MY First LCMS Service (what to expect?)

[Music4Hym777]

Hey to all of ya'll that are LCMS,

I am going to my first LCMS service this Sunday before I go to the ELCA church I am assisting minister at (I am more than likely leaving that church).

I am just wondering what to expect or if it is any different then a Conservative ELCA church (yes those two words can go together). I know not to try to approach the table, but if I do end up there permanently (or while I am here at school) do I have to wait to become a full member before I can take communion (that might drive me crazy, but it just might be worth the wait).

I know that a lot of the LCMS and ELCA churches out here are in communion fellowship, but I am not sure about Gethsemane. I know that I could go to Alleluia or Apostles (both LCMS) take communion and then head over to Peace (ELCA) and take communion. But Gethsemane is a special case.

Just wondering what to expect, but I am excited!

Thanks ya'll,
Monica

[SPALATIN]

Hey to all of ya'll that are LCMS,

I am going to my first LCMS service this Sunday before I go to the ELCA church I am assisting minister at (I am more than likely leaving that church).

I am just wondering what to expect or if it is any different then a Conservative ELCA church (yes those two words can go together). I know not to try to approach the table, but if I do end up there permanently (or while I am here at school) do I have to wait to become a full member before I can take communion (that might drive me crazy, but it just might be worth the wait).

I know that a lot of the LCMS and ELCA churches out here are in communion fellowship, but I am not sure about Gethsemane. I know that I could go to Alleluia or Apostles (both LCMS) take communion and then head over to Peace (ELCA) and take communion. But Gethsemane is a special case.

Just wondering what to expect, but I am excited!

Thanks ya'll,
Monica
The first difference may be in the LBW. The ELCA has the Green and we have the Blue. From what I understand the Green book has services for Holy Communion, Matins, Vespers, etc. Whereas the LCMS Blue book has "Divine Services" with multiple settings for each service. So you could have Divine Service one setting one without communion and setting two with communion. The same goes for Divine Service 2. They also have the Vespers, Matins et al.

You may have to ask about their communion policy in the church as it may be closed or close. Also if you end up wanting to join you will have to do it as a new member rather than a transferred member. LCMS usually does not accept ELCA transfers.

Some LCMS churches will be similar to what you have in the ELCA and others will be very conservative. As long as you find that the service includes a Invocation, Confession/Absolution, Law/Gospel sermon, offering, Prayers and Benediction that is the most important part of the service.

I will be interested to read your thoughts on the service next week.

[LuxPerpetua]

My LCMS church has a communion statement in its bulletin that outlines what you must believe in order to receive communion. So long as you are in agreement with that statement you can partake. Because there are variances among LCMS, be sure and get to the church early to speak with the pastor if you can. Best wishes on finding a new church. I know that can be difficult. :)

[ByzantineDixie]

You guys...why don't you tell the poor girl the truth? There are ushers who serve more like guards at the door. They will ask you if you are LCMS Lutheran. If you are you MUST show them your LCMS identification card. If not they will stamp your hand with special stamp and take you to the non-LCMS Lutheran rows which are usually the empty pews at the very front of the church. Since each congregation has their own special way of dealing with processions and kneeling or standing for confession, whatever, you will be at the front and will not know when to stand, sit, kneel, turn toward the crucifer, etc. and all the LCMSers will sit behind you and snicker. Oh ya, and they usually like to pass the collection plate TWICE on the front rows where the non-Lutherans are. So bring extra money!

;) Had to have a little fun with this!

Love ya

Rose

[Rechtgläubig]

Haha Rose!


Oh yeah and I hear they eat babies too.

:D

[filosofer]

The first difference may be in the LBW. The ELCA has the Green and we have the Blue. From what I understand the Green book has services for Holy Communion, Matins, Vespers, etc. Whereas the LCMS Blue book has "Divine Services" with multiple settings for each service. So you could have Divine Service one setting one without communion and setting two with communion. The same goes for Divine Service 2. They also have the Vespers, Matins et al.

The basic services are the same though (slight difference in the preface to communion and the Eucharistic prayer).

You may have to ask about their communion policy in the church as it may be closed or close.

In my 50+ years, when visiting another church, I normally do not receive communion, even if LCMS. And then I ask questions. I hope that the LCMS churches practice closed/close communion, but I know that isn't standard.

Also if you end up wanting to join you will have to do it as a new member rather than a transferred member. LCMS usually does not accept ELCA transfers.

During my years as pastor, I would determine this on a case by case basis. Some ELCA people are very well grounded in Scripture and are confessional solid. Usually I would meet with them and if that was the determination, we would bring them in by affirmation of faith. Others without that grounding would take the entire adult class (mine usually lasted 18-26 weeks, 1 1/2 hrs each week).

In general I began to almost require everyone who wanted to join, whether LCMS or not, to take the Basics class. And even members I strongly encouraged them to take it every 4-5 years as a refresher. The problems in the churches are dealt with by teaching, and teaching, and teaching. Oh, and by the way, teaching is very important!

