What Sort of Church do you Like? Thoughts on the Liturgy?

[Andyindauk]

I've always been a chapel sort of guy, I know some like the big buzzing happening churches but for me I really feel more at home in a smaller congregation. My problem is that the church I go to is playing it ultra cautious over this pandemic and that although the government have given churches the go ahead to reopen, ours and many others are staying locked down for now.

So this morning I visited our local Anglican church, which is the first time I've been to an Anglican church in years. It wasn't a 'bells and smells' high church by any means so for me it was a really nice service, not friendly with tea and cakes afterwards because that's against the rules, and I need to stay away from cakes anyway lol.

One thing I do struggle to get anything out of is the liturgy. I know that others love it, but what's your take on it?

 

[Nicola Jane]

I've always been a chapel sort of guy, I know some like the big buzzing happening churches but for me I really feel more at home in a smaller congregation. My problem is that the church I go to is playing it ultra cautious over this pandemic and that although the government have given churches the go ahead to reopen, ours and many others are staying locked down for now.

So this morning I visited our local Anglican church, which is the first time I've been to an Anglican church in years. It wasn't a 'bells and smells' high church by any means so for me it was a really nice service, not friendly with tea and cakes afterwards because that's against the rules, and I need to stay away from cakes anyway lol.

One thing I do struggle to get anything out of is the liturgy. I know that others love it, but what's your take on it?

Hello Andy
i would love a local fellowship of spirit filled believers who preach Gods word by the Holy spirit

i love talk jesus and this is at the moment the only place i hear believers talk jesus

im praying for a place to go for fellowship and to hear Gods word after the lockdown rules

i live right next to a large church i hear the bells play everyday so nice but inside again bells smells and candles so nice
but prayers to mary and saints so its a no go for me which makes me sad
but hoping to find a new place soon
just my bit
God bless you x

 

[KittyLinda]

I grew up in a small Baptist church. My dad preached there, until I moved away from home, and started attending different churches for the first time just to see if there are any major differences from what I got in our church. I think I liked the assembly of god church, but I did not stay there long. I started going for these Christian meet up groups and I met my ex there. Then, I settled in a Foursquare Church for 5 years. I worked there too. Perhaps, I'm going back there once again. I made many friends who are lovely and spirit-filled, but then something happened, and I stopped attending. I tried a vineyard church for a month, until they required me to sign membership and pay monthly fees. I was not comfortable with the idea, but they are nice churches. I liked their music. Now I'm just going for this meta church here in my city to see if they will work for me. They seem cool and we can dress casual.

I only like very informal churches. I can't say I liked the Baptist churches a lot, though lol. I am just comfortable with these very informal churches where you expect to see lot of people in their 20s. Music, spirit-filled, house activities, and the social environment is so great.

 

[PloughBoy]

Hello Andy
i would love a local fellowship of spirit filled believers who preach Gods word by the Holy spirit

i love talk jesus and this is at the moment the only place i hear believers talk jesus

im praying for a place to go for fellowship and to hear Gods word after the lockdown rules

i live right next to a large church i hear the bells play everyday so nice but inside again bells smells and candles so nice
but prayers to mary and saints so its a no go for me which makes me sad
but hoping to find a new place soon
just my bit
God bless you x

LOL, um-hum, longing for "Egypt" I see. You cannot hear Him from home? Well, how far do live from Him? And can you buy some "Bells and candles and incense" near you! And place them in your house. And then you will not be sad. Because you got all the " bells and whistles" that you need. Now you got, "Jesus and God and the "Holy Spirit", and you have bells" and candles and incense and "TalkJesus" now is there any thing else, you might need,so you will not be sad. At home? i know what you need. You need a little "joy", why don't you ask "Him" to give you some of that "joy" that comes from Heaven and tell HIM, to pour it, all over you.

