Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

As part of a course I'm taking (Sociology of Religion), I'm required to visit
and report on 3 different religious collectivities from a sociological
standpoint.  The following is the first of my three reports:

	Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
	Colorado Springs

		At the suggestion of our illustrious instructor, I sought out a
	nearby Pentecostal church.  Through the Yellow Pages, I selected "All
	Peoples Praise Center" (Assembly of God), based solely upon its
	proximity to my home.

		The stark white dome of the church building stood in contrast
	to its surroundings like a softball set amid wooden toy blocks.
	Closer inspection revealed that the premises were in a state of
	disrepair.  A large chunk of paint was missing from one side of the
	dome.  Grass was thriving from the cracks in the asphalt parking lot.
	A school bus with several shattered windows was parked in the rear lot.
	On each side of the bus, the name "Antioch Missionary Baptist Church"
	took up the entire length.  The nearby playground, weed infested,
	seemed inhospitable; even forbidding.  Three sides of the rear parking
	lot were bordered by the fences of neighboring backyards, making this
	secluded area an excellent target for vandals.

		This was no longer "All Peoples Praise Center".  A ghost
	remained of a sign that had been mounted at one time over the front
	doors.  Now, "Antioch Missionary Baptist Church" was the property's
	successor.  A metal cross had been welded to a ventilation pipe, and
	both painted brown.  I couldn't tell if it had been there all along,
	or if this was an alteration initiated by the new proprietors.

		I entered the building through one of the two ground-level
	tunnels which protruded from the great white dome.  Just inside stacks
	of chairs and a small organ were stored.  Beyond was the sanctuary,
	where worship would be held.

		I intruded on a business meeting which I was to learn later was
	the Sunday School committee.  The gathering was confined to the first
	2 or 3 pews on one side of the sanctuary.  The composition was 100%
	black adults.  My presence was visually acknowledged and the meeting
	proceeded.

		The pews were elegantly cushioned in golden-orange velvet
	upholstery.  The short pile carpeting was in an analogous color.  The
	inner dome was also white.  Cracks slithered up the interior in two
	places.  Fabric was mounted to sections of the circular wall in a
	fashion reminiscent of how sheets are substituted for draperies by new
	homeowners.  To the rear of the worship hall was a photographic
	mural of a serene woodland area and a quotation from Isaiah.

		The interior was generally more orderly and in better
	condition than the exterior.  My attention was captured by a marquee
	announcing last week's Sunday School attendance: 6; SS offering: $22;
	last week in worship: 11, worship offering: $2225.  I thought to
	myself, "There's got to be a decimal point missing," but resolved
	that I couldn't even be certain that these figures were only a week old.

		Business chatter continued even after the meeting adjourned.
	Others began to arrive.  There was lots of "God talk":

		"We were sure worried for a while, but the Lord came through."

		"Praise God!"

		"God is so good!"

		A Deacon, the Sunday School Superintendent, an Usher, and
	several others introduced themselves to me, shook my hand and
	welcomed me verbally.

		Worship commenced after several pleas to be seated came over
	the sound system, that it was time to start the service.

		The congregation was seated.  There were approximately 20 men,
	women and children present, filling up less than 1/8 the available
	seating.  The racial predominance was undeniably black.  Two women
	and myself were the only exceptions.  Women outnumbered men, but
	not dramatically.

		With the possible exception of myself, all were dressed in their
	crisp Sunday best (I wore my everyday duds).  Suits with ties on men
	and dresses on women were the standard for apparrel.  The children wore
	no denims and no playclothes.  The playground off the back parking
	lot would see no action today.

		Piano music of a familiar gospel flavor accompanied not only
	the hymns, choir singing and offerings (there were two), but prayers,
	announcements, and nearly everything else.  Occasionally, the pianist
	would hum or sing softly in an attempt to become "background" to the
	speaker.  However, the sound system allowed the pianist to frequently
	drown out the principal speaker.

		There was no published order of service; ie, no bulletins or
	programs.  The liturgy was responsively read and the less familiar hymns
	were sung from tattered hymnals.  On the cover of each well-worn book,
	lettered in faded gold, were the words, "Baptist Hymnal," and, "First
	Baptist Church."  I found in the back of my book photocopies of the
	handwritten words to, "Let There be Peace on Earth," and, "Keep the
	Dream Alive" (honoring Martin Luther King).

		Worship lasted over an hour and a half.  The sermon alone lasted
	close to a half an hour.  I found myself caught up in the rhythm and
	beat, which became integral to the delivery of the morning message.
	Our preacher (a ministerial candidate, I overheard) punctuated
	portions of his speech by clapping his hands, and occasionally
	stomping his heel, sounding like a bass drum against the hollow
	stage floor.  As the intensity of his message increased, so did
	the preacher's emotional emphasis and volume level.  And so did the
	frequency and volume of audible congregational response, which
	actually became part of the driving rhythm.

		My final observation was of the cars in the parking lot.
	I noticed that there were no foreign cars, that they were clean, and
	that they tended to be Chrysler-size or larger.

		This appeared to me to be a struggling new or relocated
	church.  The size of the congregation, the condition of the premises,
	and the hand-me-down hymnals suggested to me that this church was
	struggling to grow and support itself; struggling to survive and
	prosper.

    The other type of church I attended briefly is known as 'The Community
    church'. From the little I know about them, they don't have a fixed
    location for their congregation. The meeting I went to was at the
    Gaumont Hall in Southampton.
    
    There was a very electric atmosphere, full of clapping, dancing,
    singing, excitement... it was certainly very joyous... however, I
    couldn't help thinking afterwards that it was purely emotionalism.
    
    There was some healing, though I never observed closehand what was
    actually happening. Paint me a skeptic, I think!
    
    Pete.

	Colorado Springs Fellowship Church
	Academy Station Plaza

	I'd originally set out to visit a Southern Baptist church near my
	home.  I was running too late to be there in time for the beginning of
	the Bible study hour.  A young woman walking in a more Westerly
	direction with a Bible under her arm reminded me that there was a
	store front church in the nearby commercial plaza.

		"Colorado Springs Fellowship" reads the neon-lightable, black
	and white plastic sign.  By virtue of being located in an environment
	intended for businesses, the exterior conforms harmoniously with its
	neighbors.  The church is flanked by an oriental restaurant to the
	East and a few empty rental spaces to the West.  Further West lies a
	beauty salon and a nightclub.  Across the parking lot is Academy
	Station 6 Theaters.

		The announcement on the door indicated I was early for Bible
	study.

		The sensible-looking store front exterior in no way reflects the
	lavish interior.  Upon entering, I was thrust into another realm; one
	more opulent than I had anticipated.  I found it uncomfortably easy to
	forget that I was actually in architecture designed for commerce.

