stay out of everyone’s way. For awhile there were about three of us women each sitting alone in our spots in the back. Finally two of us are sitting together. Change takes time.At my old Anglican parish, it’s VERY clannish. That’s one thing I hate. This one family seems to think they own the front pew at St. Paul’s. My parents and I sat in “their” pew one time around 1997 or so and the man literally started tearing up, yelled, stomped his foot, paced back and forth. It was the biggest grown-man temper tantrum I’ve ever watched. My mom got up and said, “You know what, Ed, if it means that much to you and you’re that petty about it, we’ll move to the third pew and let you own the first two…” You would think he’d be shamed but he replied, “ok, good, because these are ours…”
They’re buddies with the rector, they’re hardcore Republicans like our rector, and they are all good ole boys…
One thing I just HATED about my Anglican parish was the politics. All they talked about were the evil democrats. When I told Father James that I voted for Obama, he reacted as if I had told my first born into slavery in Belgrade…
Haha Thanks. People can be a little over-protectiveJoshuaNY,
I love the comment in your signature about the pews. That is so true.
Anna, at my parish I usually see Father or someone from the alter guild using these types of candles (stpatricksguild.com/browse.cfm/sanctuary-candles/2,1789.html) although I don’t know if they are the 7 or 14 day ones.
That’s interesting; but not sure if we’re talking about the same thing. The Sanctuary Lamps have red glass and are attached to the wall above the reserved Sacrament. Is that what you are talking about?
Yes, that’s what I’m talking about. The red glass is the “shade” and the candle goes inside the shade; the candle is then replaced at the end of it’s burn-life (every 7 to 14 days depending on the candle’s specifications). Most sanctuary candles that I’ve seen (in both Anglican and Catholic parishes) are done this way, but there are some out there that use an electric “candle” or an oil lamp.
GCMac87,
