How many Churches here observed Mother's Day yesterday?

[Augusta]

Not mentioned at all, thankfully.

 

[PresbyDane]

50 -50 interesting

 

[christiana]

Definitely interesting as earlier the same folks had voted but the balance was far different!
Hmmmm!

 

[he beholds]

It Its "honor" on these types of days is sentimental, humanistic and unitarian/universalist, not biblical. And in my opinion when we implement these national standards into our worship services, we are acknowledging our government's definition of "honor".

Whoa....Wait a minute. You are talking about implementing these "national standards" that are humanistic and universalist. I don't think ANYONE is suggesting we implement that. I'm not acknowledging our culture's definition of honor--I'm acknowledging a cultural holiday and implementing God's standards to it.

No, I'm not saying you or others agree with our nation's standards. I know you don't. I'm saying that when we take the nation's holi(y)-day and use it, we are submitting to our nation's definition of it, whether or not we want to. We are not instructed in scripture to redeem what is wicked, but avoid it and separate ourselves from it. God already gives us standards for honoring our parents every day. He gives us standards for praying, every day. We don't need the World's definition of virtues on MD/FD or Prayer, i.e., National Day of Prayer, Labor Day, etc.

The only real issue that I can see someone having is if it falls on a Sunday (which MD and FD do). I don't personally have issue with that, but I can see how someone does! I am certainly a sympathizer and for that reason alone I am pleased that my Pastor did not preach on it. BUT, the fact that we have national days of celebration is not, in my opinion, wrong. There is no law in Scripture that says, "If the gov't or culture gives you a day off, don't take it."
I personally believe that any excuse to rejoice is a good one, and I will accept any excuse for a picnic, so long as that picnic does not cause sin. I don't understand what a negative reason for Labor Day could be.

 

[Rich Koster]

My wife stayed home yesterday because in the past it was forced upon her, even though she said no. We do not have children. I find that a man made "holiday" should not become an object of offense because some people have an agenda to decorate every adult female with flowers.

 

[Knoxienne]

Whoa....Wait a minute. You are talking about implementing these "national standards" that are humanistic and universalist. I don't think ANYONE is suggesting we implement that. I'm not acknowledging our culture's definition of honor--I'm acknowledging a cultural holiday and implementing God's standards to it.

No, I'm not saying you or others agree with our nation's standards. I know you don't. I'm saying that when we take the nation's holi(y)-day and use it, we are submitting to our nation's definition of it, whether or not we want to. We are not instructed in scripture to redeem what is wicked, but avoid it and separate ourselves from it. God already gives us standards for honoring our parents every day. He gives us standards for praying, every day. We don't need the World's definition of virtues on MD/FD or Prayer, i.e., National Day of Prayer, Labor Day, etc.

The only real issue that I can see someone having is if it falls on a Sunday (which MD and FD do). I don't personally have issue with that, but I can see how someone does! I am certainly a sympathizer and for that reason alone I am pleased that my Pastor did not preach on it. BUT, the fact that we have national days of celebration is not, in my opinion, wrong. There is no law in Scripture that says, "If the gov't or culture gives you a day off, don't take it."
I personally believe that any excuse to rejoice is a good one, and I will accept any excuse for a picnic, so long as that picnic does not cause sin. I don't understand what a negative reason for Labor Day could be.

I see your point - it's great to have a celebration day or a day off. My comment about Labor Day was a last minute thought - included with the NDOP and the MD/FD thing. Labor is defined biblically and our government doesn't define it that way.

That being said, a Monday off with our husbands and families is a day to rejoice indeed!

 

[gene_mingo]

Our pastor preached on the role of Deacons in the church.

 

[Ivan]

I preached on the joys of following Christ. I wished a Happy Mother's Day to the ladies of our church before or after worship.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

I appreciate the Mother’s Day “effect” of a few extra heads in church because they come to please their mother.

I don’t appreciate violations of the Lord’s Day in it being the busiest day for restaurants in America, and the worst day for service for those who go.

Why do all such greeting card company and florist, market driven, new holidays need to fall on the Lord’s Day? Can’t we have Mother’s Saturday?

We did nothing different as far as public worship, prayers, sung praise, texts read, or sermon preached than we always do.

That said, though we didn’t do anything of the sort, I’d not consider it a violation of the RPW to mention mothers in pre worship announcements, or give people a flower before or after the service. I already pray for families, marriages and children regularly in our public prayer. I suppose there is no harm is more specifically praying for mothers when they are specially on people’s minds, or fathers either in a few weeks. None of this justifies a Mother’s Day theme in public worship.

