[Editors: Please substitute the following for the opening paragraph of the
story previously issued under the same headline on Dec. 10, 1998.]
LUTHERANS DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF WORSHIP
98-43-244-MR
ORLANDO, Fla. (ELCA) -- "I believe that much of our worship is like the person in a [nationally televised sporting event] holding up John 3:16. We want to invite people in and make them welcome," said Marty Haugen, a liturgical composer from Eagan, Minn. "I have even heard worship described as 'a spiritual gas station where people get spiritually tanked up for the week.' What is wrong with this model is that it ignores Jesus' call to discipleship.
"Our worship style rather should be 'Welcome! We're glad you're here!' We'll do anything to make you at home in our community. And, by the way, here's your cross. God had it made up just for you,'" said Haugen.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
