I’ve seen enough oddball services held at various LCMS gatherings. Many people have been offended by these cooked up orders of service. Sure some are offended as a matter of personal preference, but some truly take theological issue with the services. As we all know there is no order of service commanded in Holy Scripture, but it is quite clear from them and our confessions that worship should be orderly and peaceful. To that end I am going to submit the following overture to my district and the national conventions; You know “bubbling up from the grassroots” and all. If you have any suggestions to strengthen the wording, please feel free to leave a comment. I know we’ve go a couple of years, but this kind of stuff will drift out of my mind by then if I don’t put it down now.
To Use Lutheran Service Book at Services During Official District and National Gatherings
WHEREAS, God, in His 3rd Commandment, places an expectation upon us to worship Him; and
WHEREAS, God calls us to the Divine Service such that He might distribute His gifts to us; and
WHEREAS, AC XXVIII.55 states, “… that all things be done in the churches in order, and without confusion”; and
WHEREAS, Article III.7 of the Constitution states, “Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in church practice, but also to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs which are in harmony with our common profession of faith;”
WHEREAS, 1998 Resolution 2-12 commissioned a new hymnal to be produced, 2004 Resolution 2-03A approved Lutheran Service Book, and 2007 Resolution 2-03A thanked the Commission on Worship for its work on Lutheran Service Book; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 70 percent of all LCMS congregations have adopted Lutheran Service Book (2010 Convention Workbook pg. 46); therefore; be it
RESOLVED, That for the sake of “love and tranquility” (AC XXVIII.55) all services during official District and Synodical gatherings use an order of service out of and as it is outlined in Lutheran Service Book.
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I vote for this!
(This is kinda phat…)
Good idea, Brian!
But I don’t see it limited to “plus size girls” or cycle riders, Carol.
(Don’t mind me; I only know what I read on Google about “phat”;
it’s not in the OED. Yet.)
Phat was an allusion to the “This or That” video–toward the end, IIRC, it says ‘This is kinda phat” about traditional worship, and also about Pastor Harrison for Synodical President…two views that I believe you and I both share with Brian.
Sounds like a good resolution.
You think the opening service of the LCMS convention was on the edge? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4pr_E5Nbuc&feature=player_embedded The Presbyterians in convention have gone over the edge! Worship style DOES reflect theological substance….or lack of it. My commendations on your resolution.
Pr. Bestul,
I saw that video and was stunned, although I must admit that when I was watching the rehearsal for the Saturday service at the convention I saw the streamers and had to look around to make sure there weren’t any giant paper mache puppets in the procession.
BTW, your son made the whole convention experience great for me by introducing me to some wonderful pastors, being an awesome roommate, and helping me keep perspective after 8-08A passed.
Yes, stunned is the word for it. Shocked, too.
After watching the videos of the Synod’s opening service and also watching some of the “service” at the recent Youth Gathering, I too, would like future conventions and gatherings to follow the LSB.
One of the biggest problems in Lutheran Schools is that the environment there is so different from our Church. They don’t sing the same hymns or songs, they worship differently, and I’m not sure they study the word of God enough.
If children are not familiar with the Divine Service, the creeds, prayer, history of the Church, and most importantly hearing the saving word of God — they will end up not going to church as adults and sadly might lose their faith too.
Jesus Christ became a man, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. All because he loved us and wanted us to be saved.
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