We are holding small services now but are having issues with people not wanting to mask! It's tearing the church apart with some leaving. It is so difficult when the masking became a political statement instead of a health decision. It prevents any of our older or people with other health issues from attending. We have a long way to go with a lot refusing to attend! Sad!
Lots of great information here to start the process of reopening of our churches! Thank You
I hope we keep the internet services too. It has been wonderful for me because I couldn't attend before this crisis due to a chronic illness that keeps me pretty much housebound anyway! I am still hope regular services can start too. My family enjoy the worship.
What you say about the church policy may be true but it is not practical or necessary to provide the shut ins the privilege of celebrating the sacrament. I am one of those shut ins! My pastor does not visit me so some elders came to celebrate the sacrament with me. They didn’t have approval from CO 55! Are you telling me that it was a farce? I enjoyed and worshiped with tears! It’s time to stop thinking about church rules and worship without limitations! Thx
Thanks Cedric for your response but I don’t think you understand! It’s not my responsibility to make sure that the Elders have approval from the classis. Especially if it’s not a farce! They aren’t trying to by pass the rules just help out a sick person. You don’t have a lot of extra energy to make sure your Pastors, elders are doing it correctly and going to Classis for approval! I didn’t go against Co55 either, I never knew there was a rule like this nor do I think it’s necessary for my journey with the Lord! I think our church at times puts more thought about the logistics of worship than the act itself! Thanks anyway Cedric, I know your just trying to do something that’s important to you!
Thank You Ronald for your suggestion! That sounds like a great solution to address all the concerns of what the church prefers! Incidentally, I didn't lose anything that would require a win/win scenario.I was able to worship the Lord through Lords supper administered by Elders who were consecrated by the Lord to help a sick person! I think , unfortunately it didn’t meet some people’s standards, Cedric is not incorrect either, Co55 does recommend a church ordained person administer the Sacrament! I do appreciate your suggestion even though I don’t think this is a issue! Thx
Thank You Ron,I have been house bound the last 5 yrs due to MS disease. I was once giving communion by a non approved Elder( My brother in law). I was told on the this Netwok that it was wrong. I have never experienced a more spirit filled communion than that one! We both cried after the experience! Both individuals I was in this discussion with later admitted it was real when I asked if were fake then if denomination criteria was not followed. Your post supports what I was trying to say!
Your concern is well founded. It depends on how the church qualifies leadership. Do they veiw leadership in a secular context? We typically look for people that appear successful and friendly. But spiritual leaders does not always come in a nice wrapper.
I believe there should be a interview process where candidates respond to questions from church leadership and the lay body. The questions and answers take away some guess work and bias.
I also think candidates or volunteers should be allowed. Some individuals will never be considered due to appearances or their history.
When the council evaluates the candidates before the casting of lots, do they make the determination with the candidate present? Does he/she have any input?
Posted in: Where Is Your Church at in the Physical Reopening Process?
We are holding small services now but are having issues with people not wanting to mask! It's tearing the church apart with some leaving. It is so difficult when the masking became a political statement instead of a health decision. It prevents any of our older or people with other health issues from attending. We have a long way to go with a lot refusing to attend! Sad!
Posted in: Zoom With Kids?
Our church has been using Zoom now for 5 weeks, we have had no problems. I do suggest that you get professional help to set it up securely.
Posted in: When to Reopen Church? (And When to Re-Close)
Lots of great information here to start the process of reopening of our churches! Thank You
I hope we keep the internet services too. It has been wonderful for me because I couldn't attend before this crisis due to a chronic illness that keeps me pretty much housebound anyway!
I am still hope regular services can start too. My family enjoy the worship.
Posted in: When to Reopen Church? (And When to Re-Close)
Thanks Tim
Posted in: When to Reopen Church? (And When to Re-Close)
That was a good article! Thx Tim for the link.
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
What you say about the church policy may be true but it is not practical or necessary to provide the shut ins the privilege of celebrating the sacrament. I am one of those shut ins! My pastor does not visit me so some elders came to celebrate the sacrament with me. They didn’t have approval from CO 55! Are you telling me that it was a farce? I enjoyed and worshiped with tears! It’s time to stop thinking about church rules and worship without limitations! Thx
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
Thanks Cedric for your response but I don’t think you understand! It’s not my responsibility to make sure that the Elders have approval from the classis. Especially if it’s not a farce! They aren’t trying to by pass the rules just help out a sick person. You don’t have a lot of extra energy to make sure your Pastors, elders are doing it correctly and going to Classis for approval! I didn’t go against Co55 either, I never knew there was a rule like this nor do I think it’s necessary for my journey with the Lord! I think our church at times puts more thought about the logistics of worship than the act itself! Thanks anyway Cedric, I know your just trying to do something that’s important to you!
Posted in: Church Order Q: Can Elder's Perform the Lord's Supper to Those Who Are Sick or Shut-In?
Thank You Ronald for your suggestion! That sounds like a great solution to address all the concerns of what the church prefers! Incidentally, I didn't lose anything that would require a win/win scenario.I was able to worship the Lord through Lords supper administered by Elders who were consecrated by the Lord to help a sick person! I think , unfortunately it didn’t meet some people’s standards, Cedric is not incorrect either, Co55 does recommend a church ordained person administer the Sacrament! I do appreciate your suggestion even though I don’t think this is a issue! Thx
Posted in: Why Must You Be Ordained in Order to Administer Communion/The Lord's Supper?
Thank You Ron,I have been house bound the last 5 yrs due to MS disease. I was once giving communion by a non approved Elder( My brother in law). I was told on the this Netwok that it was wrong. I have never experienced a more spirit filled communion than that one! We both cried after the experience! Both individuals I was in this discussion with later admitted it was real when I asked if were fake then if denomination criteria was not followed. Your post supports what I was trying to say!
Posted in: How does your council and congregation go about selecting eligible candidates to serve as deacons and elders?
Thanks Todd,
Your concern is well founded. It depends on how the church qualifies leadership. Do they veiw leadership in a secular context? We typically look for people that appear successful and friendly. But spiritual leaders does not always come in a nice wrapper.
I believe there should be a interview process where candidates respond to questions from church leadership and the lay body. The questions and answers take away some guess work and bias.
I also think candidates or volunteers should be allowed. Some individuals will never be considered due to appearances or their history.
Ken
Posted in: How does your council and congregation go about selecting eligible candidates to serve as deacons and elders?
Hi Mark,
When the council evaluates the candidates before the casting of lots, do they make the determination with the candidate present? Does he/she have any input?
Thanks
Ken
Posted in: What's a good internet-based method for church backups?
Kyle, Are these server based systems?
Ken