- Oct 22, 2005
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I apologize in advance for how long this ended up!
I have a question and would love others input and prayers. Our family has been a member of our church for the 9 years we have lived here. My daughter was an acolyte and I have been involved in some study groups/commitees/workshops. I am still finishing EFM and plan on training to be a mentor this summer. I like the rector and appreciate his sermons and approach to the faith/emphasis on social concerns in may ways. At one point a few years ago we had a wonderful assistant rector who began to help bring the arts into worship and introduce more meditative/contemplative practices.However she left and all went back to "normal" as these aspects of worship are not something he is very focused on (or, I get the feeling, he is comfortable with).
Meanwhile there is a Presbyterian church nearby that has a meditation room, permenant outdoor labyrinth, and monthly indoor labyrinth/meditation days. I have met both pastors at our neighbors house as they are very invoved in that church. Both women have impressed me and are committed to a vibrant well-rounded church ministry. Over Lent they have an eccumenical group of speakers scheduled for Sunday adult worship and Tuesday nights, talking about verious aspects of worship and the arts (music, dance, sorytelling, iconography, visual arts, writing/poetry). I have already joined an evening session on liturgical dance and plan on attending more as the assistant pastor invited me join all of the sessions. There is a part of my soul that is fed by this church that is not addressed at my own church.
Here is my dilemma. I am Episcopal by God's leading and theology. That will not change. My understanding of the Eucharist and worship is encompassed there and is important to me. This is a church-level dilemma. My husband has said lets just start going to the Presbyterian church (he's a bit frustrated with our church for other reasons), but I need the Holy Eucharist and still want to be a part of our church. The other church celebrates communion only 1x a month as well. I would like to go to both churches. Occasionally this may mean the early service at our church so I can get to the Sunday school and service at the Presbyterian church on time. My husband and son will only go to one church with me. Also our rector will probably notice the difference in our attendence as well. What do I tell him? Is it fair to attend two churches and finacially support only one? Can i get involved in both or will that get dicey? I've never dealt with this situation before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as well as prayers!!!! Thanks!
I have a question and would love others input and prayers. Our family has been a member of our church for the 9 years we have lived here. My daughter was an acolyte and I have been involved in some study groups/commitees/workshops. I am still finishing EFM and plan on training to be a mentor this summer. I like the rector and appreciate his sermons and approach to the faith/emphasis on social concerns in may ways. At one point a few years ago we had a wonderful assistant rector who began to help bring the arts into worship and introduce more meditative/contemplative practices.However she left and all went back to "normal" as these aspects of worship are not something he is very focused on (or, I get the feeling, he is comfortable with).
Meanwhile there is a Presbyterian church nearby that has a meditation room, permenant outdoor labyrinth, and monthly indoor labyrinth/meditation days. I have met both pastors at our neighbors house as they are very invoved in that church. Both women have impressed me and are committed to a vibrant well-rounded church ministry. Over Lent they have an eccumenical group of speakers scheduled for Sunday adult worship and Tuesday nights, talking about verious aspects of worship and the arts (music, dance, sorytelling, iconography, visual arts, writing/poetry). I have already joined an evening session on liturgical dance and plan on attending more as the assistant pastor invited me join all of the sessions. There is a part of my soul that is fed by this church that is not addressed at my own church.
Here is my dilemma. I am Episcopal by God's leading and theology. That will not change. My understanding of the Eucharist and worship is encompassed there and is important to me. This is a church-level dilemma. My husband has said lets just start going to the Presbyterian church (he's a bit frustrated with our church for other reasons), but I need the Holy Eucharist and still want to be a part of our church. The other church celebrates communion only 1x a month as well. I would like to go to both churches. Occasionally this may mean the early service at our church so I can get to the Sunday school and service at the Presbyterian church on time. My husband and son will only go to one church with me. Also our rector will probably notice the difference in our attendence as well. What do I tell him? Is it fair to attend two churches and finacially support only one? Can i get involved in both or will that get dicey? I've never dealt with this situation before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as well as prayers!!!! Thanks!