		I was ushered into the sanctuary.  People all around me formed
	a cacophony of prayerful utterances.  There was wailing and weeping,
	praises and bleating.  I felt awkward signing the guest book during
	such commotion, but the usher who was patiently holding the book for
	me didn't seem a bit phased.

		By the time worship began there were well over 200 people
	gathered in the sanctuary.  The make up of the congregation was better
	than 90% black.  The remainder consisted of white women and children
	of both genders.  I was the only white adult male.  There was a
	conspicuous lack of elderly persons.  I saw only one, a black woman,
	who I judged was over the age of 60.  All were dressed (except me,
	again) in semi-formal attire.

		The sanctuary was extravagantly beautiful.  The color scheme
	of heavenly sky blue, pearly white, and pure gold was less than subtle.
	The carpeting was thick and rich.  This was no practical, industrial
	strength indoor-outdoor stuff.  The pews were equally as luxurious, each
	having sculpted side panels.  Curiously, I found no racks mounted to the
	pew backs for hymnals, communion cups, etc..

		It turns out hymnals were unnecessary.  Most either already knew
	the words, or the words were simple enough and repetitive enough to
	pick up quickly.  When music was played, nearly everyone sprang from
	their seats and spread out to allow elbow room for clapping, palm
	ascension, and other sweeping gestures.  Some danced in the aisles.

		The music was as loud as it was lively (which may explain
	to some degree the absence of the elderly).  Five exuberant
	musicians played from designated positions in the pulpit area; a
	woman on organ, and men on drums (2 sets), electric guitar, bass
	guitar, and grand piano (with an electronic keyboard mounted over it).
	Most of the music seemed to be based on variations of rhythm and
	blues, and rock music.  The high tech sound system was of rock
	concert quality.  In fact, my body reverberated with each string boom
	of the amplified bass guitar in the same way it did at a "Deep Purple"
	concert in the '60's.  And, even the instruments were color
	coordinated in pearly white to conform to the decor.

		The Pastor, Sister Rose, emerged from the door marked
	Pastor's Study shortly before the sermon was to be delivered.
	She was a sturdy and substantial looking black woman with the
	stride of a steamroller.  Her hair style triggered an image of
	Patti LaBelle.  She wore a golden ochre colored suit, with
	embroidered trim that hinted of a cleric's stole.

		I learned that this woman had persuaded the majority of
	her flock to participate in a 7 day fast that had ended just
	the day before.

		Testimonies were solicited and given; some given with humor,
	and others given with tears in the fullness of joy.

		Sister Rose preached and worked up a sweat for nearly an
	hour.  Worship began at 11:00 AM and concluded near 1:00 PM.
	After preaching, Sister Rose prayed over and laid hands upon
	those who chose to come to the altar area (including me).

		The one word that comes to mind to describe this church
	is "slick".  It was so polished it practically glistened.

	>All were dressed (except me,
	>again) in semi-formal attire.
    
    Dear Richard -- when are you gonna learn how to dress for Sunday
    worship?  `^)

    Well, Nancy, I've seen the way Richard dresses for Sunday worship, and
    compared to the way I dress, he's downright formal.  :-)
    
    -- Mike, who attended Quaker worship last Sunday in a t-shirt and blue
    jeans.

    Nancy & Mike,
    
    Phew!
    
    >> All were dressed (except me, again)
    
    I thought Richard might have shown up for Sunday service in 
    his birthday suit, again.
    
    Glad to hear from you Mike that that *wasn't* the case!
    I love my brother Richard you know, even though he's been known to
    do some weeeeiiirrd things sometimes. ;-)
    
    Yo Richard!! 
                                                   
    Kb.:-)

    My everyday duds cover a multitude of occassions, but they're
    hardly the same as a suit and tie.
    
    The ol' birthday suit is starting to show signs of wear.  I'm
    growing increasingly reluctant to wear it in public places.
    ;-)
    
    Peace,
    Richard

We worship at Saint Francis de Assi Episcopal Church here in
Colorado Springs. Our mission church is located unobtrusively on
top of a hill near some apartments.

We are a spirit filled mission, with participation within the
community in the form of thrift store operations, food kitchen
at St Andrews, Manitou Springs. Our parishioners come from all
walks of life; DECies, lawyers, doctors, school teachers and even
a politician.

We are not a unit church; we're part of the corporate Episcopal
Church and thereby a greater part of Christian America.

calvin

	Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel
	3945 J&K N. Academy Blvd
	(in the Harmony shopping plaza)

		A canvas sign nailed taught high over the store front
	awning announced that this was Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel.
	The words were sandwiched between two identical, stylized symbols
	of descending doves.  I've spotted a metallic version of this same
	symbol mounted on the rear of numerous cars.  I've taken it to
	represent the Holy Spirit, rather than any pacifistic inclinations.

		As soon as I entered through the doors I was in the sanctuary.
	Neat rows of folding chairs faced northerly, towards the podium.  The
	rows had been split to form a central aisle.  There were also two
	outside aisles.  In each seat was a book of words to songs (produced
	through the aid of a photocopy machine), some of which we would
	use during our singing.

		On the wall near the podium was a cross of carved wood, stained
	a deep, rich brown.  On the wall to my left was another wood carving of
	the word "Maranatha" in a matching stain, mounted over a solid glass
	window which peered into an office.  I wondered about this window.
	Was it inherited as part of the existing architecture?  Was it
	installed deliberately to keep an eye on intruders?

		Before worship began, a vibrant woman introduced herself to
	me as Kathy Taylor, the Pastor's wife.  She took this opportunity to
	introduce me to her sixteen year old daughter, Rachel.  She wanted
	to know how I'd found out about the church (which was becoming a
	frequently asked question).

		One of the ushers plopped down next to me with a kind of
	country store informality, card and pen in hand, to record my visit.
	He took down my vitals: address, phone, church affiliation, spouse and
	children's names.

		Worship began under the leadership of two musicians.  A
	curly-haired, bearded young man, somewhat on the rotund side, played
	acoustic guitar and sang into a microphone on a floor stand.  The
	other musician was a sandy-silver haired, slender man seated at
	a Yamaha brand keyboard, which sat atop a covered card table.  He
	also sang.  Wires from microphones and the keyboard lay unconcealed
	across the light blue carpeting.  Two hexagonal shaped speakers of
	moderate size suspended from the ceiling by chains provided all the
	the amplification there would be.  Every forgoeable expense had been
	spared.

		The guitarist was dressed casually; denim pants, shirt opened
	at the collar, with sleeves rolled up.  Our keyboard player wore what
	I might describe as a Dude Ranch outfit; bola tie, a white shirt with
	metal accents at the collar corners, a leathery brown jacket with
	arched welting in front and back, matching stovepipe trousers, and
	shiny alligator skin cowboy boots.