PS. I am scared to ask Him anymore, because the "anointing" is to great and to powerful for me now, the deep Joy is to deep, This body it seems cannot bear it. The Joy is just to Great. So He gives it to me like He wants me to have it and in the capacity that seems fitting and when he wants me to receive it. " I am content" so far, and frighten of that "anointing"!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Greetings @Andyindauk and everyone on this thread

A few questions

Where is Jesus in these watered down modern churches.....He seems to be missed out
Where is Jesus in the fancy rituals of the Anglican Liturgy?
Where is Jesus when clothing, music and social activity define the church?

A churches one and only foundation should be Jesus and His teachings

What food luxurious loads the board,
When, at His table, sits the Lord!
The cup how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

If now, with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs, but see not Him;
O may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him face to face!*






* From Hymn Amidst us our Beloved Stands - CHS 1866

 

[PloughBoy]

Greetings @Andyindauk and everyone on this thread

A few questions

Where is Jesus in these watered down modern churches.....He seems to be missed out
Where is Jesus in the fancy rituals of the Anglican Liturgy?
Where is Jesus when clothing, music and social activity define the church?

A churches one and only foundation should be Jesus and His teachings

What food luxurious loads the board,
When, at His table, sits the Lord!
The cup how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

If now, with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs, but see not Him;
O may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him face to face!*






* From Hymn Amidst us our Beloved Stands - CHS 1866

"When we get to that "dinner table" around that "Throne" in Heaven, whether you have become male or female, i' m giving you a "Holy Kiss"! For that one!

 

[Nicola Jane]

LOL, um-hum, longing for "Egypt" I see. You cannot hear Him from home? Well, how far do live from Him? And can you buy some "Bells and candles and incense" near you! And place them in your house. And then you will not be sad. Because you got all the " bells and whistles" that you need. Now you got, "Jesus and God and the "Holy Spirit", and you have bells" and candles and incense and "TalkJesus" now is there any thing else, you might need,so you will not be sad. At home? i know what you need. You need a little "joy", why don't you ask "Him" to give you some of that "joy" that comes from Heaven and tell HIM, to pour it, all over you.

PS. I am scared to ask Him anymore, because the "anointing" is to great and to powerful for me now, the deep Joy is to deep, This body it seems cannot bear it. The Joy is just to Great. So He gives it to me like He wants me to have it and in the capacity that seems fitting and when he wants me to receive it. " I am content" so far, and frighten of that "anointing"!

PB i have joy
i just miss real face to face fellowship thats my point really
would be nice to gather with fellow belivers like your self and others

would love to invite you all to my home

im so thankfull for talk jesus i really am blessed by all the folk and learning n growing and encouraged always and corrected and convicted also

God Bless you x

 

[PloughBoy]

PB i have joy
i just miss real face to face fellowship thats my point really
would be nice to gather with fellow belivers like your self and others

would love to invite you all to my home

im so thankfull for talk jesus i really am blessed by all the folk and learning n growing and encouraged always and corrected and convicted also

God Bless you x

I know and understand more than you think, what you are longing for, that seems "innocent" in actuality it is not! "You lone for Egypt". "You lone for the company of the fellowship of the creature" more than the "Creator" and do not be alarmed, because I said that. It is our " nature" our flesh. As you continue to grow, you will see what this means.

PS. "Stay out of that "institutionalize church" until you get a better understand what is going on, in this time period. And pay good attention, and no not be drawn into it's trap again. I'm warning you, you are out, stay out! And do not feed, that kind of longing! "Come out from among them and be you separate". "If a little bit of leaven is in your fellowship" it has contaminated the whole group"! God has been cleaning you up from contamination. "Who do you think has close down the world". Who do think has separated you from a mixture of "devils and saints" n a building having fellowship and drinking "Kool-Aid" with one another in the name of Jesus? I know you are not that "blind"!
Hey, do you remember "Lot's Wife" and How the "Destroying Angels" delivered them? If you do, You better start acting like it! And get your "behind in gear"! And we are not going on a picnic or. A "holiday" LOL! You stay out of that "institutionalize Church" and stand over here! You must have forgot the Story of "Koran, Dathan, Abiram" in "Numbers 16".
And I sure am not going go into "Revelation". Have you not been observing the leaves on the "Fig tree" and the "Hand writing on the Wall"! I have felt you drifting away now, yes I have! "Wandering Sheep" you are. LOL. "An Old saying: "Don't you get caught with your pants down, now"

