Please release me, let me go...

[WildStrawberry]

I have communed WELS visitors before.

I thought it didn't used to be that way...but I'll take your word for it.

From what I understand, Seajoy, this is up to Pastoral discretion. If Rev spoke with the WELS communicants and determined that they were to receive Communion in a right and worthy manner, it is his privilege to commune them.

Of course, I can always be totally off my rocker and cracked as well so I'll let Rev and Filo have the last words on this.

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

WELS cannot commune in an LCMS church either. Are you ELCA? If so, you are not allowed to have your opinions in this part of the forum. You are very welcome in a WELS church, and I take offence to how you are treating my Synod.

Your lol at the end was very indicative of your age level. Just remember, not everything is a joke.

I am not treating your Synod badly at all, I was just relaying some of the information that I've heard about the WELS that was obviously false, but I did not know that. And no I'm not ELCA.

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

.

 

[Studeclunker]

My, my, my, my, this thread has been busier than a cat at the dog pound (LOL)!

Just for the information of the other members looking in on this thread: I and my son attended a WELS church for six months whilst I was looking for a new church. This occured ten or fifteen years ago when the ELCA went off the deep end. They wore the black cassocks and the service was more somber and formal than I was used to. It was getting really hard for me to adapt to at the time. The fact that women weren't allowed to speak for themselves really bothered me. The pastor and I sat down one evening and had a long talk. The result was that he and I agreed that I would be better off at an LCMS church. Up till now that wise pastor was entirely correct.

My current experiance is that the WELS church is a bit more low (read that simple) church than the LCMS. For instance, the building and it's furnishings are very modern. The sanctuary and the altar area are very architecturally clean and simple. the altar area looks little different from a Baptist except that there's an altar instead of a table. Also, there's the spirit candle in it's usual red cup. The services are very liturgical. Unfortuneately, they've decided upon printing everything in the bulletin. A practice I find detestible. Mainly because it allows gerrymandering with the service. The pastor's sermons are spot-on and always crystal clear. Law and Gospel. The minor tone taken with the service is not my preferrence. I prefer the brighter tone in the LCMS and ELCA (strict liturgical) services.

It has been said here that it appears like I'm leaving the LCMS for liturgical reasons. Well, to be honest, a Lutheran church without it's liturgy simply isn't Lutheran anymore. It's one of the things that makes us what we are. Certainly not all of what Lutherans are about, but form follows function. The substance of the pastor's sermons has changed over the past few months. It's become lighter and less... um, well, substantial. He sounds like Kenneth Copeland, or Chuck Smith. Believe you me, I know what Chuck sounds like too. I used to attend his church. Many years ago, but nonetheless... I like Calvary Chapel, but I belong to a Lutheran church for good reason. My friend Paula put it very succinctly today, "I've attended many churches in my life. While attending the Lutheran churches with you it feels like I've finally graduated from Sunday School to a real church service." She really likes this WELS church. For the most part, I do too. At least they (WELS) aren't pretending to be something they're not.

 

[dinkime]

At least they (WELS) aren't pretending to be something they're not.

very very VERY true. and, from what i have seen and experienced, they do not teach one thing and practice another.

 

[seajoy]

I am not treating your Synod badly at all, I was just relaying some of the information that I've heard about the WELS that was obviously false, but I did not know that. And no I'm not ELCA.

It's ok...like I said, I was cranky last night. *glad to hear he's not ELCA*

 

[seajoy]

Stude....we read the liturgy right out of the Hymnal in my WELS church. Thought you might like to know.

 

[Studeclunker]

It's ok...like I said, I was cranky last night. *glad to hear he's not ELCA*

LOL! Everyone is allowed their cranky day, Sis. I'm glad he's LCMS too (LOL)! Let's just hope the great and powerful Wizard of St. Louis realizes his shammery is not working soon. Maybe I'll get lucky and not have to jump ship after all!

 

[seajoy]

LOL! Everyone is allowed their cranky day, Sis.

I suppose....but I tend to be the worst one around here. I'm really sorry about that.

 

[Aibrean]

We can all pray about this

 

[LutheranHawkeye]

My, my, my, my, this thread has been busier than a cat at the dog pound (LOL)!

Just for the information of the other members looking in on this thread: I and my son attended a WELS church for six months whilst I was looking for a new church. This occured ten or fifteen years ago when the ELCA went off the deep end. They wore the black cassocks and the service was more somber and formal than I was used to. It was getting really hard for me to adapt to at the time. The fact that women weren't allowed to speak for themselves really bothered me. The pastor and I sat down one evening and had a long talk. The result was that he and I agreed that I would be better off at an LCMS church. Up till now that wise pastor was entirely correct.

My current experiance is that the WELS church is a bit more low (read that simple) church than the LCMS. For instance, the building and it's furnishings are very modern. The sanctuary and the altar area are very architecturally clean and simple. the altar area looks little different from a Baptist except that there's an altar instead of a table. Also, there's the spirit candle in it's usual red cup. The services are very liturgical. Unfortuneately, they've decided upon printing everything in the bulletin. A practice I find detestible. Mainly because it allows gerrymandering with the service. The pastor's sermons are spot-on and always crystal clear. Law and Gospel. The minor tone taken with the service is not my preferrence. I prefer the brighter tone in the LCMS and ELCA (strict liturgical) services.

