For the last year, we have included the Heidelberg Catechism as part of our Worship Program. It and daily lectionary readings formed a portion of our program for ongoing, daily consideration of matters of worship and faith. With the beginning of Lent, we closed out the last Lord's Days of the Heidelberg Catechism so we could introduce something new.
A Catechism is more of a teaching format than anything else. The material is set up as a series of questions and answers for those who are studying the work. In the Book of Confessions, there are three catechisms. This includes the Heidelberg, which I grew up with, as well as the Westminster Longer and Shorter Catechisms. All three were written during the Reformation.
Using that question and answer format, for the Lenten Season, we are going to consider questions of more immediate relevance to the church and its function. This first week will be questions and answers about why we go to church on Sunday. We will post them to this blog early next week.
From here, we are gong to consider what goes into a worship service and, more basically, what is it even to worship God? Questions and comments are always welcome, in fact, they are encouraged. This is very true for this catechismal form because, unlike those included in the Book of Confessions, there is not a gathering of experts to wrestle with the questions, but only one, very fallible pastor. So be inquisitive, be gentle, and be ever learning more about our joyful faith in Jesus Christ.
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