 

[PloughBoy]

PB i have joy
i just miss real face to face fellowship thats my point really
would be nice to gather with fellow belivers like your self and others

would love to invite you all to my home

im so thankfull for talk jesus i really am blessed by all the folk and learning n growing and encouraged always and corrected and convicted also

God Bless you x

Nicola Jane, let me explain a little bit more, I understand the "joy" that is in you! That Joy grows in you, in different forms of " depth-ness, in runs depth deep, and very deep, it runs in heights, it can run wide, in can run deep and and wipe at the same time, it can flow in "koinonia" form. It can glow in a "beatific vision" and that is a "WoW"! But the "depths of the overwhelming" there are no words to express that "Glorification" of that "joy" is unspeakable!

It is like your "being" is being expose to The Being of The Almighty God! And those words fall, so short, in expression. So Pure and that is short. All your devotion is there on GOD!
(2 Cor. 3:18).
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.f For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

[Andyindauk]

Greetings @Andyindauk and everyone on this thread

A few questions

Where is Jesus in these watered down modern churches.....He seems to be missed out
Where is Jesus in the fancy rituals of the Anglican Liturgy?
Where is Jesus when clothing, music and social activity define the church?

A churches one and only foundation should be Jesus and His teachings

What food luxurious loads the board,
When, at His table, sits the Lord!
The cup how rich, the bread how sweet,
When Jesus deigns the guests to meet!

If now, with eyes defiled and dim,
We see the signs, but see not Him;
O may His love the scales displace,
And bid us see Him face to face!*






* From Hymn Amidst us our Beloved Stands - CHS 1866

Hi Grace,

I actually quite liked the church service, I couldn't say hand on heart that Jesus was left out in any way. The sermon was nice. Obviously it's hard to to say how friendly the church was because at the end everyone was ushered out as quickly as possible, in line with covid regulations, with no tea or coffee or chat / fellowship afterwards.

No, what I was asking TJ'ers was their views on the liturgy. I feel that if I went to that church week in, week out, reciting a script that had been written months or weeks before by someone in Lambeth Palace, printed and distributed to every church in the land, it could easily become mechanical. There's nothing I could fault or disagree with the content, don't have a problem with the creed but I wonder if it does stifle the Holy Spirit, rather than Jesus?

Are there Anglicans in here that like the liturgy and get benefit from it? I honestly didn't hate it, I just feel that it's a bit homogeneous, one-size-fits-all. I'll definitely be going there again until my church reopens.

 

[Andyindauk]

I grew up in a small Baptist church. My dad preached there, until I moved away from home, and started attending different churches for the first time just to see if there are any major differences from what I got in our church. I think I liked the assembly of god church, but I did not stay there long. I started going for these Christian meet up groups and I met my ex there. Then, I settled in a Foursquare Church for 5 years. I worked there too. Perhaps, I'm going back there once again. I made many friends who are lovely and spirit-filled, but then something happened, and I stopped attending. I tried a vineyard church for a month, until they required me to sign membership and pay monthly fees. I was not comfortable with the idea, but they are nice churches. I liked their music. Now I'm just going for this meta church here in my city to see if they will work for me. They seem cool and we can dress casual.

I only like very informal churches. I can't say I liked the Baptist churches a lot, though lol. I am just comfortable with these very informal churches where you expect to see lot of people in their 20s. Music, spirit-filled, house activities, and the social environment is so great.