		This second gentleman spoke with a British accent and did
	most of the talking.  It turned out that our pianist was also a
	chemistry professor at Oxford and this was his farewell appearance.
	He would soon be returning to England until sometime next year.  This
	day he would struggle valiantly to verbalize the thread of a message
	underlying the music selected.

		The composition of the congregation was 100% white.  Women
	were more plentiful than men.  There were quite a few children, but
	no toddlers or infants that I observed.  There were maybe three
	teenagers and very few elderly folks.  Most I would guess to be
	between 25 and 55.  Attire here was on the dressy casual side;
	something one might call adult school apparel.  The hemline trend
	was below the knee.  Flats were preferred over high heels.  Sport
	jackets on men, though few, were perfectly acceptable.

		After the obligatory announcements and promotion of upcoming
	events, Pastor Larry Taylor presented a 30 minute explanation of 2
	passages extracted from Paul's letter to the Ephesian church. (Yawn!)
	It was consistent, however, with the church's slogan, "Verse by verse
	Bible teaching for your daily life."

		Larry's message took on the flavor of classroom instruction,
	complete with pointer, overhead projector and handwritten transparen-
	cies.  His manner was pleasant, his voice resonant and soothing.  He
	brought to mind Fred Rogers with a beard.

		I found the use of the overhead projection with quickly
	sketched cartoon-like illustrations and key words offensive to my
	own sense of aesthetics.  There was no evidence that this bothered
	anyone else.  I did inwardly chuckle when I noticed one of the
	ushers nodding off in his seat.

		Worship ended close to noon, after the offertory and a brief
	benediction.

		This church looked like a denomination, acted like a
	denomination, but called itself non-denominational.  One member
	informed me that they had, "no creed, except AGAPE love."  A flyer
	indicated that Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel was affiliated with
	Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California.  I got the impression that
	this was a fairly recent offshoot of a larger church and  that it
	was struggling to establish itself in a new and already religiously
	saturated region.

    Our church has a practice that I have never seen done in quite the 
    same way in any other church.  At a point early in the worship service,
    we have a "Time of Greeting."  At this time, people freely mingle
    throughout the sanctuary, greeting each other and chatting.  Choir
    members occasionally come down from the loft to speak to someone. 
    
    People welcome and reuinte with folks who have been absent for awhile,
    inquire into each others' families, etc., and may exchange a few words
    of church business.  Usually more than one person seeks out and greets 
    and welcomes strangers.   
    
    This is all done very informally -- no one greets everyone, but greets 
    those nearby and anyone else that they want to go out of their way to see.
    It *looks* extremely chaotic and when our pastor was new, I know that
    he felt things were out of control; but I suggested that he just leave
    it alone and pointed out that it somehow controls itself -- and it
    does!!  At some point -- without any particular signal -- everyone gets
    through greeting and returns to their seats!
    
    The pastor commented that "This is the greeting-est church I ever saw!"
    But I believe he is comfortable with it now and probably enjoys it (I
    must remember to ask).
    
    Also, when a guest preacher who doesn't understand our custom tells us
    to "Pass the peace of Christ" we just go right on with our usual form
    of greetings, thoroughly confusing and puzzling the poor guest!
    
    This time of greeting seems to meet a number of needs, and I'm sure I
    haven't thought it all through yet.  For one thing, though, not
    everyone stays for the coffee hour after church -- some people need to
    leave immediately and, of course, newcomers do not typically linger
    their first few times there.  So the greeting time provides a personal
    contact with *someone* for *everyone*!  Newcomers feel (and are) genuinely
    welcomed.
    
    I personally would resist any attempt to ritualize this particular
    custom (by substituting the passing of the peace) or to shorten it.
    (When there are a large number of people present, the greeting time is
    not significantly lengthened because the larger the gathering, the more
    difficult it is to wander far from your original seat!)
    
    Nancy

    Nancy,
    
    some Episcopal churches mingle like this during the 'peace' before
    the communion. I love it :-).
    
    Bonnie

	Richard -
    
    >	The guitarist was dressed casually; denim pants, shirt opened
    >	at the collar, with sleeves rolled up. 
    
    So you found a place where you were dressed appropriately?? :-)
    

    Another characteristic of our church at the present time is that we
    have a lot of babies and little children (proportionately, that is).
    One of the more beautiful and memorable pictures in my mind is that of
    one of our elderly women (early seventies) returning from the altar
    after her taking communion and holding an infant while his
    parents went to the altar to take communion!  I couldn't decide who was
    cuter -- the baby or the old woman smiling down at him so lovingly!
    

    A couple of rituals that I found particulary endearing when I regularly
    attended the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Reading, MA. had
    to do with welcoming newborns.  When my daughter Kendra was born, a
    rose was placed on the altar in her honor and a picture was taken and
    mailed to me.  
    
    The other was her Christening, which took place during the regular
    Sunday morning service.  During the ceremony, the priest carried her up
    and down the aisle so that everyone in attendance could see her.  It
    was so touching that I cried.  My son had been baptized in the
    Catholic church along with 12 other babies and it felt like he was just
    a number.  I had married a Catholic and intended to raise my children
    in that church, however, when I realized that my husband was no longer
    a devout Catholic and had no intentions of attending church with us; I
    returned to my own Christian roots, the Episcopal church.
    
    Ro
    

I visited the Weymouth United Methodist Church on Sunday (which is the
church I was raised in and in which my parents are very active - my faith
being the lay leader, my mother having been the organist/choir director
for many years).  The following were my impressions.

My focus tends to be on the theological content.

Before the service, I left my daughter with a group who were singing
children's songs such as "Jesus loves me".

The service opened with a hymn sing.

The pastor (a woman) was attired in a white robe with a long green
sash (?) which hung around her neck and down to the floor and both
sides.  (Never could remember what this is called.)  

Three hymns were sung during the service, none of which I was
familiar with.  The congregation appeared unfamiliar with them as
well.

The confession which the congragation read together talked about
all people being in the family of God.

Five new members joined the church, all by "transferring" their
memberships from other churchs.  Two came from a Congregational
Church, two from a Unitarian Universalist church and the pastor's
son from her previous church.

The statement from the new Methodist Hymnal (page 48) to accept
these people into the church simply asked them if they would support
the United Methodist Church.  There was no mention of accepting or
reaffirming a committment to Jesus Christ.

The choir sang a William Gaither hymn "The Family of God".  The words
were printed in the bulletin (as are the words to the Scripture reading).
It talked about "being washed in the blood" and calling one another
"brother" and "sister "'round here" (which is not done, by the way.)
I had already heard from my mother that the choir was not happy singing
that particular hymn as an anthem (I think this was primarily because of
stylistic, not theological, reasons.) 

The Pastor spoke on Ruth.  There were three Scripture readings for the
day.  Two of them were read.  The third one, which was the reading in
Ruth, was not read.