As long as you find that the service includes a Invocation, Confession/Absolution, Law/Gospel sermon, offering, Prayers and Benediction that is the most important part of the service.

Can we get an "Amen" from the hallelujah choir? :clap:

[theologia crucis]

Amen!

[SPALATIN]

The basic services are the same though (slight difference in the preface to communion and the Eucharistic prayer).
What is the difference? I could never tell



In my 50+ years, when visiting another church, I normally do not receive communion, even if LCMS. And then I ask questions. I hope that the LCMS churches practice closed/close communion, but I know that isn't standard.
A few weeks back I went to a Church about a mile away from where I live. It was LCMS and had a blended service. I did not take communion there because it was not in my opinion close/Closed. Also I did not have the opportunity to discuss it with the Pastor before the service. I think though like you I will make a practice of not taking it on the first sunday I visit just to make sure of the practice.



During my years as pastor, I would determine this on a case by case basis. Some ELCA people are very well grounded in Scripture and are confessional solid. Usually I would meet with them and if that was the determination, we would bring them in by affirmation of faith. Others without that grounding would take the entire adult class (mine usually lasted 18-26 weeks, 1 1/2 hrs each week).
I agree with you here. When my wife and I joined Trinity Lone Oak last year we told the Pastor that we had recently belonged to an ELCA congregation he said that we would not be able to transfer our membership because of the differences between the synods. Though I do know some in the ELCA who are very confessional.

In general I began to almost require everyone who wanted to join, whether LCMS or not, to take the Basics class. And even members I strongly encouraged them to take it every 4-5 years as a refresher. The problems in the churches are dealt with by teaching, and teaching, and teaching. Oh, and by the way, teaching is very important!
I think it actually should be ever 3-4 years myself. Unless of course you ground yourself in the scriptures and using the BOC everyday.



Can we get an "Amen" from the hallelujah choir? :clap:

:amen:

[ByzantineDixie]

Hey Music!!!

Any comments on the LCMS service you attended today?-----R

[Music4Hym777]

Hey Music!!!

Any comments on the LCMS service you attended today?-----R
I'll be honest, I didn't end up going, I forgot my roommate was coming to church with me, which meant that I needed to be around the dorm at the same time that the service was going on. We also didn't get to bed until 4am, so an 8am service 1/2 hour away was not my idea of something I wanted to do.

I will be going though, probably in 2 weeks, I have to practice the liturgy next week before services, as I am the assisting minister. So I dont know when I'll get to one. I was really really really looking forward to it today too!

[Music4Hym777]

Hey everyone,

Alrighty, I swear, I am going this weekend. If I dont, I will be upsetting one of my professors.

As far as the communion goes there, I will be approaching the table after talking to the elder on duty. A person that I talked to that use to go there told me that they do closed communion, but will commune all Lutherans if they believe what is written in the Catechisms about communion. This is a good thing because I am definately one who must have her communion.

Wish me luck, I get to go to an LC-MS church and then go and be an assisting minister at an ELCA church right after (I'm not even going home inbetween!)

[SPALATIN]

Hey everyone,

Alrighty, I swear, I am going this weekend. If I dont, I will be upsetting one of my professors.

As far as the communion goes there, I will be approaching the table after talking to the elder on duty. A person that I talked to that use to go there told me that they do closed communion, but will commune all Lutherans if they believe what is written in the Catechisms about communion. This is a good thing because I am definately one who must have her communion.

Wish me luck, I get to go to an LC-MS church and then go and be an assisting minister at an ELCA church right after (I'm not even going home inbetween!)
We expect a play by play written trancscript of the event. j/k we would be interested to read your take on the service.

[Music4Hym777]

Okay, let me guess, everyone would like a copy of the bulletin and a 10 page commentary on the service?



If ya think that you are getting it, you have got to be wrong, I would rather spend my 10 pages on actual assignments! (Remember, I am the one failing 3 classes)

[SPALATIN]

Okay, let me guess, everyone would like a copy of the bulletin and a 10 page commentary on the service?
We'd ask for it in triplicate if we could ;)



If ya think that you are getting it, you have got to be wrong, I would rather spend my 10 pages on actual assignments! (Remember, I am the one failing 3 classes)
Haven't we all failed a class now and again. I failed College Algebra and Accounting to the point that I had to change my major in college.

[KagomeShuko]

[QUOTE=SLStrohkirch]Haven't we all failed a class now and again. QUOTE]

*uncomfortable silence* *looks around* Erm. . .no comment there.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[ByzantineDixie]

Yep, failed Roman Civilization and never stepped foot into the classroom...and was too distracted to drop the course! I failed a few others in a similar manner. When I went to the counselor to wrap up my graduation requirements she commented that she had never seen a transcript like mine...either A's or F's...and little else in between.

