Lutheran Slinky Service

[IHeartAquinas]

I don’t care what denomination it is; if it is a denomination whose service is centered on liturgical rubrics (High Anglicanism, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Lutheranism and Methodism to certain extents), slinkies, clown priests, and any other “innovative” showmanship detracts from the fundamental principle of the liturgy.

The Methodist church that my youth group was in (I had a shouting match with my Catholic youth leader and decided not to go there anymore…that vile woman is STILL on my parents’ parish’s church board. ) had two services every Sunday–a morning “traditional” service, and an afternoon “contemporary” service. While a lot of weirdness happened in the afternoon service (I sometimes attended because youth group happened after) it never approached the weirdness I’ve read here. Thank the Lord my Diocesan Bishop is rather traditionally-minded.

 

[puzzleannie]

There is no link.

I simply typed out the short ad

are you going to give us some source so we know this is a legitimate ad for an actual Lutheran Church for their worship–not for a youth event or other non-liturgical gathering? the Lutherans I know would get rid of any pastor who suggested such a thing. Imagine what Garrison Keeler could do with this notion in Lake Woebegon.

 

[Miserys_Fence]

Well, that leaves me out. I could never get the darn things to go down more than one or two steps at a time.

I’ll never be like the cool kids in the commercials!! :crying:

Miz

 

[schaick]

How can you judge this without going to the service. Was it a one time event? Special service? Did the Pastor make a connection between the slinky and Bible verses-message of the sermon.

I know of a Priest that placed a *battery operated walking pig *on the altar to walk across the altar of a Catholic Church and made no connection with either the message or the Bible readings!! Now what is the point of that?

 

[Dale_M]

are you going to give us some source so we know this is a legitimate ad for an actual Lutheran Church for their worship–not for a youth event or other non-liturgical gathering?

I was suspicious that this could be a church parody. But if you search the ELCA’s national website, using their “Find a Congregation” locater, Ascension Lutheran Church shows up at the address listed on the church’s website.

Apparently the Alternative “Slinky” Service is regularly held, at 5:30 pm on Saturdays.

The Sunday service (9:15 am).) is a Blended Service. I’m not sure what that means, but it probably doesn’t involve slinkies.
ascension-church.com/worship_services.htm

Here is the description of the Slinky Service, which was the basis for the first post in this thread.
ascension-church.com/slinky.htm

 

[scottywolf777]

I was suspicious that this could be a church parody. But if you search the ELCA’s national website, using their “Find a Congregation” locater, Ascension Lutheran Church shows up at the address listed on the church’s website.

Apparently the Alternative “Slinky” Service is regularly held, at 5:30 pm on Saturdays.

The Sunday service (9:15 am).) is a Blended Service. I’m not sure what that means, but it probably doesn’t involve slinkies.
ascension-church.com/worship_services.htm

Here is the description of the Slinky Service, which was the basis for the first post in this thread.
ascension-church.com/slinky.htm

A blendid service? Makes it sound like something the Mystic Monks are brewing up?
I guess it’s a sign of our society that we turn the liturgy into a form of entertainment and theatre. We attend liturgy to worship the Lord or should. We’ve taken the mystical elements from the service and replaced them with a carnivale and wonder why folks go to mega churches. They’ve got better entertainment and better music…
What would those monks think of slinkys at Mass? They really have cause not to leave their monastery.

 

[Soldier_X]

Well, that leaves me out. I could never get the darn things to go down more than one or two steps at a time.

I’ll never be like the cool kids in the commercials!! :crying:

Miz

Hahahahaha I hear ya! I want to say that I only got it to go down a whole flight of stairs maybe once…and then it was at my grandparents’ house! “Mom, can we go to Grandma’s? I want my Slinky to justify its existence!”

 

[Dale_M]

A blendid service? Makes it sound like something the Mystic Monks are brewing up?

Heh, if they served MM coffee afterward I would consider attending, the next time I am in San Diego. Although, I have to admit, the Slinky Service does sound intriguing.

I guess it’s a sign of our society that we turn the liturgy into a form of entertainment and theatre. We attend liturgy to worship the Lord or should. We’ve taken the mystical elements from the service and replaced them with a carnivale and wonder why folks go to mega churches. They’ve got better entertainment and better music…

I have to admit, I don’t understand it either. I went with a cousin to her Baptist church which was much like what you describe. I left feeling puzzled. I know people were sincere, but to me it lacked any depth. I had a good time, though.

What would those monks think of slinkys at Mass? They really have cause not to leave their monastery.

Hmm…I think it is best they not hear about it. Although it might be this sort of trend which drove them to cloister in the wilds of Wyoming.

 

[HeavenlyRoses]

I hesitated to post the actual link to this church because I didn’t want to publicly single it out. I see someone has already beat me to the punch, so there you have it.