Pastor Rehe started with asking the congregation what phrases they 
remembered from the book of Ruth.  The congregation came up with
the three phrases the pastor evidently expected.  The most important,
according to the pastor, was Ruth saying "your God will be my God".

She gave an accurate historical outline of the events in Ruth.  She
then discussed for 5 minutes the idea that Ruth had an important point
to share with us despite the evidence that it was a myth.  In support
of her contention that this was a myth, she shared that all the names
in the book symbolized the characters.  At other points of her sermon,
she argued strongly that the traditions described in Ruth were
historically accurate.

She concluded with the point that God accepts (and calls) all of us
to be in his family.  It was not clear either to me or to others I
asked this about whether this family included simply those who have
accepted Jesus into their lives or whether this family includes all
people who live.  What was clear is that this is not just for Jews 
or any particular people, but for all.

After the service, I discussed some of the theological content with
my dad.  He was unhappy with the claims explicitly made during the
service that Ruth was a myth since he believes otherwise.  He said he'd
talk to the pastor about it.  (Some of his views have changed over the
past 8 years since his son moved away. :-) Although he didn't believe
Ruth was a myth 8 years ago either.)

Later that night, my wife mentioned to me that she didn't feel she had
worshipped God that day.  We prayed.

Collis

RE: .l16, Collis,

    Your description was very interesting, though at times it went from
    description to judgement.  (I don't remember anything in the base note
    that prohibits judgements, however! :-) )
    
>The pastor (a woman) was attired in a white robe with a long green
>sash (?) which hung around her neck and down to the floor and both
>sides.  (Never could remember what this is called.)  

    It is called a stole.
    
>Five new members joined the church, all by "transferring" their
>memberships from other churchs.  Two came from a Congregational
>Church, two from a Unitarian Universalist church and the pastor's
>son from her previous church.
>
>The statement from the new Methodist Hymnal (page 48) to accept
>these people into the church simply asked them if they would support
>the United Methodist Church.  There was no mention of accepting or
>reaffirming a committment to Jesus Christ.

    Your last sentence here is seems judgemental.  However, the statement from
    the hymnal reflects the fact that the United Methodist church looks upon
    the others as sister churches and accepts the profession of faith that
    the transferees originally made.  (We don't give them some "third degree" 
    to try to determine if their faith is "genuine," although an individual
    church *can* have membership requirements that go beyond what is in the
    Discipline.)
     
>It talked about "being washed in the blood" and calling one another
>"brother" and "sister "'round here" (which is not done, by the way.)
    
    Should they have?

>Pastor Rehe started with asking the congregation what phrases they 
>remembered from the book of Ruth.  The congregation came up with
>the three phrases the pastor evidently expected. 

    *That* sounds like unusual and creative dialog between preacher and
    congregation!  I wonder how many congregations would feel free to
    respond verbally during the sermon!
    
>She concluded with the point that God accepts (and calls) all of us
>to be in his family.  It was not clear either to me or to others I
>asked this about whether this family included simply those who have
>accepted Jesus into their lives or whether this family includes all
>people who live.  What was clear is that this is not just for Jews 
>or any particular people, but for all.

    Collis, don't you believe that God *does* "accept and call all of us"?
    Is anyone excluded from the offer of salvation?  What are you reading
    into what she said?  Sounds like the "missing element" for you was some
    satement *in clear words* about "Jesus Christ and His sacrifice."
    
>Later that night, my wife mentioned to me that she didn't feel she had
>worshipped God that day.  We prayed.

    FWIW, I do not take *this* paragraph as being judgmental.  I take
    *this* one as being descriptive.  Sorry it was not meaningful for you.
    
Nancy

Re:  20.17

     >>There was no mention of accepting or reaffirming a committment to 
     >>Jesus Christ.

  >Your last sentence here is seems judgemental.

Interesting perspective.  I considered what to write here carefully.  I
tried to write something that was informative and not judgmental.  Now,
it is true that I included this sentence because I felt that this was
missing and should be explicitly noted.

  >...United Methodist church looks upon the others as sister churches and 
  >accepts the profession of faith that the transferees originally made.  

I was not aware that the United Methodist Church recognizes the
Unitarian Universalist Church as a Christian Church.  I am aware that
my mother doesn't.  (She was organist at such a church for 5 years.)
     
    >>It talked about "being washed in the blood" and calling one another
    >>"brother" and "sister "'round here" (which is not done, by the way.)
    
  >Should they have?

As far as I'm concerned, it's a stylistic preference.  I don't very
often call other Christians brother or sister (must be my Methodist
upbringing :-) ).  Perhaps this is what the choir members didn't like 
singing.

  >*That* sounds like unusual and creative dialog between preacher and
  >congregation!  

Agreed.  I think this is a good idea - if done in a limited way (which
this was).

  >Collis, don't you believe that God *does* "accept and call all of us"?
  >Is anyone excluded from the offer of salvation?  What are you reading
  >into what she said?  Sounds like the "missing element" for you was some
  >satement *in clear words* about "Jesus Christ and His sacrifice."
    
What was not clear to me (other others) was if all people would be saved.
After asking others what she had meant, I said that I thought a 
non-Christian who believes in universal salvation could have preached the 
same sermon with the same emphasis.  No one disagreed with me.

    >>Later that night, my wife mentioned to me that she didn't feel she had
    >>worshipped God that day.  We prayed.

  >FWIW, I do not take *this* paragraph as being judgmental.  I take
  >*this* one as being descriptive.  Sorry it was not meaningful for you.
    
I fully recognize that part of what makes a worship service meaningful
is the expectations of the participants as well as the style of worship.
My wife (and I) find ourselves worshipping God more readily in a setting
where choruses that praise Jesus are sung and where God and the Bible
are readily affirmed.  I do think that the newness of all the hymns
played a part in not being able to focus on God.  (In addition, we have
become accustomed to "being fed" during the sermon time.  This was a
sermon that we both had some disagreement with.)

My previous note was getting rather long, so I didn't include all that
I might have.  But I do want to note that this is a very friendly church,
a socially active church and I appreciate many of the members (whom I
have known all my life).  

I certainly did appreciate the refreshments after the service (and so
did my daughter :-) ).

I also attended the Sunday School Class which I don't think I'll comment
on here.  (It wasn't a Bible study.  :-) )

Collis

    Ya know, I wouldn't have recommended by *own* church worship
    yesterday!!  To me, the sermon was shallow (compared with last week's
    on "Can Christians Be Patriotic") and I couldn't understand all the
    words from the soloists in the choir!
    
    But maybe it was meaningful to someone else.
    
    	Or maybe everyone was having a "bad day."
    
    		Or maybe *I* wasn't being receptive enough.... hmmmm... :-)
    

    
    I attend the Unitarian Universalist church in Groton, Mass., US.
    Nice people, wonderful old building and no creed.  The pews are
    actually boxes because back when they were built, people would bring
    their own box heaters with them to place in their pew.  Coffee hour
    after the service is a long-held tradition.
    