It has been said here that it appears like I'm leaving the LCMS for liturgical reasons. Well, to be honest, a Lutheran church without it's liturgy simply isn't Lutheran anymore. It's one of the things that makes us what we are. Certainly not all of what Lutherans are about, but form follows function. The substance of the pastor's sermons has changed over the past few months. It's become lighter and less... um, well, substantial. He sounds like Kenneth Copeland, or Chuck Smith. Believe you me, I know what Chuck sounds like too. I used to attend his church. Many years ago, but nonetheless... I like Calvary Chapel, but I belong to a Lutheran church for good reason. My friend Paula put it very succinctly today, "I've attended many churches in my life. While attending the Lutheran churches with you it feels like I've finally graduated from Sunday School to a real church service." She really likes this WELS church. For the most part, I do too. At least they (WELS) aren't pretending to be something they're not.

Awesome post Stude! I totally agree with you on form following function, and I really wish that the LCMS could have a strong confessional church around your area, but it seems as if yet another non-denom congregation has sprung up.

 

[Aibrean]

The one I currently attend is more liberal in it's doings. I like the Lutheran Mass that a sister LCMS church has on Sunday (both services too!). We are considering switching because of it but it's a little complicated cause my husband is employed by our church.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

You're leaving the LCMS over liturgical issues, I've always heard that the WELS have quite low church services, even with some pastors just wearing the black graduation robe thingys. Sorry I guess the proper Mass is one of my pet peeves. As I've stated before the ELCA may be your best bet if they don't start ordaining gay non-celibate people. If they do then WELS would be perfect for your situation.

You think WELS is low church because we wear the graduation robe thingy? Sheesh. Go educate yourself and visit some WELS churches. Our liturgy is not different from LCMS, except maybe in some minor ways. And yes, our pastors don't deck themselves out to look like cardinals all the time. "Proper mass" isn't dependent on what clothes the pastor wears. If a pastor delivers the proper liturgy but he's wearing a suit coat and tie, it's still the liturgy.

If you think WELS is low church, ELCA isn't really church at all. As has been said, you need to educate yourself in how the WELS conducts worship services. We are not "low church".

Yep, we WELS'ers are pretty stupid.

Yeah, never mind the fact that half of our congregation used to be LCMS and have said the same thing about being released from membership. Some of our members still aren't technically released.

Low church services aren't bad...they're just not for me. No WELS bashing here.

WELS has liturgical services just like LCMS.

 

[Studeclunker]

Well, just when one thinks things can't get any worse...

I heard on the news yesterday that LCMS is going to put the ordination and leadership involvement of homosexuals up to vote of the laity. My greatest fears of Ablaze have come true. LCMS is going the same direction ELCA went. It's a pity really, but there it is.

 

[ctay]

Well, just when one thinks things can't get any worse...

I heard on the news yesterday that LCMS is going to put the ordination and leadership involvement of homosexuals up to vote of the laity. My greatest fears of Ablaze have come true. LCMS is going the same direction ELCA went. It's a pity really, but there it is.

I don't like it

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Stude,

Regarding your release:

LCC operates in much the same way as LCMS. As an Elder I would suggest sending or hand delivering a letter addressed to the Church Council with your request. Within the body of the letter, request a "Letter of Release"; this should get things moving for you. Generally a request for "Peaceful Release" must be approved by the Congregation.

Your WELS Pastor is requesting such a letter to ensure that you are not leaving your former Congregation because you are "under discipline (excommunicated)". It's their way of checking that there is no preexisting reason why you should not be accepted as a member.

As an elder we have had such requests, and a Congregation can not approve a release or a transfer for someone who is under discipline because they are in a state of manifestly unrepentant sin.

I hope this helps.

Mark

 

[seajoy]

Well, just when one thinks things can't get any worse...

I heard on the news yesterday that LCMS is going to put the ordination and leadership involvement of homosexuals up to vote of the laity. My greatest fears of Ablaze have come true. LCMS is going the same direction ELCA went. It's a pity really, but there it is.

This saddens me, as this is the synod of my youth. May I ask on what news you heard this? Who brought this up? I really never thought that it would come to this. I'm very happy that I'm already in the WELS.

 

[Flipper]

I hadn't heard that either. Oh my goodness!

Regarding the LCMS not releasing anyone right away, I had never heard of that. Friends of mine who left our church never had a problem. I can't imagine holding someone's membership hostage, but I guess it has happened.

Regarding 16 weeks of classes - big deal. A review never hurt anyone. I'm sure once the pastor is convinced you understand communion, you can get communion. If he's not like that, then find another WELS church.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Excellent points, Mark. I hadn't even thought about a member leaving under discipline. That is a very good explanation of why a release is required.

Stude,

Regarding your release:

LCC operates in much the same way as LCMS. As an Elder I would suggest sending or hand delivering a letter addressed to the Church Council with your request. Within the body of the letter, request a "Letter of Release"; this should get things moving for you. Generally a request for "Peaceful Release" must be approved by the Congregation.

Your WELS Pastor is requesting such a letter to ensure that you are not leaving your former Congregation because you are "under discipline (excommunicated)". It's their way of checking that there is no preexisting reason why you should not be accepted as a member.

As an elder we have had such requests, and a Congregation can not approve a release or a transfer for someone who is under discipline because they are in a state of manifestly unrepentant sin.

I hope this helps.

Mark

 

[DaRev]

Well, just when one thinks things can't get any worse...

I heard on the news yesterday that LCMS is going to put the ordination and leadership involvement of homosexuals up to vote of the laity. My greatest fears of Ablaze have come true. LCMS is going the same direction ELCA went. It's a pity really, but there it is.

Where did you hear this?? I have heard no such thing.