I think I like the sound of this church, though it's a while since I was in my 20s lol

 

[KittyLinda]

Greetings @Andyindauk and everyone on this thread

A few questions

Where is Jesus in these watered down modern churches.....He seems to be missed out
Where is Jesus in the fancy rituals of the Anglican Liturgy?
Where is Jesus when clothing, music and social activity define the church?

A churches one and only foundation should be Jesus and His teachings

It does not matter where you go actually as long as they love Jesus. ^_^

For me, I want to be myself. If I can’t do that, then I won’t stay, and more than anything else I want to have joy! I think a lot of these churches can’t tell you much about that. I love to worship God, clap, sing, maybe dance sometimes. I do not see why it should not be interesting. I've seen churches put the Holy Spirit in a box and lock it V_V'''

Some of them just teach doctrines all day. It is just not right and boring. The social part is important! I do not like to go in, then go out like going to a college. Actually, I learned the bible more in these Christian meetup groups and I experienced how the Holy Spirit worked in every Christian. It is different from being in a church, because everyone gets to talk. Even God saved a couple when I was in one of these gatherings. Praise the lord where-ever you go!

 

[KittyLinda]

I think I like the sound of this church, though it's a while since I was in my 20s lol

Good to have people of all ages actually. But some of these formal churches, I might feel out of the place. If I go to an Anglican church, I will be very uncomfortable. I do not like the ritualistic thing. My grandmother took me once to her Lutheran church when i was a child, and I was so scared. People in robes looked so strange to me. All people looked dull and serious. V_V

 

[Hekuran]

I am going to a church that doesn't have a liturgical tradition, but I miss liturgy.

For example, here's an old prayer from the opening of an Anglican service. It's beautiful and perfectly set the right frame of mind for worship

Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may truly love you
and worthily praise your holy name;
through our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

When I pray this prayer on a Sunday, I'm reminded that I'm joining saints all over the world in the same prayer, and also joining saints down the ages who have come before God in the same way. I find it really helpful to switch away from the immediate and urgent things that are always pressing in and gain a wider perspective.

There's definitely a place for being spontaneous and exuberant too. Many liturgical churches too often miss out on that aspect.

 

[Nicola Jane]

Nicola Jane, let me explain a little bit more, I understand the "joy" that is in you! That Joy grows in you, in different forms of " depth-ness, in runs depth deep, and very deep, it runs in heights, it can run wide, in can run deep and and wipe at the same time, it can flow in "koinonia" form. It can glow in a "beatific vision" and that is a "WoW"! But the "depths of the overwhelming" there are no words to express that "Glorification" of that "joy" is unspeakable!

It is like your "being" is being expose to The Being of The Almighty God! And those words fall, so short, in expression. So Pure and that is short. All your devotion is there on GOD!
(2 Cor. 3:18).
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.f For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

PB
i dont want to be part of the institutional church i got out and im staying out been in many AOG n potters house and others

im hard pressed here in my home
bad situations that crush my heart
i feel so isolated from anyone who believes in God here at this time

talk jesus helps me as i love to hear Gods word and learn
i feel in a dark place and im falling into sin with my mouth and then actions this crushes me more before God
in having a rough ride at min and i just had enough

i pray God forgives me and helps as im low and need prayer and wisdom and discernment
thats the truth as i know it today
I always appreciate and hear your words PB your my brother in Christ x
God bless you x

 

[PloughBoy]

Hi, "Nicola Jane", I like your name, sometimes I just speak it out loud, just hear it with my ears.

