Incense...

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Hi,

It has been so quiet here, I thought I would try to get a bit of discussion going.

The use of Incense in worship dates back to OT times. It's use continues in many liturgical traditions; Eastern, Western, and Oriental Orthodox. It is not uncommon in the High Anglican tradition, and while rare there are also a number of Lutheran Congregations where this practice is maintained.

I have seen it used in the RCC, both in the Novis Ordo Mass, and in the Tridentine Mass; and I find that the beauty and symbolism of it's use to be quite respectful.

Our confessions consider it Adiaphora, just like vestments, candles, etc.

Do any of you belong to a Congregation which uses it? Have you been to Lutheran services that do?

What are your thoughts and comments regarding it's use?

I look forward to hearing what you all think.

Blessings,

Mark.

 

[joyfulthanks]

My congregation doesn't use it, but I have no objection to its use. I do know, though, that some people are sensitive to smells and would have a problem with it.

When I was looking into EO Christianity, I once visited a very tiny ROCOR church (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia). There were about 7 people there, and they met in a tiny converted office space. In that context, the use of incense was overwhelmingly distracting, because it was somewhat like being in a very smokey (and highly fragrant, but not necessarily in a good way) bar.

 

[DaRev]

While I would love to use it on certain occasions, the folks here would think it a bit to "Romish". I would imagine that it might be a bit more prevalent in midwest Lutheran churches.

 

[JTornado1]

My congregation doesn't use incense, but I think it would be nice to use it during certain services, such as All Saints' Day.

 

[RadMan]

Incense makes me sneeze. It brings back memories of "head shops" when I has a hippie. All that love and Acapulco Gold and Happy Hash.

Sorry I just don't need to be reminded of that period in my life as nostalgic as it is.



.

 

[Lupinus]

My church has never used it at any service I have attended, though I would love for them to.

As mentioned above it is adiaphora, but like so many things we use I believe it has it's place.

While I would love to use it on certain occasions, the folks here would think it a bit to "Romish".

When in Rome do the Romish?

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

My congregation doesn't use it, but I have no objection to its use. I do know, though, that some people are sensitive to smells and would have a problem with it.

When I was looking into EO Christianity, I once visited a very tiny ROCOR church (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia). There were about 7 people there, and they met in a tiny converted office space. In that context, the use of incense was overwhelmingly distracting, because it was somewhat like being in a very smokey (and highly fragrant, but not necessarily in a good way) bar.

That would be a little much.

While I would love to use it on certain occasions, the folks here would think it a bit to "Romish". I would imagine that it might be a bit more prevalent in midwest Lutheran churches.

Would a bit of catechesis beforehand be in order then? Maybe occasionally for a Vespers, Evening Prayer, or Compline service?

Incense makes me sneeze. It brings back memories of "head shops" when I has a hippie. All that love and Acapulco Gold and Happy Hash.

Sorry I just don't need to be reminded of that period in my life as nostalgic as it is.

Rad, you are indeed many faceted!

Some of my Catholic friends have suggested that the use of pure Frankincense is the least offensive, and most "hypo-allergenic form. A while back I attended a Tridentine RC Mass, and they used Frankincense. They just shoveled it on, and it was quite pleasant (almost an evergreen aroma), and not at all like the crap that they used in Rad's "Head Shops".

 

[RadMan]

That would be a little much.



Would a bit of catechesis beforehand be in order then? Maybe occasionally for a Vespers, Evening Prayer, or Compline service?



Rad, you are indeed many faceted!

Some of my Catholic friends have suggested that the use of pure Frankincense is the least offensive, and most "hypo-allergenic form. A while back I attended a Tridentine RC Mass, and they used Frankincense. They just shoveled it on, and it was quite pleasant (almost an evergreen aroma), and not at all like the crap that they used in Rad's "Head Shops".

Sorry Mark I didn't mean to derail your thread. It's just that some smells are really cloying. Maybe Frankincense would be different and enhance the meditative mood.



.

 

[DaRev]

Would a bit of catechesis beforehand be in order then? Maybe occasionally for a Vespers, Evening Prayer, or Compline service?

Catechetical instruction would be a good vehicle for an eveningtime worship like Vespers or Compline if the interest level were here. Due to the numerous vacancies that this congregation has experienced in recent years, the one thing that is lacking is a sound catechetical foundation.

I am currently working with the district mission strategist on implementing a "house church" model for evangelism. ("House church" = home bible studies) It's the same vehicle used for church plants, and we basically need to start from scratch here. These would provide a great platform to sound catechetical Bible study. But it's baby steps at this point.

 

[RadMan]

Catechetical instruction would be a good vehicle for an eveningtime worship like Vespers or Compline if the interest level were here. Due to the numerous vacancies that this congregation has experienced in recent years, the one thing that is lacking is a sound catechetical foundation.

I am currently working with the district mission strategist on implementing a "house church" model for evangelism. ("House church" = home bible studies) It's the same vehicle used for church plants, and we basically need to start from scratch here. These would provide a great platform to sound catechetical Bible study. But it's baby steps at this point.

OK I know we don't get along that well but I would like to know more about "House Church".




.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Sorry Mark I didn't mean to derail your thread. It's just that some smells are really cloying. Maybe Frankincense would be different and enhance the meditative mood.



.

No biggie Rad, your post made me smile!

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Catechetical instruction would be a good vehicle for an eveningtime worship like Vespers or Compline if the interest level were here. Due to the numerous vacancies that this congregation has experienced in recent years, the one thing that is lacking is a sound catechetical foundation.

I am currently working with the district mission strategist on implementing a "house church" model for evangelism. ("House church" = home bible studies) It's the same vehicle used for church plants, and we basically need to start from scratch here. These would provide a great platform to sound catechetical Bible study. But it's baby steps at this point.

Indeed, and in many congregations which have not been vacant as well.

My observations have been that once confirmed many members become complacent in their faith; to the point where their theology tends to "drift" a bit. The ones who are inclined to attend Bible studies often are those with the soundest doctrine while the ones who could benefit most often don't attend.

God bless you Rev. May your work bear much fruit!

 

[Aibrean]

I like smells and bells. It helps get into the mindset of worship, that is a completely different atmosphere.

 

[Tangible]

I like smells and bells. It helps get into the mindset of worship, that is a completely different atmosphere.

I would absolutely love to experience worship like this.

I don't think it would ever happen at my church, though, since every time I've ever even asked my pastor about high church practices (just for information, mind you), he has consistently made some disparaging remark about "chancel prancers".

Our service on Sunday was pretty bad. On non-Communion Sundays they do a service that is liturgy-lite. I kept looking and looking for something in it that would differentiate it from anything you might see in a Methodist church, but it was tough going. Toward the end I finally came across one small statement about baptism that a Methodist might object to.

The sermon was about how Christ is Prophet, Priest and King. It started out as expository, and then I heard a little bit of Gospel when they were described in light of how Jesus acts in these offices on my behalf.

Unfortunately, at the end of the sermon, it was turned around and presented as Law - what are YOU doing to make Jesus your Prophet, your Priest, and your King.

Oh, and one of the hymns was an old pietistic, revivalist saw about giving your heart to Jesus.

I'm seriously considering starting to skip the non-Communion services.

 

[Aibrean]

At my church I see it as easily being transitioned in. We have weekly communion and full liturgy.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I'd have to quit attending if our church started using it. I'm deathly allergic, as is my son.

We went to a Catholic Baptism and he and I had to leave within five minutes of the service starting. I almost had to take him in to the hospital because we couldn't get his breathing under control.

Stupid asthma.

I like it, and it's nice, but I hope our church never gets it in her system to do it.