    A few weeks ago, we had a Russian delegation who was being sponsored by
    the Appalachian Hiking Club (apparently the Russians had sponsored
    members from the Hiking Club in the USSR several years beforehand).
    
    Through a translator, two of the Russian fellows spoke.  One fellow
    said, "We are glad to be here in your church, not only because it is
    one of the oldest buildings here, but it is the most humane in its
    outlook on life."
    
    Cindy

    The Meeting house I attend in Framingham, MA was at one time a school.
    It is a very old, simple building.  We hold Meeting on the second
    floor.  This is an open space with old-fashioned benches arranged
    around the room.  There are many, many windows, and on bright
    Autumn days, I find myself using the beautiful trees that surround
    the building as my "focus".
    
    The walls are quite bare, and of a cream color.  The only "decoration"
    is the wainscoting.
    
    Does this sound as though I think my Meeting house is bland and boring?
    *Far* from it!  Having been raised with the opulence of the Roman
    Catholic Church (the church I attended had a huge crucifix dedicated
    to my sister, much stained glass, etc.) I find the Meeting hall to be
    serene and peace-inducing.
    
    The most wonderful thing about it, though, is that there is a massive
    fireplace, and in the winter there is always a blazing fire!
    
    I *love* my/our Meeting house!  (*8
    
    I *hate* getting up on First Day mornings!  )*8
    
    E Grace

	I've been regularly attending Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community
Church (MCC) as of late.

	Everyone who attends worship at MCC is there because they genuinely
yearn for spirituality in their lives, not because they feel obligated to
be there, and not because they're trying to maintain some inflated status in
the local community.  Those who attend worship do so at some peril.

	You see, the congregation at MCC is predominantly gay.

	The order of worship, accouterments, and clergy apparel are
elegantly high church.  Yet, the attire and demeanor of the people is
decidedly informal and unpretentious.

	Pikes Peak MCC doesn't own its own building.  It struggles making
ends meet financially, and has been known to fall behind in paying the
rent on occasion.

	But, let me tell you the most unique thing I have found about
worshiping at Pikes Peak MCC.  The love and genuine affection is infectious.
It is rare that I do not at some time sense the very presence of Christ in
their midst.

Peace,
Richard

    Having attended the Friends Meeting House this past Sunday with E Grace
    and Mike V, I can attest to the inspiring simplicity of the Quaker
    meeting and surroundings that E spoke of in .21.
    
    It was the first Quaker meeting I have attended.  I enjoyed and was
    "nourished" by it tremendously.  I plan to attend again.
    
    Thanks E and Mike.
    
    Karen

    You're welcome.  I was glad to have you with us!
    
    E Grace

I've been intending for over a month now to write up what the church
that we have joined is like.  Since I reminded by these entries, I'll
do it now.

The worship service starts at 10:30 with a prelude on the piano.  The
church seats about 250 adults (downstairs) with a balcony that can probably
fit another 100.  The church has grown considerably since we first went
last year (when it had an attendance of about 140 including children) -
today the attendance is over 240 which gives the church a very filled
look (which is why I mentioned the attendance - it was hard to find a
seat!).  I say that there was a prelude at 10:30; this is a guess since
we were not there at that point, our car having died a block from our
house.  We went back for our other car and got to church a few minutes
late.

A call to worship is followed by a hymn and a Scripture reading from
Acts 2:41-47.  A pastoral prayer is offered worshipping God for his
greatness and asking the Lord to consider the prayer requests 
(each is specifically prayed for) which are printed every week on a handout 
for worshippers to take home with them.  A family came to light the
Advent candles and share the significance of the third week of Advent.

We sang choruses from the Maranantha PRAISE! book including "Emmanuel"
(I forget the others).  This is often my favorite time of the service
because I can concentrate on just praising and thanking Jesus for who
He is and what He has done.  At this point, the Pastor asks us to greet
our neighbor (not with any special phrase, just make sure you know the
people you're sitting near and say hi).  Because there are first time
visitors there every week, we want to make sure that they are greeted
and this helps to ease the way.

Special music today consists of the children's choir followed by the
offering with the children's choir singing another song.  During the
offering, the congregation joins with the children after being taught the
song.  Applause is given at the end of the song. 

The pastor then preaches for about 25 minutes.  Today's topic is the
nature of Jesus.  Who was he?  What did he do?  Despite knowing practically
everything that is shared, I am all ears listening and checking our the
Scripture references.  He happens to mention that when he was a boy,
he used to love to go to church and stay around the church.  His two boys
are the same way.  I, too, really enjoy worshipping the Lord on Sunday
morning.

Pastor Pete's preaching is one of the reasons the congregation has grown by
about 40-50 people in the last 6 months (Sunday was his 6 month
anniversary).  The previous week the topic was Biblical innerancy.  During
the prayer following the sermon, the Pastor asks for any who desire to
accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior to pray with him silently and then to
tell someone what they have done.  An elder is available to talk with them
in a back room after the service. 

The worship closed with the hymn "The Church's One Foundation" and all
were invited downstairs for refreshments (coffee, punch, usually some
type of munchie).

Collis

Ahh, worship in the manner of Friends; the Quaker Meeting.

As some here know, I am a frequenter of Colorado Springs Friends Meeting,
and a former member of Phoenix Friends Meeting.

To those who are unfamiliar with it, the Meeting gathers in silence to
"wait upon the Spirit."  No utterances are spoken until someone feels
moved to do so.  It is a serious responsibility to serve as an instrument
of vocal ministry; one that Friends do not take lightly.

I remember vividly a message given in song near Christmas.  The words
were:

"It's Christmas and Light is alive on the Earth;  Wake up! It's Christmas
morning!"

Her voice rings clear in my memory.

Peace,
Richard

    Thank you, Richard.

    I thought I would post this here; if it belongs elsewhere mods, feel
    free to move it.  It is a simple sheet published by my Meeting that
    explains meeting to those who may be there for the first time.

    	Reprinted without permission, but they won't care!


                          INVITATION TO WORSHIP

      We invite you to share the hospitality of our Meeting House and to
    join us in our silent Meeting.  For those attending for the first time,
    may we explain that our Quaker Meeting does not have a pre-set program
    but it does involve a discipline.  We ask you to listen attentively
    both to the harmony of the silence and to the spoken messages that may
    arise from the silence.

      The Meeting really begins only when we are all joined in the silent
    waiting upon God, that is known among Quakers as Centering Down. 
    Centering Down is sometimes initiated by reflection on the spiritual
    well-being of one's life, or on the needs of others in the Meeting, but
    it is ultimately characterized by a quieting of the mind's
    restlessness, by an expectant waiting for the clarity of the Inner
    Light.  Friends believe that every person is a child of God and so has
    something within that has been called the "seed" or "Light within". 
    Because of this relationship of the soul to its Creator, direct
    spiritual communion is possible.  In a Friend's Meeting for Worship
    each person earnestly turns attention toward this Inner Light in order
    truly to worship God and find guidance for daily living, spiritual
    refreshment, and inspiration for loving service to humankind.  

