Monday, March 17, 2008

A Pietist?

An announcement was made after church yesterday (aka Palm Sunday). The youth group will meet Friday evening at 7:15 to go to the skating rink for the evening.

Now, this does not conflict with church, which is at 1:00 in the afternoon.

Nevertheless, I can't imagine planning an outing like that for Good Friday. I don't know why it bothers me so much. After my infant god-daughter's funeral, I took her siblings to the playground to burn off some energy and play with friends while her parents visited with all the out-of-town company. That didn't seem inappropriate. I don't think it's inappropriate to have potlucks after church services, or Easter egg hunts for the kids. I don't expect my kids to sit around and be somber all day on Good Friday. But somehow, the idea of a youth group outing on the evening of Good Friday just seems wrong. This is where I always question whether I'm being reasonable or too much the pietist.
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8 comments:

  1. Anonymous3/17/2008 7:19 AM

    i would have agreed with you a few years ago... but Pastor Petersen provided some food for thought in 2006.
    http://www.redeemerfortwayne.org/blog.php?msg=3525

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  2. William Weedon3/17/2008 8:04 AM

    Sort of shoots to hell the notion of a three day service, eh? I agree. It's not appropriate.

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  3. Susan3/17/2008 8:46 AM

    Sam, my guess is that it's not a matter of irreverence or celebration, but an unawareness that Holy Week exists. As far as I recall, the youth group leader has not been to a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service in the last 17 years.

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  4. Wendi3/17/2008 9:45 AM

    Susan,
    I've had the same type of thoughts. This year my birthday falls on Good Friday and I just am having a hard time thinking that going out to dinner would be much of a celebration either before or after the service. Before, I should be preparing, and after, well, it just doesn't put me in a celebratory mood (nor should it).

    Wendi

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  5. William Weedon3/17/2008 4:50 PM

    Wendi,

    My daughter's birthday fell on Good Friday this year too. We're taking her out for dinner tomorrow evening. She agreed: not eating was not her idea of celebrating her birthday! :)

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  6. Cheryl3/17/2008 7:24 PM

    Susan, I'm totally in agreement with you on this. I can't imagine something similar at our church, but if there were, our children would not participate (nor would they want to).

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  7. Anonymous3/17/2008 7:49 PM

    Your response would change my views. Bad idea.

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  8. Lutheran Woman3/18/2008 9:39 AM

    You know your a pietist when you find yourself asking if your a pietist. ;o)
    hehehe.

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