Explanation of the Liturgy

[MoreCoffee]

Bumping this up. I had been attending a more 'modern' service at the Lutheran church near me for a while, but went for the traditional (read: Liturgical) service last week. I was anticipating going and experiencing a true liturgical service, ash they describe it as "a traditional Lutheran liturgical service with hymns and sung liturgy from the Lutheran Service Book". So that's what I expected. Not what happened. Much of the "sung" liturgy was spoken. I was left wondering if they knew what those 'notes' above the words were there for. There was one reading, not three. The "collect" was tithes/offerings, no prayer of confession/absolution, you get the idea. The only other 'Lutheran' church in the area is ELCIC (in communion with ELCA/Anglican). There's another a half hour away that describes itself as "liturgical blended" with modern elements. It appears if I'd like a true Liturgical church either I drive 45 minutes away, or visit the Catholic parish (to the joy of certain family members and 'Sir Coffee', I'm sure )

Let me know what the local Catholic liturgy is like. Most Catholic parishes do the liturgy according to the rubrics but I hear that in North America some do "their own thing" and that is usually not a good "thing".

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Sometimes if a pastor has a really poor singing voice the liturgy will be spoken and not sung. Or if the congregation is small and they don't have a strong voice to lead they will speak the liturgy. It can be disappointing. Also if they have a guest organist it can be difficult for that new person to try to follow and jump in at the right moment.

You should speak with the pastor and let him know you were hoping to follow the service book more closely.

Those were perhaps part of the reason. It was rather sparsely attended. Most of the congregants for that service were rather 'seasoned'.
I guess I just haven't been too happy with many of the churches out this way, so ... still seeking.

 

[Lamb]

Those were perhaps part of the reason. It was rather sparsely attended. Most of the congregants for that service were rather 'seasoned'.
I guess I just haven't been too happy with many of the churches out this way, so ... still seeking.

It's hard finding exactly what we think should be out there. You can either keep searching or make suggestions to the churches you've attended. Sometimes people visit but don't give feedback as to why they won't return. It's nice when someone gives them that info.

 

[Josiah]

The parish to which I am now officially a member is not one I would have chosen by human reasoning....

I was in my mid-twenties, single (but really looking!)..... it was/is a parish where most members are my parents (or grandparents!) age.... few my age (and no single girls my age - attractive or otherwise). It was/is very small and the social life is mostly potlucks when I would have loved volleyball, softball, beach outings, trips to the theatre. It wasn't even close (I had to drive past SEVERAL Lutheran churches and HUNDREDS of Christian churches - some full of people my age and presumably full of cute single girls, lol).

So why did I return to the church? Theology. Sound theology. An EXCELLENT sermon and OUTSTANDING Bible study. That was by far the #1 consideration. But I also liked that the liturgy was tradition (although not a "high" as I would have liked or as much as many other Lutheran churches). I liked the weekly eucharist. I liked how friendly and embracing and loving the people so evidently were. I liked that my second time there, I was invited by a member for lunch. I liked how everyone stayed after the service for 20-30 minutes enjoying fellowship, talking with each other. I liked the nearly half of the adults where in Bible Study each week (50% of the church attendance). And frankly, the pastor (older than my father) was a big plus - I liked his heart, I liked his willingness (even joy) in dealing with my ENDLESS questions.

My dad has a saying: "There are only two kinds of people in the world: Those looking for greener grass and those helping to make the grass greener." I soon joined the choir and got involved in an area where non-members could freely serve (trustees - I'm now the chair) and after being Confirmed, began teaching Sunday School (teen class). I'm a frequent usher and greeter. In general, I TRY to be a positive influence in the parish.


- Josiah