      Because of the spiritual relationship among individuals, worship in a
    group may prove to be a far richer experience than worship by an
    individual alone.  Jesus said "When tow or three are gathered together
    in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  God speaks in the hearts
    of those who earnestly seek Him, and in a Friend's Meeting, speaking,
    when there is any, arises from a deep religious experience, preceded by
    the conviction that this experience must be shared.  This is sometimes
    sensed as an upswelling of the spirit, sometimes as an insight
    following study, meditation, or prayer.  It is humble, and the result
    of earnest seeking.  It is not casual or argumentative.  Courtesy,
    Quaker custom, and respect for others, suggests that there be a period
    of silence following each speaker, so that the message that has come
    through such spoken ministry may be considered by each of us present.

      The Meeting ends when an appointed Friend shakes hands with those
    beside him or her.

      We are happy to have you join us, and look forward to visiting with
    you after the Meeting.

Article: 602
From: Joel Sax <jsax@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: soc.religion.quaker
Date: 28 Mar 93 09:28 PST
Subject: Short List for the Seeker
Sender: Notesfile to Usenet Gateway <notes@igc.apc.org>
 
 
QUAKER BIBLIOGRAPHY:
A SHORT LIST FOR THE SEEKER
Revised November 1992 by Joel GAzis-SAx
 
 
* FRIENDS FOR 300 YEARS, Howard Brinton, Pendle Hill, 1952.   
Combines history and interpretation in an excellent single volume 
on the essentials of Quakerism. 
 
* GUIDE TO QUAKER PRACTICE, Howard Brinton, Pendle Hill pamphlet 
#20. 
 
* THE FAITH AND PRACTICE OF QUAKERS, Rufus M. Jones, Doran, N.Y., 
1938. 
 
* QUAKER SPIRITUALITY, ed. Douglas Steere, Paulist Press, 1984.
 
* BARCLAY'S APOLOGY IN MODERN ENGLISH, Dean Freiday, editor, 1967.
 
* THE AMAZING FACT OF QUAKER WORSHIP, George H. Gorman, Swarthmore 
Lecture, 1973, Friends Home Service Committee, London. 
 
* BEYOND MAJORITY RULE (VOTELESS DECISIONS IN THE RELIGIOUS 
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS), Michael J. Sheeran, S.J., Philadelphia Yearly 
Meeting of Religious Society of Friends, 1983. 
 
* UNMASKING THE IDOLS:  A JOURNEY AMONG FRIENDS, Douglas Gwyn, 
Friends United Press, Richmond, Indiana, 1989. 
 
* WHAT IS QUAKERISM?: A PRIMER, George T. Peck, Pendle Hill 
Pamphlet #277. 
 
* THE QUAKERS OR OUR NEIGHBORS, THE FRIENDS, William J. Whalen, 
Friends General Conference, Philadelphia, 1984. 
 
* FAITH AND PRACTICE:  A QUAKER GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE, 
Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. 
 
* FAITH AND PRACTICE:  A BOOK OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE, 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. 
 
* CHRISTIAN FAITH AND PRACTICE IN THE EXPERIENCE OF THE SOCIETY OF 
FRIENDS, London Yearly Meeting. 
* THE BEGINNINGS OF QUAKERISM, William C. Braithwaite, Rowntree 
Series of Quaker Histories. 
 
* PORTRAIT IN GREY (A SHORT HISTORY OF THE QUAKERS), John Punshon, 
Quaker Home Service, London, 1984. 
 
* THE QUIET REBELS:  THE STORY OF THE QUAKERS IN AMERICA, Margaret 
Hope Bacon, New Society Publishers, Philadelphia, 1985.  includes 
an introduction "The Quaker Contribution to Nonviolent Action." 
 
* THE QUAKER PEACE TESTIMONY:  1660 TO 1914, Peter Brock, Sessions 
Book Trust, York, 1990.
 
* THE JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX.
 
* THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN.
 
* APOCALYPSE OF THE WORD, Douglas Gwyn, Friends United Press 
(study guide available) 
 
* A TESTAMENT OF DEVOTION, Thomas R. Kelly, Harper and Bros., NY, 
1941. 
 
* THERE IS A SPIRIT (SONNETS INSPIRED BY JAMES NAYLER), Kenneth 
Boulding, Fellowship Publications, 1945. 
 
* FRIENDLY STORY CARAVAN, Anna P. Broomell, Pendle Hill 
Publications. 
 
* A GUIDE FOR FRIENDS ON CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION TO WAR, Ben 
Richmond,  Friends United Meeting 1991 
 
* NEW CALL FOR PEACEMAKERS (STUDY GUIDE), Faith and Life Press, 
Newton, Kansas, 1979. 
 
* BIBLICAL PACIFISM:  A PEACE CHURCH PERSPECTIVE, Dale W. Brown, 
Brethren Press, Elgin, Ill., 1986. 
 
 

    After reading .9, I found it interesting what made an impression on
    Richard and what didn't.  I'm not trying to offend Richard because I'm
    not exactly sure of what image he was trying to relate.  When I was 
    looking for a new church a few years ago, there was no way I was 
    interested in how people dressed or the cosmetics of the building.  In 
    looking for a new church, I narrowed it down to 4 major points that I 
    felt were vital.  This is partially influenced by 1 Corinthians
    11:16-22.
    
1. Fed - spiritual food for you to grow.  If you aren't being ministered to
    and aren't growing, you're probably in the wrong place.
    
2. Fellowship - opportunities to be with your brothers and sisters in Christ
    with common interests, and to edify each other.  For example, young
    adults or middle-aged people may not be comfortable in a church in Sun 
    City (local retirement-aged city).
    
3. Fit - this could be anything from the minister's annointing, to the average
    age of the church, to the music.  This goes beyond point 2 and just 
    fellowship.  It could even include attire.  When it's summertime and the 
    evening lows are 95 degrees, I'm always in shorts and a t-shirt.  At my 
    church, this is common and nobody thinks twice about it.  We aren't there 
    for a fashion show.  At my old church, it was a problem.  As a
    contemporary musician, I like to worship God in contemporary styles
    that are comfortable and pleasing to me.  I don't mean to say that they
    old traditional hymns aren't beautiful and edifying, but personally I
    need more variety.  Now I'm in an environment where I experience
    variety.  At my old church it was not only a problem, but it bogged me
    down spiritually.  Worship music is what enhances the flow of the Holy
    Spirit.
    