For every mountain there is a "valley", the higher the mountain the deeper the valley, as you grow rightly, the Mountains continue to get higher and the air gets thinner, and sometime the Sun gets brighter, because you are above the clouds, then you have your descent, that descent goes to the valley, the higher the mountain the deeper that valley! That valley becomes dark, something's cold and lonely. Then here comes a little "ray of hope" and if you just hold on by the "hope" in "faith". And before you know it and not realizing it, you are climbing again. Many climbers likes to make camp mid-way but we are a different breed, we have "Pneuma" power and keep going. It is a repeated over and over again, and each round gets , higher and higher, and the "valleys" too, gets deeper and deeper, the brightness gets brighter and brighter and the darkness gets darker and darker. And That is when your "hope" [faith] kicks in. "For we walk by faith and not by sight"

We must also know the fellowship of the suffering of Jesus. Jesus, was among people, and it made him "weary" as well, we must experience that too, His own family and the town he grew in, trouble him too. He always felt unloved, we must experience that too. We must love, with a broken heart we cannot love "sinners" with a cheerful heart, only can we love God and "saints" with a cheerful heart and we can only love sinners with a broken one. [etymology].


New Living Translation
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

(Matthew 10).
34“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35‘I have come to set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36Your enemies will be right in your own household!’l

I know you know these things, "but the "Holy Spirit" is also a Reminder"

New International Version
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

And just to let you Know, my "sister in Christ Jesus our Lord" we that are "few" in numbers, share in the same things and some even more of the things you are suffering even now. So with this encouragement, we need you to endure the course set before you, even in distress, suffering and pain.

Your true brothers and sisters in "Christ Jesus our Lord"

 

[Nicola Jane]

Hi, "Nicola Jane", I like your name, sometimes I just speak it out loud, just hear it with my ears.

For every mountain there is a "valley", the higher the mountain the deeper the valley, as you grow rightly, the Mountains continue to get higher and the air gets thinner, and sometime the Sun gets brighter, because you are above the clouds, then you have your descent, that descent goes to the valley, the higher the mountain the deeper that valley! That valley becomes dark, something's cold and lonely. Then here comes a little "ray of hope" and if you just hold on by the "hope" in "faith". And before you know it and not realizing it, you are climbing again. Many climbers likes to make camp mid-way but we are a different breed, we have "Pneuma" power and keep going. It is a repeated over and over again, and each round gets , higher and higher, and the "valleys" too, gets deeper and deeper, the brightness gets brighter and brighter and the darkness gets darker and darker. And That is when your "hope" [faith] kicks in. "For we walk by faith and not by sight"

We must also know the fellowship of the suffering of Jesus. Jesus, was among people, and it made him "weary" as well, we must experience that too, His own family and the town he grew in, trouble him too. He always felt unloved, we must experience that too. We must love, with a broken heart we cannot love "sinners" with a cheerful heart, only can we love God and "saints" with a cheerful heart and we can only love sinners with a broken one. [etymology].


New Living Translation
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

(Matthew 10).
34“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35‘I have come to set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36Your enemies will be right in your own household!’l

I know you know these things, "but the "Holy Spirit" is also a Reminder"

New International Version
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

And just to let you Know, my "sister in Christ Jesus our Lord" we that are "few" in numbers, share in the same things and some even more of the things you are suffering even now. So with this encouragement, we need you to endure the course set before you, even in distress, suffering and pain.

Your true brothers and sisters in "Christ Jesus our Lord"

Thankyou PB for your words of Love and encouragment and all so very true

Love you very much my brother in Christ x

kettles on anytime PB i think you just a bit to far away at this time lol x

 

[Curtis]

I tried a vineyard church for a month, until they required me to sign membership and pay monthly fees.

They should call themselves, "ChurchCo"

 

[KittyLinda]

They should call themselves, "ChurchCo"

I do not think all Vineyard churches are that way. It is probably only that church.

But I found it so strange. I even visited their website and they have that members' application there! They were not trying to hide it at all.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Greetings @Andyindauk

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 6:7

I attended an Anglican Church here in Australia, just once or twice.
The service was almost robotic with its chants,repetitions and affirmations.
Without judgement, the saying of the liturgy seemed a routine of the service rather than from the heart.

The words of the Liturgy are actually quite beautiful and perhaps would better placed in a hymn or chorus than chanted as a repetitive prayer
(Not like a Catholic Mass though)