Before going to this church I did not have any idea what "quakers" were. I had some vague idea of skilled furniture makers, or the guy with the funny hat on the oatmeal box...but that was about it.
Three major things stand out in my mind that I learned today. 1) Quakers do not pray out loud in church, 2) Quakers are anti-war and anti-military (I read this in one of the "all about Quakers" flyers in the pew) and 3) Quakers believe that each and every one of us is a minister, not just the guy standing up there on the stage.
We were greeted by a young guy with a big bushy ("jebediah") beard. There were a lot of displays in the lobby - like a ministry fair. Not sure if those are always up, or if they were just up for this Sunday. Would be a good idea for churches to have displays like this, with upcoming events for all of the different groups. Much more effective and interesting than a bulletin announcement.
There was a big cross behind the stage in the center of church (good) and two smallish bouquets of flowers, otherwise a very plain 1970's interior decor. The pews were unbelieveably uncomfortable - cloth covering springs over hard wood. Effective at keeping you awake, however.
I felt the minister kinda rushed through the three readings from the Bible, then he talked about his wedding day, and after the wedding was over, he thought, "now what?" he said Easter is kinda like that - all of the excitement leading up to Jesus being crucified then coming back to life - so this is what we believe as Christians but "now what?" that was the question he asked, but I did not hear a strong answer. Or it could be that my ears were closed to his answer because I already had my own answer in my head. I guess as long as everybody figures out what their answer to "now what?" is, we'll do okay.
One young guy played a beautiful guitar solo during the collection. They had a great idea - "shepherd cards" postcards stuck in the pews that you can write on - they want you to send notes of encouragement to people listed in the bulletin with prayer requests - and you put the postcard in the offering basket and the church will mail it for you. Very cool idea.
Was not crazy about the long long silence - one lady in a wheelchair spoke first, she said thank you for the prayers, the surgery went well - then another long long silence before another lady got up and rambled kinda aimlessly about something she read in the book of Revelations.
The overall impression I got from this service was "loose-y goose'y" there is no other word to describe it. No structure, kind of a free for all, anything goes. some people complain about the Catholic church and "all the ritual" but I guess I must like the ritual - at least I know EXACTLY what to expect every Sunday and every church I go to will be just about the same. There is some comfort in things being so consistent and predictable. I need things to be consistent and predictable now.
Other than the guy with the jebediah beard and one flashy old gal with a big red hat and bright purple gown, nobody really stood out. And nobody came up and overwhelmed us with phony friendliness so that was a plus.
A full calendar of events, but not one mention of any kind of communion service. I always understood communion to be something that Jesus commanded us to do. To remember what he did for us. I am starting to feel sorry for all of these people who are missing out on getting communion every Sunday. And the sad part of it is, they don't even know that they are missing out on something really fantastic.
No mochas here - some coffee urns in the lobby - the minister brought a cup up to the podium and drank from it while he was talking. No video or high tech displays.
All in all - not a bad place - Jesus is here too and if all these people are becoming friends and doing things together in His name then it cannot be a bad thing.
But this girl is looking forward to going back to a Catholic church next Sunday... and you can bet that we'll be sitting in the front there ;-)
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The Bible has been used as a sales tool by many churches.
ReplyDeleteThe Roman Catholic church is no exception, although it is not truly Christian. It is Constantinian.
However, that is not the big problem. As the Church grew, it experienced less and less control over it's priests as did the Boy Scouts and government employees.
We all would like to see this corrected. However, there is nothing in sight. The real issue is about evolution. And since it has been accepted that God created man in his own image and likeness, it appears truth must come from an elder in the different churches instead of an independent researcher.
I would still like to sel my solution to t he highest bidder.
The Bible has been used as a sales tool by many churches.
ReplyDeleteThe Roman Catholic church is no exception, although it is not truly Christian. It is Constantinian.
However, that is not the big problem. As the Church grew, it experienced less and less control over it's priests as did the Boy Scouts and government employees.
We all would like to see this corrected. However, there is nothing in sight. The real issue is about evolution. And since it has been accepted that God created man in his own image and likeness, it appears truth must come from an elder in the different churches instead of an independent researcher.
I would still like to sell my solution to t he highest bidder. pdx00513@pdx@pdx.edu
I, too, am Catholic. But, yet, why dost thou call'm whores? I believe you should change that. What'll Christ say when you croak for calling a deviant church who's RITE by THEIR standard whores... when we're ALL universal? They just haven't gotten the moxie or will-power to admit the transubstantation has truly taken place. Meet this sinfull mortal Upstairs, dude. God bless you.
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