Jeff
You raised a valid question about weddings & funerals. Our elder/pastor will
not take funerals of unbelievers unless the family involved know that he
would preach the gospel at such a time, needless to say they don't want
that. As to weddings, there is a difference between couples formally and
openly making a commitment, and the "must be in white and bankrupt the
bride's father in making it a very expensive day". My daughter is getting
married next year, and my own preference would be a smaller gathering, and a
gift to them to help set up home, rather than spend thousands of pounds on a
big reception etc. I sometimes wonder if the wedding day tradition is a wise
use of money. Anyway enough from me - I think I'll start busking :)
Blessings
Neil
-----Original Message-----
From: H Dorrington [mailto:hjdinfl@...]
Sent: 06 April 2004 21:07
To: soundofgrace@...
Subject: RE: [soundofgrace] On Presentations of Infants and Baptisms
Jeff,
I am waffling a little bit on this! I was thinking about a young family
coming to me asking me about a baby dedication and even though I am still
against them I am wondering about a family recognition and a prayer of
blessing? We recognize mom's on mother's day so have the family stand and
introducing the child to the congregation might be a way of showing
community within the fellowship.
My main concern of course is doing anything that might be implied that it
imparts any grace or merit to the child or family.
Still thinking about it and trying to remain open,
Harry
Jeff Scanlan <jscanlan@...> wrote:
>-----Original Message-----
>From: James W. Allen [mailto:jallen@...]
>Sent: Wednesday, 7 April 2004 1:07 AM
>To: soundofgrace@...
>Subject: Re: [soundofgrace] On Presentations of Infants and Baptisms
>
>This is one of those troublesome traditions that has evolved since the
>Reformation. It seems to me that this (like robed preachers, cross
>displays,
>"passion plays," and "sanctuaries" decorated to the tune of millions of
>dollars) are evidence of the same fleshly tendencies (toward ceremonies
and
>appearances) that corrupted the church in the Dark Ages.
>
>The simplicity of the gospel, the simplicity of the Christian life, the
>simplicity of a humble people serving a humble Savior, just is not
enough
>for many people.
>
>As for me, it is enough to raise my child in the nurture and admonition
of
>the Lord, I do not need a ceremony to make me a father or remind me of
my
>duty.
>
Fine Jim but to understand you really well I wonder if you could tell me
what you would do with weddings and funerals. Do you think a Christian
couple should bother with a formal ceremony with the bride in white,
etc. etc.? Similarly for a funeral?
God bless,
Jeff
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