In order to be with extended family yesterday I took my family to a different church. Now I hate myself.

There was no worship at all. There was a video instead of a sermon. Appalling is the word I can't get out of my head.

But the worst was the attempt at the Lord's Table.

The pastor said everyone was welcome as long as they were a Christian. He had everyone form a line and then come up for communion. He handed the plate to the first in line, then he went and sat down but directed the next in line to serve the person behind. He said this is becasue Peter says we are all priests and we don't need a mediator. So little kids were administering the elements to adults and vice versa. After everyone had the elements the pastor had everyone stand eat the bread and then hold the cup up in the air because, "This morning we are going to toast the ressurection!" He then called out, "Thank you Jesus" and had everyone drink the cup.

Even before communion I had already told my wife we would not be partaking.

It was agonizing. But it did give a good illustration by which I could explain to my kids why we do things the way we do in our 'simple' worship service of the OPC.

__________________
Bob Vigneault (Bawb Vēēn-yo)
"We are God's children and He's the Father of all fathers and we need to obey him." Jean-Baptiste Vigneault (5)

The Heartbeat of Heaven (blog) MySpace (Music), MySpace (Personal)
Member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Janesville, WI OPC www.christ-opc.org

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

__________________
Jeff Bartel
Mechanical Engineer
Member - Trinity Reformed Church - RPCNA

"To believe in the power of man in the work of regeneration is the great heresy of Rome, and from that error has come the ruin of the Church. Conversion proceeds from the grace of God alone, and the system which ascribes it partly to man and partly to God is worse than Pelagianism" (The Reformation in England (London, 1962), Vol. 1, p. 98)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

I've taken Jennifer to a few -like "worship" services at different churches (for educational reasons) . . gives us perspective.

One was like this the whole time:

Well, we don't want to be Pharisee's about the matter . . but it makes it obvious that all churches aren't the same, and that there is a reason why we do things the way we do.

You don't have to hate yourself for it.

(Note, I'm trying to expand on my smiley use. )

__________________
Casey Bessette
Westminster OPC • West Suburbs of Chicago • My Blog: Paradise Regained

"It is part of the calling of the ekklesia to learn to know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge and also to make known within the world of science 'the manifold wisdom of God' in order that the final end of theology, as of all things, may be that the name of the Lord is glorified. Theology and dogmatics, too, exist for the Lord's sake." — Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, vol. 1, p. 46

"Appalling" came to your mind. As I read your account, "Mockery" came to mine.

It would be wise not to return again for any reason.

__________________
Chris Mangum
Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte
student, GPTS
.357 Mangum

He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
~ II Samuel 23:3b

Oh, GAG! I almost want to say that you deserve it for going...LOL! But I understand your attempt at being with family. Church is the one thing we have decided not to compromise with family on...and they agree and refuse to attend any we go to as well. If we get together on a Lord's Day for a special occasion, then it is always AFTER services.

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JC
URCNA
PA, but homesick for SC

"Who says you can't go back, been all around the world and as a matter of fact. There's only one place left I want to go, who says you can't go home" Bon Jovi

Awesome use of smileys Casey, and you know personally the wonderful church family I was missing yesterday. (I don't really hate myself, a relative asked me to come for Easter Sunday and I said I would.)

Right Chris and Colleen, I am much sadder but wiser today. I am also being purposely vague about the leadership of the church because it is family. It won't happen again.

i had a similar (though not quite as bad) experience one time where the elements were being handed out to any and everybody without even pausing to reflect. most of the women looked like prostitutes and the men look like they just came from a baseball game. No respect for the house of God!! those the eat and drink unworthily....

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Matthew Cook
King's Chapel Reformed Baptist Church
West Chester, OH

"But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey's colt can be born a man." - Job 11:12

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/3...talysvgod9.jpg

Wise move on warning your family ahead of time not to even think of partaking.

I'm one of those on the board who think that we push the RWP to overly vigilant extremes at times but that service yesterday was the most thorough tribute to Nadab and Abihu I have ever experienced. When the pastor lifted his cup to toast I got ready to duck the lightning. God was merciful.

sorry, couldn't find a smilie being struck by lightning...we NEED one of those for this board....(admins?)

__________________
Andrew Myers
Husband of Jessica, Father of Jackson, Katie and Samuel
Member, Presbyterian Reformed Church of Northern Virginia
Warrenton, VA USA
Editor, The Matthew Poole Project

"Let your Morning Thoughts, and your last Evening Thoughts, be what shall become of you to all Eternity." -- Matthew Poole

Thank you, Andrew...saved it to my smilie folder.

I just don't know how you do it Andrew. You are the Wizard of Smileys.

Yep, we should take away his "Puritanboard Doctor" and in it's place put Master of History and Smilies.

Thanks, brother. I am actually more akin to a 'fool of a Took' than a Gandalf.

Scott E. Fahlman claims to be the inventor of emoticons. More on the history here.

And he lectures, too!

Just when you thought you'd heard everything...drinking a toast to the resurrection...

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Bob Howes
Framingham, MA

A reoccurring thought:

Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Did I make a mistake joining this board?

What makes you wonder that? (I'm sorry, I don't totally understand your question)

__________________
Jessica H.
Church: www.eopckent.org (OPC)
Work: www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/

Oh make this heart rejoice or ache; / Decide this doubt for me; / And if it be not broken, break -- / And heal it, if it be. ~William Cowper

Hey puddle, just the attitude I see on this post. I was disappointed to see that.