Liturgy for the non-liturgical

[ImaginaryDay2]

I've had interest for some time in visiting our local Lutheran (LCC) church. My understanding is that the LCC (Lutheran Church of Canada) is much like the LCMS - conservative, liturgical, etc. I agree with many of the views/doctrines held by the LCC, which is what has attracted me to it, and has made me want to 'dig' a bit deeper.
My problem - I am utterly confused by the liturgical style and process. I am totally caught off guard by books of worship that correspond to particular days/weeks/recognition of saints, etc.
So, I guess my question is, if I were to visit/ask questions before attending the first time, would this help me out a bit, or confuse the issue more?

 

[Lamb]

I did an Explanation of the Liturgy here that might help you:
http://christianityhaven.com/showthread.php?273-Explanation-of-the-Liturgy&highlight=liturgy

Each part of the liturgy is taken from scripture, so if you know your bible you'll feel comfortable and will enjoy the familiarity! :thumbsup:

 

[Josiah]

Actually, I've never attended a non-liturgical church: ALL the parishes I've attended (including Baptist, Pentecostal, Non-Denom) have a quite predictable ORDER OF SERVICE - the way the usual service goes, progresses, is done. It's just that often, there's no reason behind it (just tradition - the way they do it there), no biblical or theological rationale, nothing particularly biblical about WHY worship is done that way.... ONLY tradition.

I like the kind of worship in Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran parishes.... it's pretty much all Scripture, there's a biblical and theological basis for it, it's THOUGHT OUT (as opposed to just "let's wing it"), it's taken seriously (as opposed to "it really doesn't matter").

Now, I agree..... it CAN be foreign to the worshipper who is not Christian and/or never worshiped in such a way before. And I think some parishes make it WORSE by boucing around in various books, back and forth to the bulletin.... it can be next to impossible for the unfamiliar - and thus HINDER worship (some are SO preoccupied with just trying to follow, the keep up). In my parish, the whole service (verbatim!) is printed out in the worship folder AND on the screen (via powerpoint), including lyrics to songs. Even the Lord's Prayer is printed out verbatim (both in bulletin and on screen) - assuming nothing. When we sit or stand, that's stated - and the pastor leads. It makes it a LOT easier for folks. What I think is rarely done is to explain WHY we are doing what we are - the theology behind each thing, the biblical basis (because MUCH of the liturgy is verbatim quotes of Scripture), it would be better if this all were carefully explained and taught (that's not happened in my Lutheran parish since I've attended, anyway..... I know the liturgy from my Catholic days where it was explained).


Just my half cent ...


Pax


- Josiah




.

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Thanks for the responses. Lamm - I read the explanation, and that was helpful. Tbh, once it's something I'm familiar with, I'm sure it will make more sense. The very thing that attracted me to it is that it is scriptural, theological, and historical - something I don't necessarily find with Evangelical churches. Nothing against my Evangelical brothers and sisters - I'm close to many. But something is calling me back to a more liturgical style of worship and foundation.
Attending the first time tomorrow. I'll update after.

 

[Lamb]

That's awesome that you're going tomorrow!! Let me know how it works out.

If they use the Lutheran Service Book there are different "liturgies" in there. It keeps things from getting dull and they're all using scripture so it's wonderful!!

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Yesterday was a good introduction to the church for us. We attended the later "contemporary" service, which, in their terms, is closer to what I had experienced in the Presbyterian church - orderly, structured - quite different from what I had in mind when I hear "contemporary" (if that makes sense). Everyone very warm and welcoming - open to questions. I've arranged to meet with the Pastor soon to clarify some questions, because I do have some concerns about some things. Nothing major, but some doctrinal questions. All in all, a good introduction. We may attend the same service for a bit before attending the earlier liturgical service.

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

That's awesome that you're going tomorrow!! Let me know how it works out.

If they use the Lutheran Service Book there are different "liturgies" in there. It keeps things from getting dull and they're all using scripture so it's wonderful!!

They do use the Lutheran Service Book for the Liturgical service. Everything is laid out in their "order of service", so I wouldn't be lost. They assured me of that :thumbsup:

 

[Lamb]

Not a fan of contemporary services at all but yes, do go to the liturgical one!! :thumbsup:

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Not a fan of contemporary services at all but yes, do go to the liturgical one!! :thumbsup:

Like I said, it wasn't in the sense that we might understand it. It was very close to what I knew from the Presbyterian church, and they were not what I would consider contemporary. Hard to explain.
But, in due time, I'll go, but there are some concerns I'd like to have explained a bit.

 

[Lamb]

Like I said, it wasn't in the sense that we might understand it. It was very close to what I knew from the Presbyterian church, and they were not what I would consider contemporary. Hard to explain.
But, in due time, I'll go, but there are some concerns I'd like to have explained a bit.

Do you have concerns with the theology or the church service?

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Hmm.. some of the more 'procedural' things in the service - i.e. the Pastor, as an ordained minister, forgiving sins as opposed to what I've been used to in the Presbyterian church, where the Pastor would assure the people that we ARE forgiven, after a prayer of confession - not 'forgiving', per se.

I'd like to have a better understanding of doctrine on Communion as well. There are some things I've learned, but I only have a general understanding. I did go up to receive Communion on Sunday, and didn't feel that I was wrong to have done so.

All in all, though, these things were not so much as to keep me away, but to want me to learn more. I also have to be considerate of VG. She is Mennonite, and I have known this about her since before we married. She has beliefs she is not going to change, and I don't expect her to. It's a significant part of who she is. So I don't want to interfere with that.

I still intend to meet with the Pastor, though, and discuss some of these things.

 

[Lamb]

Concerning Confession & Absolution, Lutherans believe that Christ gave the Church the Keys and through the called minister who in the stead and by the command of the Lord forgives us. This is the forgiveness Christ won at the cross. It's not a new forgiveness. How come it's not just proclaimed but actually given? That's because Christ gave the apostles the keys "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven."

Have you ever listened to the online radio show Issues Etc? I love it but don't have much time anymore to listen. Here is a transcript from one of the shows on Confession and Absolution:

http://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/archives/wilken-bender.htm

 

[ImaginaryDay2]

Concerning Confession & Absolution, Lutherans believe that Christ gave the Church the Keys and through the called minister who in the stead and by the command of the Lord forgives us. This is the forgiveness Christ won at the cross. It's not a new forgiveness. How come it's not just proclaimed but actually given? That's because Christ gave the apostles the keys "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven."

Have you ever listened to the online radio show Issues Etc? I love it but don't have much time anymore to listen. Here is a transcript from one of the shows on Confession and Absolution:

http://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/archives/wilken-bender.htm

Thanks for the link, that was helpful.

I met with the pastor this week, and we had a good talk. That's one of the draws of this particular church so far is that everyone has been very inviting and willing to answer questions. The pastor even ran into VG at the local grocery and recognized her from our visit!

There's also an informational class I will probably attend beginning in January. I'd like to attend through the Christmas season, but that's up to VG as well - what she wants to do.