From the desk of Pastor David,

     I recently listened to a roundtable discussion among clergy from different denominations: a Roman Catholic priest, an Episcopalian minister, a Lutheran pastor, a Baptist preacher, and a Pentecostal minister. During the discussion, the question was asked, “How long are your sermons?” The Catholic and Episcopalian both said about 5 minutes; the Lutheran said 15-20 minutes; and the Baptist and Pentecostal said 45 minutes to an hour. Then the Episcopalian said something that I guess I knew subconsciously, but never gave it much thought. She said, “Well, the Catholics and Episcopalians are more sacramental, and the Baptists and Pentecostals are more Word oriented. (A sacrament is a religious ritual that is divinely influenced and directed). She was trying to justify her short sermon time, but her statement caused me to ponder the differences among the five faith traditions.

Sacramental churches (Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican (the Roman Catholic church severed from Rome by Henry VIII and nationalized), and Episcopalians (the Anglican church in America) all have a long tradition of statues, paintings, stained glass windows, candles, chanting, ancient and traditional hymns, altars adorned with white linen and silver chalices, priests in colored flowing robes administering holy water from golden buckets and incense of myrrh from a swinging censer. There is a strong mysticism in their worship. They recognize and practice many sacraments: baptism, communion, confirmation, confession and penance, anointing of the sick, marriage, and holy orders (“last rites include a combination of the preceding). Their liturgy is filled with piety and spirituality. There is a quiet nobility to their services, like the crowning of a new king.

On the other end of the spectrum, Baptists and Pentecostals don’t claim any “sacraments,” per se. They recognize Baptism and Communion but call them “ordinances” or practices that symbolize the teachings of Jesus and remind them about him. Many newly formed churches in these traditions will meet in a rented school cafeteria in which tables may be adorned with a half-eaten, discarded PB& J sandwich, but no white tablecloths or chalices. Music tends to be modern, loud, and electronic. You will probably not even find a cross in their services. However, what they lack in liturgical tradition, they more than make up in expository preaching. They want their people to know God’s word for what it says, what it means, and how it applies to them. Every member brings a Bible to service and opens it along with the preacher, diligently following along and taking notes. Regular reading of one’s Bible and memorizing verses is highly encouraged.

And what about us Lutherans? How do we compare? “In medias res,” (in the middle, all things). I believe we have taken the best of both these extremes and, over our 500+ year tradition, blended them into a worship experience that is holy, noble, and pleasing to God. That is why I am a Lutheran.

Blessings to you.
Pastor David

Pastor’s Hours at church
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm – 9 pm
Saturdays from 9 – noon          Sundays from 8:30 am for 3-4 hours
By appointment when requested