Thursday, September 30, 2010

Looking for a New Church

Now that I am in South Carolina, I need to find a new church. There are plenty of Baptist, several Catholic, and even some Lutheran Churches. I admit I really like the Praise Music in the new and modern church services. I like learning new songs. Even though I have old favorites I am not fond of the dirges. And I have never liked mournful funeral services. Celebration on Sundays is my favorite way to go. I do repent everyday in prayer, and confess my fears and shortfalls. I want to find a church that is actively helping people in the community and feels like a big family. The music and message is important. But, putting Christian principals into action is my main focus. I started by asking neighbors where they go. One invited me to go with them, so I look forward to that. Several people came to my aid when I was stung by a wasp. They are now family to me, and I hope to connect with them more. As I meet people everyday, I think how fun it is to make new friends- that is how church should be as well. Let's see how it goes in the next few weeks. I love the freedom to choose my own church.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

North American Lutheran Church

A new expression of the Lutheran Church was formed. This is presumably a response to the ELCA now accepting homosexual people to be ordained as pastors. The new church seeks to remain close to Biblical teachings and practices of the Lutheran Confessions since the Reformation of Medieval days. It would be ideal if all pastors, ministers, fathers, rabbis, and even parishioners were like Jesus - perfect and without sin. Well, we know that there are pastors who are: adulterers, robbers, idolaters, covetors, murderers, glutenous sinners. Some have been fired from their duties and some have been forgiven or keep their passions a secret. So, would we allow gay people to be pastors if they confessed that their passion was a sin? No sin is worse than the other in God's eyes. How can we possibly attempt to find people pure enough to be our pastors? And, how many people would be left in the churches if they had to repent and give up their sinful ways, or be unwelcome to be a part of the congregation. We have given up: dress code, eating rituals, hours of worship, daily prayer, holy festival days, and Hebrew liturgy that was part of Jesus Sabbath training. Jesus did start some of the break away from ritual by working on the Holy day, eating with prostitutes and tax collectors, and mocking the religious leaders who were mired in tradition. So, if we are to follow Biblical teaching, we might have to choose between the old and new testament rules. Jesus commissioned us to all be baptised and minister to others. He died so all of us sinners would not be punished for our passions. We struggle to control our hormones and desires for lustful and material pleasures. Churches were not to be formed to group people by religious thoughts that judged and excluded others. They are to be sanctuaries for the needy and a community gathering place to promote love of humankind and worship of the creator of all good things.