nonsmoking1@comcast.net
Re: I started going to church again

The Mass hasn't changed much in 25 years. I don't mind the service but
I wish the they would play the organ for the hymns instead of the
guitars. The church I go to has a wonderful organ and they don't play
it for mass. Of course I attend on Saturday night so I don't have a
chance to check out the other services. The people are nice and the
priest is ok I guess. I tried some of the other churches but since I
grew up Catholic I decided to go back to Mass. Tonight's service had
two guys doing harmonies that sounded like the Everly bros. only not
that good. I know I shouldn't complain but I don't want to go to Mass
and listen to a stage show. Just do it straight up and play the hymns
so people can sing along. Nobody could sing with the Everly bros
imitators because harmonies are not conducive to group singing. When
did it become policy that a cheap guitar sounds better than a 100 year
old pipe organ? The other non catholic churches I attended had a full
orchestra. I thought it was overboard and it turned me off. If I want
to be entertained I will go to a show. Just play the organ please. A
pipe organ is the most beautiful instrument in the world. How about
some of the old fashioned hymns? I have attended two weeks in a row so
maybe I need to give it a chance.

Hello,

The purpose of attending Christian meetings in the first century was
to encourage one another such as to show love and have fine works etc,
not to get entertained. As this Catholic Bible puts it at He 10:24,25,

"24. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love
and good deeds.
25. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see
the Day approaching." (NAB)

People are generally used to paying for entertainment from musicians
etc. (I have seen some churches have karate demonstrations, etc) Thus
perhaps having such ones at their religious services helps to boost up
the collections. At any rate, such ploys are not used by the true
Christians of our century.


Sincerely, James