I copied the ad directly from a newspaper and checked the website myself to make sure it was a regular occurrence.
It’s funny, I simply underlined Slinky Service and people automatically assume that it’s a non-working web link. It’s just underlined

And please, do not disparage California in general. There are plenty of good ol’ normal, regular, traditional churches from which to choose. Thanks.

 

[Dale_M]

I hesitated to post the actual link to this church because I didn’t want to publicly single it out.

I think it is pretty clear that it is a children’s service, and meant to attract young families. Its a bit outside of the box, but it might get young families involved in the church who might otherwise stay away.

And please, do not disparage California in general. There are plenty of good ol’ normal, regular, traditional churches from which to choose.

Yes, it does have them, and in abundance. You’ll find everything in California that you’ll find elsewhere in the US… and then some.

(I miss the Sierras, a lot.)

 

[Lutheranteach]

While I’m not so sure about the slinky, I think if Martin Luther were alive today he would have a very modern church and would make a lot of use of multi-media. And, I suspect the music would be fantastic.

 

[IowaJay]

While I’m not so sure about the slinky, I think if Martin Luther were alive today he would have a very modern church and would make a lot of use of multi-media. And, I suspect the music would be fantastic.

Music, yes. Multi-media, no. The Word by itself was powerful enough for him - no gadgets required.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Can you imagine Luther organizing his own Lutheran alternative to EWTN? Shoot, that guy would be Catholic media’s worst nightmare! LOL He’s blast Scott Hahn back to Steubenville LOL

While I’m not so sure about the slinky, I think if Martin Luther were alive today he would have a very modern church and would make a lot of use of multi-media. And, I suspect the music would be fantastic.

 

[Lutheranteach]

Music, yes. Multi-media, no. The Word by itself was powerful enough for him - no gadgets required.

I say that because of his high use of the printing press and its use. I think if ML were alive the Lutheran Church would make use of the latest and greatest in technology while never straying from the word.

 

[JonNC]

While I’m not so sure about the slinky, I think if Martin Luther were alive today he would have a very modern church and would make a lot of use of multi-media. And, I suspect the music would be fantastic.

It might be a very modern church, but I’m sure that he would insist on the centrality of word and sacrament, provided through the traditional Lutheran mass/divine service. More modern music within that framework, done with reverence, is fine, but the divine service is not a rock concert (I’m sure you agree). It is the time where we hear the word, and receive Holy Absolution and the Blessed sacrament. Sunday school, youth and family fellowships, etc. are the perfect forum for praise bands and slinkys to help folks understand the message of Christ.

Originally post by IHeartAquinas
I don’t care what denomination it is; if it is a denomination whose service is centered on liturgical rubrics (High Anglicanism, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Lutheranism and Methodism to certain extents), slinkies, clown priests, and any other “innovative” showmanship detracts from the fundamental principle of the liturgy.

Exactly!! I participated in the presentation of our VBS program this summer. Lots of modern catchy music, child-appropriate props and characters. It was a wonderful way to bring His message to the children. There is a time and a place for what you rightly term
innovative showmanship. The divine service is not the place.

Jon

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Our Anglican VBS was good for my kids as well—their first time going to one…

What I found interesting was how the Catholics charge $25 per child plus each kid has to bring three canned goods while the Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and all other Protestants charge ZERO for their VBS? My Anglican parish is barely surviving financially. They’re being sued by the Episcopal Church for their property, they’re barely paying the bills, rector took a pay cut, the Vestry is being sued and YET they charge nothing to the kids and their families. Our Catholic parish has 7,000 families that are registered plus double that not registered, they’re richer than Trump, and yet they charge the pants off everyone?

Exactly!! I participated in the presentation of our VBS program this summer. Lots of modern catchy music, child-appropriate props and characters. It was a wonderful way to bring His message to the children. There is a time and a place for what you rightly term
innovative showmanship. The divine service is not the place.

Jon

 

[HeavenlyRoses]

I’m going to mass this evening since I can’t go tomorrow.
Perhaps I will bring my own Slinky and see what happens.

Have a lovely weekend, folks.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Try taking a Magic 8 Ball. Don’t forget to get it blessed!

I’m going to mass this evening since I can’t go tomorrow.
Perhaps I will bring my own Slinky and see what happens.

Have a lovely weekend, folks.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

I say that because of his high use of the printing press and its use. I think if ML were alive the Lutheran Church would make use of the latest and greatest in technology while never straying from the word.

By “word,” did you have in mind the Bible without Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation? And the missing parts of the OT? Which Synod?

Peace be with you.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

I see that the “slinky” service is offered by an ELCA facility. I can’t think ELCA without remembering the murder of late-term abortionist Dr. George Tiller who was a member in good standing and an usher at an ELCA service in Kansas when he was killed. The ELCA promotes abortion; I’m not surprised by anything else they do.