ConfiBlog

There are many people in the United States who describe themselves as Christians, but who also state that they are not members of any congregation, and do not worship with any congregation on a regular basis.

Your assignment for this week is to think about why it is important for Christians to be a part of a Christian community, and to worship with other Christians.

Recently, Pope Benedict XVI made comments, which parts of the Muslim community have taken out of context, and ironically used as justification for various acts of violence, as well as demand an apology from the pope for said comments.

More information on the situation is available here:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/12/pope.bavaria.ap/index.html

and here:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/16/pope.islam/index.html?section=cnn_topstories

Among other places. You are free to find your own sources.

Your assignment is to state your thoughts on the situation, AND to state what YOU would do, if you were the Pope in this situation.

This Monday, the 11th, marks the 5th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. In the last 5 years, much has been said and done in response to that act of terrorism, some of it in the name of God, some of it not in the name of God.

Keeping in mind:

The commandment: “Thou shall not kill,”
The admonishment from Christ: “Be not afraid;”
The Lord’s statement that: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
And Christ’s direction: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.”

In view of the above statements, and considering the rest of scripture and theology of the church what do you think is the appropriate Christian response to terrorism, both as individuals, and as a nation?

Assisting worship is a privilege and an honor. It will serve you well to understand, and make that a part of your being, and a part of your understanding of what it is to be an acolyte. Everything you do should express a respectful demeanor, a purposefulness and should express that you understand yourself to be a vessel for the spirit, enabling others to worship the risen Lord. Being tardy, sloppy, a hindrance to the worship experience of others, or otherwise disrespectful is not cool, but it is something to be ashamed of.

Dress Code:
† Thou shall not wear tennis shoes or flip-flops.
† Thou shall not wear jeans.
† Thou shall not wear any clothing with any printing that will show through thy alb.
† Thou shall wear dress pants, socks and shoes, (black is best); or thou shall wear a dress / skirt and appropriate leg wear / footwear.
† If thou choosiest to defy this simple rule, thou might find thyself barefoot, and naked beneath thy alb.
Before Worship:
† Arrive at church not less than 15 minutes before worship is scheduled to start.
I understand you have little control over what time your parents bring you to church, and that many of your parents have younger siblings to tend to, and get ready in the morning. That means that you need to be a resource for your parents, by being up on time, and dressed, and ready to leave EARLY – WITHOUT causing your parents further grief. Consider helping your parents ready your younger / older siblings for church.
† When you arrive at church, go immediately to the vestry and don your alb.
† When you are appropriately vested, take your “acolyter” and go to the Narthex. Bring a source of ignition with you. Wait for further instructions. Greet people. Smile. Be friendly. Even the boys.
During Worship:
† Lighting candles:
† During the opening hymn, after announcements and the brief order. (Season dependant)
† Order does not matter, but be consistent.
† Speed of Procession.
† Where to sit – On the chancel.
† Sing the hymns.
† Posture.
† Fidgeting / Worship notes.
† Extinguishing candles:
† After the first verse of the Sending Hymn.
† Use the same order you used to light them.
† Recess (Season dependant).
After worship:
† Find yourself in the Narthex, greeting worshipers. Have your acolyter with you.
† When the Pastor dismisses you, you are free to return to the vestry to change. Not until.
At Communion:
† If presented with a tray of wine, follow the pastor and say to each communicant “The blood of Christ, shed for you.”
† If presented with an empty tray, follow the person with the tray of wine, and collect empty glasses.
† After the distribution, wait on the chancel to receive communion.
Miscellaneous Other Duties:
† Offering plates.
† Holding a missal.
† Holding other items – candles – crosses – bowls of water – etc.
† Rest position.
† Perform other duties as assigned.

Students will not be required to comment on a blog entry for the week of September 3rd through 10th, as confirmation has not officially begun. Students will be required to comment in succeeding weeks.

I do expect to see ALL confirmation students on Friday, September 8th at 4:15 pm for acolyte training.

At acolyte training students will be given a login and a password with which they will be able to comment on blog entries.