Pastor's Note  - June 2008

A question that is constantly raised among Presbyterians is what is and is not appropriate behavior in worship. Many articles have been written on this subject, especially the issue of clapping in worship. There are mixed feelings about this. So, what is the official Presbyterian view of this? Let us see.

     In the BOOK OF ORDER of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in the Directory for Worship we read the following:

In the Old and New Testaments and through the ages, the people of God expressed prayers through actions as well as speech and song.  So in worship today it is appropriate:

To kneel, to bow, to stand, to lift hands in prayer,

To dance, to clap, to embrace in joy and praise,

To anoint, and to lay hands in intercession and supplication, commissioning and ordination.   (W-2-1005)

~ Gus 

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