4. Fruitful - ministries that allow you to serve God in ways that you enjoy.
    Don't be a spiritual couch potato and let the living water in you become 
    stagnant.  The living water needs to flow and it allows God to work 
    through you and bless you as well as others.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    	Perhaps I should explain.  .9 was written as part of a class
    requirement for a course I took at UCCS called "Sociology of Religion."
    Each student had to visit 3 churches (none of which could be their own)
    and report in written form their observations.  We were not required to
    be entirely objective.
    
    	I was not shopping for a church.  I picked Calvary Chapel to visit
    solely for its proximity to my home.
    
    	Commenting on the way people dress, etc., has to do with sociological
    considerations.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Okay Richard, I understand better now.  I was hoping you weren't that
    bored.

One of the most visible things which defines my parish is its music; listings
of recent service music are attached.  But much more than by the music, the
parish is defined by its history in the revival of the ancient traditions of
Anglicanism throughout the world, throughout the U.S., and in the Boston area.
The parish was responsible for bringing the revived Anglican monastic orders
to the United States, including the Sisters of St. Margaret, who founded the
famous Boston Children's Hospital.

But back to the music:

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, October 16, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:35 pm

Prelude:	Ralph Vaughan Williams		Prelude on "Rhosymedre"
Hymn 445	Praise to the Holiest in the height   Gerontius
Introit:        Mode VII, Ego clamavi		I have called upon thee, O God
Ordinary:	Anonymous (c. 1325)		Missa Tornacensis
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 91	W. Wolstenholme			For thou, Lord, art my hope;
Gradual		Mode V, Salvum fac populum	Save thy people, O Lord
Alleluia	Mode VI, Lauda, anima mea	Praise the Lord, O my soul
Hymn 474	When I survey the wondrous cross   Rockingham
Creed		Plainsong, 9th century		(1940 Hymnal #720, +"Holy")
Offrtry Anthem	William Byrd (1543-1623)	Teach me, O Lord
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Meditabor		My delight shall be
Hymn 458	My song is love unknown		Love Unknown
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Domine Dominus noster	O Lord our Governor
Hymn 332	O God, unseen yet never near	St. Flavian
Motet		Christopher Putnam (b. 1967)	O God of peace
Hymn 657	Love Divine all loves excelling  Hyfrydol
Postlude:	Ralph Vaughan Williams		Prelude on "Hyfrydol"

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, October 23, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:40 pm

Prelude:	Johann Sebastian Bach		Partita in A minor for
			unaccompanied flute, BWV 1013
			II. Bouree anglaise
			III. Sarabande
Hymn 371	Thou, whose almighty word	Moscow
Introit:        Mode VII, Laetetur cor		Let the heart of them rejoice
Ordinary:	Palestrina (1525-1594)		Missa "Ave Maria"
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 13	John E. West (1863-1929)
Gradual		Mode V, Unam petii		One thing have I desired
Alleluia	Mode VI, Lauda Jerusalem	Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem
Hymn 704	O thou who camest from above	Hereford
Creed		Plainsong, 9th century		(1940 Hymnal #720, +"Holy")
Offrtry Anthem	Church-musick			George Herbert / Rodney Lister
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Domine, vivifica me	Quicken me, O Lord
Hymn 475	God himself is with us		Tysk
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Laetabimur		We will rejoice in thy salvation
Motet		O sacrum convivium		Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)
Hymn 432	O praise ye the Lord!		Laudate Dominum
Postlude:	Johann Sebastian Bach		Aria: Hoechster, was ich habe
			(Cantata No. 39) for soprano, flute, and continuo
================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, October 30, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:40 pm

Prelude:	Passacaglia in D Minor, BuxWV 161    Dietrich Buxtehude
Hymn 544	Jesus shall reign where'er the sun   Duke Street
Introit:        Mode VII, Ne derelinquas me	Forsake me not, O Lord my God
Ordinary:	Missa "De Angelis"		Plainsong, with congregation
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 119:1-8	Tone IIIA4			Plainsong
Gradual		Mode V, Suscepimus		We have waited, O God
Alleluia	Mode VI, Verbo Domini		By the word of the Lord
Hymn 382	King of glory, King of Peace	General Seminary
Creed		Plainsong, 9th century		(1940 Hymnal #720, +"Holy")
Offrtry Anthem	O come hither			Maurice Green (1695-1755)
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Benedic, anima mea	Praise the Lord, O my soul
Hymn 573	Father eternal			Langham
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Notas mihi fecisti	Thou shalt show me the path
Hymn 318	Here, O my Lord			Nyack
Motet		Lord, what love have I		William Croft (1687-1727)
Hymn 437	Tell out, my soul		Birmingham
Postlude:	Praeludium in D Minor, BuxWV 140   Buxtehude

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Wednesday, November 2, 1994 - 6:30pm to 8:25pm

Music of the Mass:   Requiem, K.626		Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Introit		Requiem aeternam dona eis	  K.626
Kyrie						  K.626
Gradual		Requiem aeternam dona eis	  Mode II Plainsong
Tract		Absolve, Domine, animas omnium	  Mode VIII Plainsong
Sequence	Dies irae			  K.626
Offertory	Domine Jesu Christe, Rex gloriae  K.626
Hymn 357	Jesus, Son of Mary		  Adoro devote
Sanctus and Benedictus				  K.626
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		  S-119
Agnus Dei					  K.626
Commnio Sentnc	Lux aeterna luceat eis		  K.626
Recessional	In paradisum			  Mode VII Plainson

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, November 6, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:40 pm
Sunday within the Octave of All Saints

Prelude:	Requiescat in pace		Leo Sowerby (1895-1968)
Hymn 287	For all the saints		Sine Nomine
Ordinary:	Office of Holy Communion ("Collegium Regale")
						Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 149	O sing unto the Lord a new song	Terry Hanforth
Gradual		Mode V, Timet Dominum		O fear the Lord
Alleluia	Mode VI, Venite ad me		Come unto me
Hymn 253	Give us the wings of faith	San Rocco
Offrtry Anthem	O how glorius is the kingdom	Basil Harwood (1859-1949)
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Justorum animae	The souls of the righteous
Hymn 618	Ye watchers and ye holy ones	Lass uns erfreuen
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Beatie mundo corde	Blessed are the pure in heart
Motet		Audivi vocem de coelo		Duarte Lobo (c. 1565-1640)
Hymn 286	Who are these like stars	Zeuch mich, Zeuch mich
Postlude:	Placare Christe servulis, 38:16	Marcel Dupre (1886-1971)

Organ Recital, 5:30-6:00
Andrew Shenton
		Joie et Clarte des Corps Glorieux
		(Les Corps Glorieux, 1939)	Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
		Chorale in B Minor
		(Trois Chorals, 1890)		Cesar Franck (1822-1890)
		Cantilene (Suite Breve, 1947)	Jean Langlais (1907-1991)

