The week seemed to have been more tiring to Abuelita and I than usual. So when Jennifer called to tell us that her class was coming to visit Abuelo, we weren’t sure that we had the energy to receive them. I confess that Abuelita was to ask before they came in if I was able to see them. We also confess that we thought that the class was probably a few adults that would understand our plight. At the appointed time Abuelita answered the door, we had decided that I could hang together for a short visit.

The next thing I knew, the “Believers”, led by Jennifer, filled the entry way, the hall, and the family room. They presented me with a get well card that they had made themselves, a cross, then shook my hand, and serenaded me.

At this time and this place, they sounded like the Robert Shaw Choral.

To the Believers: If your intent was to raise my spirit, you did. If your intent was to cheer me up, you did. Or even if your intent was just to see my bald head, you are welcome. So I would like to thank each and everyone publicly for taking time for your visit and let you know you are always welcome here any time you would like to come.

So Thanks,

We hope that our new members will help us with this category by asking the questions and the staff will give the needed answers. There are No Dumb Questions! (except maybe those that are asked and answered more than twice) so ask away in the comments. We shall endeavor to answer and later, place the results into a page that is immediately available to all members.

To get us started, I will ask, and answer a few dumb questions and expect staff members to correct me when I am wrong.

Rules of the Row

Standing and Sitting

We normally stand for the Hymns, the Doxology, the Confession, Absolution, Doxology and the Affirmation of faith. However, one of the pastors, lay leader, or choir director will usually give you a clue as to when you should stand.

The Fellowship Book

The most important use of the book is so that you know the name of the person sitting next to you.  Please take time to look at their name before you enter your own.  And on the way back, take time to look at the name of the neighbor on the other side.  While you are filling out the information, be assured that unless you wish to be called by the Pastor, you will not.  However, you may receive a card, or if you visit a number of times, a call with a personal invitation to attend the Inquirers Class.

Greeting Each Other

A hug is permissible, exchanging names is encouraged and any conversation for you to get to know us better is welcomed.

Applause

At some churchs, applause is seems to be expected for almost any event.  At GSPC the service is taylored to a specific subject. For example, the choir is merely a part of the whole, and even if they turn in the most beautiful rendition of a most beautiful piece, they expect their part to help set the tone for the scripture and the sermon to follow.  (admittedly, occasionally the music makes you want to celebrate by clapping in rhythm – do, and appauding in the spirit – do)

For our childrens’ choirs, we want to encourage them to continue, and to them it is a performance. So I believe that applauding their performance is proper.

Can I talk before the prelude?

In the more conservative service (the first one at GSPC), we are encouraged to use this time for prayer and reflection. However, at the contempory service (the second one at GSPC) you will find the buz of numerous conversations empasizing the personal aspects of the service.  Regardless of which service you attend, the prelude is a part of the service and we should permit it to help set the tone of the service.

When do I leave?

If there is a recessional you may leave after the benediction and response from the back of the church and during the postlude.  If the benediction is said at the front of the church, you may leave during the postlude.  I would like to point out that if you like good organ music, you usually have the opportunity to hear some of the best during the postlude so move to a point toward the center of the church to get the best effect.  For my part, I wish I could encourage leaving to be quite until they reach the narthex. However, I fear this would discourage a necessary element in our fellowship which is visiting with other members.

Would there be a Student Ministry category? How do we let people know about this blog? Have you tested this on a group of people yet? It did take me a minute to navigate the site.