I feel like I need to respond to a bit of a blowup I had in the comments section of my previous blog entry (see below.) My only comment here would be that I stress being faithful to your historical liturgical roots. I tend to shy away from ecumenism if ecumenism tends to create one big incongruent blob of christian liturgy, or as I call it Naziturgy. I think in most branches of Christianity, there is an element of uniqueness in worshipping style that should be celebrated. If you are Anglo-catholic, say your high church mass with pride because its who you are. If you are a "warm your heart by the altar" Methodist, sing Rock of Ages to beat the band. If you are a Lutheran, boogie with A Mighty Fortress is Our God. If you are a happy, clappy evangelical, then go for it. For me, liturgy is the work of the people. If its what people want, then I am cool with it, for the most part (I draw the line at snake handling and "this little light of mine." I guess what this brings...
Comments
One thing I can recall is when the rector made the comment, "When our ancestors came down from the trees..." and the lady next to me said in a defiant voice, "Not mine!"
Or if you wish, I can extract the Gospel verses for you and you can take it from there.
I'll look into that Uncomfortable Words book. That intrigues me, although I think that might be a hard sell attendance wise. "Yeah, come for fellowship and uncomfortable words!"
I am also going to float this idea to the youth group tonight and see if they come up with any interesting ideas for topics.