you are exactly right and i actually have a very ecumenical philosophy.... however in terms of what meets my needs? it is uniquely methodist. i feel let down every time i go to a lutheran church (with my in-laws)and they've changed the words to my favorite hymns. it's not that i don't think God is the same or would be understanding. it is that _I_ am so thoroughly methodist it's hard for me to be completely happy in another denomination - even if i am somewhat happy. so what that means is that i will likely have to drive more than 20 minutes to find one i like. and i'm spoiled by being from an area with so many methodist churches that i pretty much had my pick within a very short distance. i want those hymns i'm familiar with. i want the cross central to worship. i want congregational singing with no cantors, and a focus on becoming more holy (which episcopals and other denominations may agree with, but don't emphasize as much as methodists do). really that's the thing for me. i want traditional music and methodist emphases in my worship services....i'm picky. and preferably no projection screens of any kind. the irritating thing is that even within your chosen denomination there's a lot of room for contemporary vs. traditional...blah blah blah. there i'm done whining now. :/
i think it is GREAT that you are so open-minded. when it comes to my friendships, i am too...but when it comes to worship, i have to do it mostly the way it means the most to me.
no subject
however in terms of what meets my needs? it is uniquely methodist.
i feel let down every time i go to a lutheran church (with my in-laws)and they've changed the words to my favorite hymns. it's not that i don't think God is the same or would be understanding. it is that _I_ am so thoroughly methodist it's hard for me to be completely happy in another denomination - even if i am somewhat happy. so what that means is that i will likely have to drive more than 20 minutes to find one i like. and i'm spoiled by being from an area with so many methodist churches that i pretty much had my pick within a very short distance. i want those hymns i'm familiar with. i want the cross central to worship. i want congregational singing with no cantors, and a focus on becoming more holy (which episcopals and other denominations may agree with, but don't emphasize as much as methodists do). really that's the thing for me. i want traditional music and methodist emphases in my worship services....i'm picky. and preferably no projection screens of any kind. the irritating thing is that even within your chosen denomination there's a lot of room for contemporary vs. traditional...blah blah blah.
there i'm done whining now.
:/
i think it is GREAT that you are so open-minded. when it comes to my friendships, i am too...but when it comes to worship, i have to do it mostly the way it means the most to me.