Alienated Church: Father's and Mother's day

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

So you go to sleep for the entire "service"? Then why go at all?

It just occurred to me I cannot relate to knowing in advance the whole service is not applicable to me. That would be more like me choosing not to attend Spanish service...

[MissBrattified]

It's just one day a year, Prax. Instead of worrying about how you don't fit in, strive to honor other church "fathers" who are great mentors and definitely honor your heavenly Father.

Our pastor doesn't make a huge deal of certain days; it merits a mention, but we don't do "themed" services. However, I do think that Mother's Day or Father's Day should be about everyone, since we all have parents. And if you have a parent who is MIA, then celebrate God. I couldn't help but miss my Dad today, but I wouldn't begrudge anyone else their happiness or celebration.

Church is family, and families share things--including celebrations. I don't think it's out of line for a church to have various sorts of celebrations that honor some or all of the congregants. It doesn't have to be about everyone or not at all, IMO. I agree with not making a service all about the current celebration, but I also don't think it all needs to be overly spiritualized, either. Church isn't only about connecting with God; it's also about being a connected, intertwined body of believers. Fellowship and commiseration are important.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

It's just one day a year, Prax. Instead of worrying about how you don't fit in, strive to honor other church "fathers" who are great mentors and definitely honor your heavenly Father.

Our pastor doesn't make a huge deal of certain days; it merits a mention, but we don't do "themed" services. However, I do think that Mother's Day or Father's Day should be about everyone, since we all have parents. And if you have a parent who is MIA, then celebrate God. I couldn't help but miss my Dad today, but I wouldn't begrudge anyone else their happiness or celebration.

Church is family, and families share things--including celebrations. I don't think it's out of line for a church to have various sorts of celebrations that honor some or all of the congregants. It doesn't have to be about everyone or not at all, IMO. I agree with not making a service all about the current celebration, but I also don't think it all needs to be overly spiritualized, either. Church isn't only about connecting with God; it's also about being a connected, intertwined body of believers. Fellowship and commiseration are important.

This is excellent!

Today my pastor mentioned Father's Day several times, but also the men of the church who may not be fathers, but play a great role in the Church.

His message was about fathers AND tied in with our heavenly Father...great service AND altar service.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

We will be "celebrating" Father's day, and, won't be going. Aside from the fact church is not supposed to be about celebrating anything BUT what the kingdom of God is about (not our days, birthdays, anniversaries etc etc), I find the whole thing alienating and somewhat dehumanizing.

I don't have a mother nor am I married to one so the whole "2 hour mother's day celebration) is alienating and a waste of time and gas.

I don't have a father nor am I one so again the whole "2 hour father's da celebration" thing is just alienating and a waste of time and gas.

Also it's often the same "fathers" who get the main honor, year after year. Yet when father's are asked to stand, year after year those who are not are left out.

I personally don't mind a "nod" to Mothers or Fathers but when the entire service is a celebration for Mothers and Fathers it's alienating to the rest of us. I have to also wonder about visitors when there is no gospel message but instead we have to endure an hour or so of pretty speeches, gift givings to only a special few and a 30 min video presentation. It's a let down. Honestly. I have begun to visit other services instead on these days in the hopes there will be some spiritually edifying message for EVERYONE and not just a segment of the group

Good grief... tell it... tell it... tell it.

I am the same way. It drives me up a wall. I am part of a group that shares song charts etc and everybody keeps saying... What are some good songs for Fathers Day... I keep thinking... How about the SAME SONGS YOU SING TO YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER THE REST OF THE YEAR.


Ugh...

All of this stuff is, hopefully, a vestige of the past that will one day fade away.

[Charnock]

Wow! I cannot imagine having so much hate in my heart for the traditional family that I despised churches who honor those roles. This seems like an extremely "me first" mindset which views church as a buffet.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Charnock

Wow! I cannot imagine having so much hate in my heart for the traditional family that I despised churches who honor those roles. This seems like an extremely "me first" mindset which views church as a buffet.

*sigh*


And substantive discussion ends with the jump to hating the traditional family.

Oh well.

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

*sigh*


And substantive discussion ends with the jump to hating the traditional family.

Oh well.

I certainly didn't mean to offend but I simply cannot believe that someone could be so petty and selfish as to stay home because one service didn't "meet his need."

There are lots of services that don't speak specifically to me but I go anyway. That's because all of life isn't about me. I sympathize and empathize with the needs of others.

Those who can't are sociopaths.

[Charnock]

I would also say that this line of thinking makes one wonder about the issues which lead to a lack of any family relationships.

[Digging4Truth]

I thought only Superman could make such leaps. Amazing.

[Charnock]

What if everyone stayed home but children during revivals geared toward children?

What if no one but youth attended youth services?

What if we only attended the funerals of family members?

I thought church was about community.

Silly idea, I guess.