HOWEVER...that was a very stupid thing for me to do so learn from my mistakes and don't do that!!! :D

It will get better, Music. It just takes a while to settle in. (but that doesn't excuse you from your LCMS service report...there are priorities, ya know!) ;)

Peace

Rose

[Music4Hym777]

Yep, failed Roman Civilization and never stepped foot into the classroom...and was too distracted to drop the course! I failed a few others in a similar manner. When I went to the counselor to wrap up my graduation requirements she commented that she had never seen a transcript like mine...either A's or F's...and little else in between.

HOWEVER...that was a very stupid thing for me to do so learn from my mistakes and don't do that!!! :D

It will get better, Music. It just takes a while to settle in. (but that doesn't excuse you from your LCMS service report...there are priorities, ya know!) ;)

Peace

Rose
Yeah, I might drop one of the classes, I am still debating until next week when I go to the school I am transferring to. I have to check all these things out and it often drives me nuts especially trying to figure out which math class will transfer.

The LCMS report is not a priority, I'll get to it right after I finish the 4 page one on the vulnerability I felt during an innersynod retreat (the LCMS and ELCA got together for a retreat, very interesting if you ask me).

[filosofer]

Haven't we all failed a class now and again.
No. Closest was a C in Calculus I as a Freshman in college - 13 years of education later, I did get a few B's, though.

[KagomeShuko]

No. Closest was a C in Calculus I as a Freshman in college - 13 years of education later, I did get a few B's, though.
Yay . . .somebody else that can say no! A C in Biology was the closest I ever got - I hated all that really complicated stuff about DNA. I just didn't understand that stuff no matter how much I studied.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Music4Hym777]

Yay . . .somebody else that can say no! A C in Biology was the closest I ever got - I hated all that really complicated stuff about DNA. I just didn't understand that stuff no matter how much I studied.

Stein Auf!
Bridget
I'm the opposite, I love Biology and Chemistry and those classes. I am a psychology and nutrition major. So I have lots of science classes ahead of me.

[PurpleBunny]

[QUOTE=SLStrohkirch]Haven't we all failed a class now and again. QUOTE]

*uncomfortable silence* *looks around* Erm. . .no comment there.

Stein Auf!
Bridget
I learned that one can fail a class, but if one can prove that one was living on rice and only rice and was behind in one's rent and thus couldn't afford the textbook, the prof will be nice and bump one's grade up to a 'pass'.

However, I don't recommend this route.

[filosofer]

No. Closest was a C in Calculus I as a Freshman in college - 13 years of education later, I did get a few B's, though.
Forgot to add: I was a math major in my undergraduate studies!:D

I think I eventually got it straightened out, I started tutoring in my junior year.

[Tetzel]

You guys...why don't you tell the poor girl the truth? There are ushers who serve more like guards at the door. They will ask you if you are LCMS Lutheran. If you are you MUST show them your LCMS identification card. If not they will stamp your hand with special stamp and take you to the non-LCMS Lutheran rows which are usually the empty pews at the very front of the church. Since each congregation has their own special way of dealing with processions and kneeling or standing for confession, whatever, you will be at the front and will not know when to stand, sit, kneel, turn toward the crucifer, etc. and all the LCMSers will sit behind you and snicker. Oh ya, and they usually like to pass the collection plate TWICE on the front rows where the non-Lutherans are. So bring extra money!

;) Had to have a little fun with this!

Love ya

Rose

Haha. But seriously, having cards would be a nice thing to do. I've been in the LCMS for about a year and I still don't go to LCMS churches other than my home church because I'm a bit intimidated about having to arrange things. I suppose I could take my confirmation certificate with me, but a card would be convenient. A friend of mine who was baptised a couple weeks ago is moving for a while and it seems that the pastor is going to give him a letter to take with him so he can more easily join into a new congregation when he's there.

[LutherNut]

What is the difference? I could never tell


In the LBW, there are two options for the Service of the Sacrament. One is almost identical to the LW version. The other is almost identical to the Roman Catholic version which puts the Word of Institution into the Eucharistic prayer, thus turning the Sacrament into a Sacrifice. This was one of the reasons why the LCMS in convention (I believe it was in 1977, but I'm not certain) rejected the LBW as an LCMS hymnal and began work on LW.


Jay:)

[Tetzel]

In the LBW, there are two options for the Service of the Sacrament. One is almost identical to the LW version. The other is almost identical to the Roman Catholic version which puts the Word of Institution into the Eucharistic prayer, thus turning the Sacrament into a Sacrifice. This was one of the reasons why the LCMS in convention (I believe it was in 1977, but I'm not certain) rejected the LBW as an LCMS hymnal and began work on LW.


Jay:)
I count three options in the LBW for the Eucharistic ceremony. short, long, and really long in the pink shaded area

[LilLamb219]

A friend of mine who was baptised a couple weeks ago is moving for a while and it seems that the pastor is going to give him a letter to take with him so he can more easily join into a new congregation when he's there.

Letters have been used since ancient times. Sounds like they're still appropriate :)