Solemn Evensong and Benediction, 6:00-6:45
The Volunteer Choir, Mark Dwyer directing, Michael Kleinschmidt, Organ

Hymn 545	Lo! what a cloud of witnesses	St. Fulbert
Preces		O Lord open thou our lips	Richard Ayleward (1626-1669)
Psalm 148	O Praise the Lord from the heavens   J. Marsh
Psalm 150	O Praise God in his sanctuary	     G.S. Talbot
Magnificat	Evening Service in E Major	Herbert Murril (1909-1952)
Nunc Dimittis	   "       "    "  "   "	   "      "
Lesser Litany					Ayleward
Suffrages	O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us	Ayleward
Anthem		Requem aeternam			Giovanni Anerio (1567-1639)

Hymn		O saving Victim, opening wide	  Marty Dei, Plainsong, Mode VI
Hymn		Therefore we, before him bending  Tantum ergo, Plainsong, Mode V
Psalm 117	w Antiphon: Let us forever adore  Mode I

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, November 13, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:40 pm
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude:	Variations on a shape-note hymn	 Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
		Op. 34, "Wondrous Love"
Hymn 591	O God of earth and altar	King's Lynn
Introuit	Mode VII, Dicit Dominus		Thus saith the Lord
Ordinary:	Missa "Praeparate corda vestra"	Steffano Bernardi (1576-1636)
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 16:6-12	The Lord himself is the portion	 James Turle
Gradual		Mode V, Liberasti nos		It is thou, O Lord
Alleluia	Mode VI, De profundis		Out of the deep
Hymn 462	The Lord will come and not be slow   York
Offrtry Anthem	Manus tuae Domine		Cristobal Morales (c. 1500-53)
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, De profundis		Out of the deep
Hymn 522/1940	Lord Christ, when first thou	Bohemian Brethren
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Amen dico vobis		Verily I say unto you
Motet		O sacrum convivium		Everett Titcomb (1884-1968)
Hymn 596	Judge eternal, throned in splendor   Komm, o komm
Postlude:	Revelations (III. Toccata)	Daniel Pinkham (b. 1923)

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, November 20, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:50 pm
The Last Sunday after Pentecost: The Feast of Christ the King

Prelude:	Prelude in C Major, BWV 547	J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Hymn 483	The head that once was crowned with thorns   St. Magnus
Hymn 494	Crown him with many crowns	Diademata
Ordinary:	Missa "Regina coeli"		Palestrina (c. 1525-1594)
		 (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Psalm 93	The Lord is King		William Crotch (1775-1847)
Gradual		Mode V, Dominabitur		His dominion shall be
Alleluia	Mode VI, Potestas ejus		His dominion is everlasting
Hymn 290/1940	Let all the world in ever corner sing   Universal Praise
Offrtry Anthem	My God and King			Kenneth Leighton (1929-1988)
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Postula a me		Desire of me, and I shall give
Hymn 616	Hail to the Lord's Anointed	Es flog ein kleins Waldvoegelein
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Beati mundo corde	The Lord remaineth a King
Motet		The Lord is King		Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Solemn Te Deum	Te Deum in C Major		Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Postlude:	Fugue in C Major, BWV 547	J. S. Bach

================================================================================

The Church of the Advent (Episcopal) - Boston, Massachusetts
The Rev. Andrew C. Mead, Rector
Miss Edith Ho, D. Mus., Organist and Choirmaster
Sunday, November 27, 1994 - 11:00 am to 12:40 pm
The First Sunday in Advent
The Feast of Title and Dedication: The beginning of the 150th year of the parish

Prelude:	Symphonie-Passion, Op. 23	Marcel Dupre (1886-1971)
		1. Le Monde dans l'attente du Sauveur
Hymn 360	Only-begotten			Rouen
Hymn 525	The Church's one foundation	Aurelia
Kyrie		Paschal Kyrie			John Sheppard
Psalm 50	The Lord, even the Most Mighty	R. Langdon
Gradual		Mode V, Universi		For all they look for thee
Alleluia	Mode VI, Ostende nobis		Show us the mercy
Hymn 73		The King shall come when morning dawns	St. Stephen
Offrtry Anthem	Blessed City, heavenly Salem	Edward C. Bairstow (1874-1946)
Offrtry Sentnc	Mode II, Ad te Domine		Unto thee, O Lord
Hymn 57		Lo! he comes, with clouds descending	Helmsley
Ordinary:	Cantate Mass			John Sheppard
		 (Sanctus, Agnus Dei)
Lord's Prayer	Traditional ekphonesis		S-119
Commnio Sentnc	Mode I, Dominus dabit		The Lord shall show
Motet		The gate of heaven		Rodney Lister (b. 1951)
Motet		This is truly the house of God	Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986)
Hymn 486	Hosanna to the living Lord!	Hosanna
Postlude:	Carillon de Westminster, Op. 54 No. 6	Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

    The church I attend is the Living Way Foursquare Church in Seattle. It
    is a relatively moderate sized church, room enough for maybe 150
    chairs. We don't have pews, just chairs.
      The thing that I really appreciate about this church is the fact that
    the whole service is based upon worship of God and the giving over of
    glory to his name's sake. I have attended churches that are
    conservative and there was always something that my soul longed for in
    the service that just wasn't there, and I always went away feeling that
    there was something that was missing in my worship. I tried going to
    other churches, but found most of the services still had things
    missing. I identified the problem, finally late last year. I then tried
    some other churches that were reportedly more upbeat, to find that when
    the speaker said "let us pray" all of the sudden there was chaos,
    people literally jumping around, screaming and running up and down the
    aisles. Now, that may be o.k. with some of you out there, but I and my
    wife found that very uncomfortable.
      The Living Way church is the perfect church for me, the service opens
    with prayer, and gives way to contemporary hymns, and songs you can
    hear christian music stations. There is a band that does performances
    once in a while, and they play during the offering, or someone does a
    solo or duet song. 
      The message is delivered by an energetic man named Rodger, and it is
    refreshing to hear him speak, because he seems very human to the rest
    of the church because he openly admits and confesses his sins to us,
    and has a really great sense of humor. It makes the service not only
    fun, but easier to listen to, and I no longer find myself dozing off
    during the sermon.
      The holy spirit is always present in the people there and it is not
    uncommon to hear people speaking in tongues during open worship and
    laying hands on each other praying over them.
      If any one plans on visiting the seattle area and would like to
    visit, let me know! I'd be glad to have you accompany me!
    Just e-mail me at decwet::mcclain
    
    Radically Saved,
    
    Joe
     

re Note 20.33 by DECWET::MCCLAIN:

>       The thing that I really appreciate about this church is the fact that
>     the whole service is based upon worship of God and the giving over of
>     glory to his name's sake. 

        How do we humans "give over glory" to God?

        What glory do we have to give?

        Bob