Issue #7 - November 2006

Pass the Peace

To tell the truth, we American Protestants are often like rebellious children who long ago forgot where we came from. The Christian faith is almost two thousand years old. Meanwhile, Protestantism is only about five hundred years old. There is a rich history and foundation of faith that preceded the Methodists, Presbyterians, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalians, and every other denomination.

When churches first began to pop up after Jesus' death, they were quite different from our church ... structurally, organizationally, and liturgically. The Bible, as we know it, did not exist then and would not exist until about three hundred years later. So, churches were developed and organized based upon tradition, not the Bible.

Well, when the Bible was put together in the 4th century C.E. it still was not a driving force for how churches were organized. The Bible would not be widely produced and read until after the Reformation in the 16th century C.E. However, once the Bible did begin to be widely produced and read, folks began to break away from the Catholic church. When they broke away they formed their new churches based not only on tradition, but for the first time, based heavily on biblical scriptures.

Over time we have continued to form more churches. As this process has continued folks began to form their churches based more on biblical information rather than the traditions that have been used since the earliest days of the Christian faith. All of this can be summarized in a big picture: early churches were formed and organized based on tradition. Modern churches are formed and organized based largely on the Bible.

So, unintentionally, we have lost many traditions that the Church has celebrated for almost two thousand years. The Passing of the Peace is one particular tradition that we have lost. Originally, Christians would greet each other with a "Holy Kiss." This would typically take place after the sermon or before Holy Communion. This Holy Kiss was given to symbolize that no sin was present that would impede the unity of the Christians who were gathered together. Later in time, this Holy Kiss would be replaced by a handshake or embrace depending upon the culture in which a church resided.

The Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church wrote a great article about the Passing of the Peace tradition. The following comes from that article:

"It is important before beginning this practice to explain it thoroughly. What it is not is a time to say "howdy" to everyone, or to talk about what you'll be doing after church. A congregation probably needs occasional reminders that the purpose of passing the peace is to demonstrate that we are members of Christ's body. At first, it can be uncomfortable for some, and understandably so. But it can have some tremendous benefits. Consider this: what if you don't want to share the peace with the person sitting in front of you because you are mad at that person for something he did to you or said about you? The fact that you don't even want to shake hands with that person would suggest that indeed there is a need for reconciliation to take place--a gift that God freely offers through His Son."

During the Passing of the Peace, traditionally, the only words said are: "Peace be with you." Then, the other person replies with, "And also with you." No other words are said. These words, alone, say enough. It is hard at times, but, try to save any other conversation for before or after the worship service.

We are lucky to have recovered this traditional part of Christian worship. Now, we have to make an effort to observe this tradition as faithfully as possible. Peace be with you.

~ Worship Committee

A Lunceford Thanksgiving

Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving a little differently. Instead of turkey, some folks eat Tofurkey (a turkey made completely out of Tofu). Oddly enough, some people seem happy to go to work on Thanksgiving. For others, Thanksgiving is a meal that is only consumed in order to get the nutrition necessary for the all-day shopping marathon that follows November 23. As for me, it seems as if I always spend half the day driving somewhere on Thanksgiving.

However, some people still have what could be called a good old fashioned Thanksgiving. The Luncefords definitely fall into this category. If you ever get a chance, talk to Patsy about what their Thanksgivings are like. They sound really wonderful and fun.

The Lunceford Thanksgivings are very crowded. Patsy's five boys and fourteen grandchildren all come for the big day. They have a long day of relaxing and lounging around. The guys are either watching football or playing it in the yard. Meanwhile, the ladies take the chance to talk. Folks don't begin leaving until they are tired.

While everyone else talks and watches football, Patsy is hard at work. She starts by cooking all day the day before Thanksgiving. It is a lot of work, but the results sound good: turkey, dressing, potato salad, deviled eggs, string beans, sweet potato pie, cake, Jello, ice cream, chocolate meringue pie, and tea.

Patsy has some wonderful stories about Thanksgiving with the Luncefords. One year, her son, Gary, asked if he could have one of the leftover pies. Patsy, being a generous person, said that he could have the pie, if she could rub it in his face. She must make good pies, because Gary allowed her to rub pie all over his face.

I wish that everyone could remember what Patsy and her family seem to remember about Thanksgiving: it's a time to slow down and be thankful. Whether you eat Tofurkey or Turkey, slow down this year and count your blessings.

Disciples of Christ News by Email

There is so much happening in our world and now we have an almost unlimited number of places to get information. It is difficult to keep up with all of the news. So many folks are not able to keep up with what is happening in our denomination.

However, the Disciples of Christ has a great web site: www.disciples.org. If you get a chance, take a look at the web site from time to time. Also, you can sign up to get an email from the Disciples of Christ on a weekly basis. This email will keep you up to date on the latest news for our denomination. With our limited time, this is an efficient way to keep up on Disciples' news.

There will be a link on our church's web site that will allow you to sign up for the Disciples of Christ weekly email updates. Stay informed!

Schedules

Acolytes

November: Fairlyte and Shawn
December: No one as of now

Nursery

November Adult:
Diane Keffer 5th & 12th
Need help - 19th & 26th

November Youth:
Jacob Keffer 5th & 12th
Need help - 19th & 26th

December: Nursery Not Available

A Little Inspiration

"Force ought never be used; this is the mind of Christ. Instead you ought to endure injustice, witnessing also to the truth until the other party cannot hold out in doing wrong and voluntarily gives up doing it. Suffering can have a paralyzing effect. Just as a hypnotist puts his subject to sleep, and one limb after another loses its vitality, so suffering endurance paralyzes injustice. No evil can ultimately hold out against it."

~ Soren Kierkegaard

Lectionary

November 5, 2006
Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34

November 12, 2006
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; Psalm 127 or Psalm 42
Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

November 19, 2006
1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10 or Psalm 113
Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

November 26, 2006
Christ the King/Reign of Christ
2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12
John 18:33-37; Revelation 1:4b-8

Take a moment and read these scriptures each week!

Volunteer Opportunities

Upcoming Youth Activities

Worship

Sunday School every Sunday at 10 AM
Worship Service following at 11 AM
Prayer Service each Wednesday at noon

Every Wednesday we offer a Bible Study at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Community Youth Night every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:15 PM

Louisa Christian Church
P.O. Box 1344
104 Elm Avenue
Louisa, VA 23093

www.louisachristianchurch.org

Rev. Burnette: 540-967-4884
Email

Rev. Ricks: 804-683-3537
Email

Newsletters