Changes in the UPC over the past 30 years

[Esther]

In another thread it was mentioned concerning the Tulsa situation that changes has caused many to want to change.

I wanted to discuss what the changes are that you have noticed.

For myself I have noticed the following.

1. Most church no longer have foot washing.
2. Most new churches are being built without altars.
3. I see more women cutting their hair.
4. I see men and women coloring their hair.
5. I see more jewelery.
6. Many folks now have TV's in their homes.
7. Many now go to the theather.
8. I see more make-up.
9. Shorter dresses again, (saw them in the 70's as well)
10. Many women feel it is ok to wear pants.
11. Everyone now has a computer it seems.
12. Many feel it is not necessary to pay tithes.

Now these are some of the changes I have noticed since I have been in the church. I'm not saying all of these are wrong, but these are things you didn't see 30 years ago.


Did I miss anything?

[Nahum]

Video is a big part of many church services.

[Nahum]

Communion is ignored.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Communion is ignored.

It is? I find this hard to believe. Not where I come from or in any of the churches we've pastored over the past 30 years.

I certainly hope not. Goodness!

[Sarah]

We use to think it was horrible that some of the Methodists and Baptists didn't have Sunday evening services, and now a lot of Apostolics don't either!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

It is? I find this hard to believe. Not where I come from or in any of the churches we've pastored over the past 30 years.

I certainly hope not. Goodness!

How often did you guys celebrate communion in the church you pastored?

More than once a year?

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

How often did you guys celebrate communion in the church you pastored?

More than once a year?

Absolutely, yes.

In the last church we pastored, communion was served once a month.

Other churches we pastored it varied but definitely more than once a year. I think that in a couple churches we tried for every 3 months.

I have to say that I thought once a month would create a situation where communion would become a "hohum" event, but it wasn't like that at all. Every communion service was special and relevant and meaningful.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Absolutely, yes.

In the last church we pastored, communion was served once a month.

Other churches we pastored it varied but definitely more than once a year. I think that in a couple churches we tried for every 3 months.

I have to say that I thought once a month would create a situation where communion would become a "hohum" event, but it wasn't like that at all. Every communion service was special and relevant and meaningful.

Amazing.

I have never heard of a OP church doing that.


Cool.

[Pastor G]

I think there are a lot less oatmeal boxes going on top of a womans head.

I also think there is a lot less judgmentalism going on, though there is still too much... I think there is a lot less presonal preferences being preached, though there is still too much...

[Pastor G]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Communion is ignored.

Are you going to churches and asking them if they are having communion? I haven't seen it being ignored anywhere in UPC...