 

[Kevin]

I voted yes.

I mentioned it during the announcements, along with a party invitation, a comment about the weather... This was "pre-call".

Instead of a childrens sermon I had the kids pass out roses to all of the ladies present. Then instead of my normal prayer for the covnant children & their understanding of the (real) sermon, I prayed for the parents & esp. for the mums that are true "mothers in Israel", and that they might be faithful in their roles as catechists & evangelists to their children.

By the way we had 3 visitors that came to be with their mums. Two of them never go to church & are unbelievers. Their 91 yo(!) mum was in tears that they came.

I preached on Philip & his method of evangelism.

 

[Skyler]

It's Mother's Day every day!!

But no, there was only a passing mention towards the end of the service at our church.

 

[bisonrancher]

Just a small mention during the congregational prayer and bulletin.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

A more revealing question would have been:

How many had Mother’s Day theme services between the call to worship and benediction?


"Themed" meaning special music, sermon, or distinct ceremony within the context of public worship.

 

[AThornquist]

Mothers (and mothers-to-be) were wished happy mother's day on several occasions though the sermon wasn't exactly drawn out of the holiday. The sermon was about Sarah's flawed character but her faith that was nonetheless commended by God. Even if the sermon was on Proverbs 31 or the 5th commandment, I would have rejoiced at the Word being preached.

 

[Whitefield]

A more revealing question would have been:

How many had Mother’s Day theme services between the call to worship and benediction?


"Themed" meaning special music, sermon, or distinct ceremony within the context of public worship.

I agree that would have made the issue much clearer.

 

[he beholds]

Mothers (and mothers-to-be) were wished happy mother's day on several occasions though the sermon wasn't exactly drawn out of the holiday. The sermon was about Sarah's flawed character but her faith that was nonetheless commended by God. Even if the sermon was on Proverbs 31 or the 5th commandment, I would have rejoiced at the Word being preached.

Thanks. That was a good point and reminder for me especially. I tend to examine the sermon passage selection more critically around these days that are supposedly insignificant to us! If Mother's Day really meant nothing to me, then I wouldn't be wondering if the pastor is going to mention it. And if he does, I wouldn't be looking around to see if the more easily offended in the congregation are turning blue.

I know around Dec. 25th I am always wondering, and to be honest, in pride, if the pastor is going to deviate from schedule to talk about the birth of our Lord. What in the world makes me think that my judgment is better than my pastor's. I really hope your own rejoicing will be a continued conviction in my life on Sunday mornings! Thanks!!!

 

[Jesus is my friend]

Just a Prayer at the beginning of announcements,so as to not interfere with anything and yet still give Thanks to God for raising up Mom's as examples of Godliness to consider,This is good and I was very happy with it,Pastor Bob continued on Galatians 5 The Fruits of the Spirit-"Faithfulness"it was so good I'm still enjoying it

 

[Grace Alone]

Our pastor mentioned it in the announcements (prior to the Call to Worship) with some attempt to instruct that since we are commanded to honor our parents, it should be everyday and not just one day. He then went on to preach the next passage of John chapter 4 vs. 27-42 about revival. There were several members absent due to visits to mothers, apparently, though.

Aside from the RPW issues, it really does make me feel very sad for a big deal to be made about Mother's Day in church because it would be so very hurtful to those who desire to be a mother but who have not yet been blessed in that way. The world does that all the time...it's the way it feels when you're the last one chosen for the team...left out, unwanted. The church should never do that.

 

[Pergamum]

Our pastor mentioned it in the announcements (prior to the Call to Worship) with some attempt to instruct that since we are commanded to honor our parents, it should be everyday and not just one day. He then went on to preach the next passage of John chapter 4 vs. 27-42 about revival. There were several members absent due to visits to mothers, apparently, though.

Aside from the RPW issues, it really does make me feel very sad for a big deal to be made about Mother's Day in church because it would be so very hurtful to those who desire to be a mother but who have not yet been blessed in that way. The world does that all the time...it's the way it feels when you're the last one chosen for the team...left out, unwanted. The church should never do that.

This is a good point. My wife just suffered a miscarriage. However, we already have 2 children. I can imagine the hurt that would have occurred if we didn't already have children and my wife was passed by and not giving a white carnation because she didn't qualify as a mother.

Besides eliminating the practice (which might be the best option) is there any ways in which churches deal with this sticky issue?

 

[Kevin]

Our pastor mentioned it in the announcements (prior to the Call to Worship) with some attempt to instruct that since we are commanded to honor our parents, it should be everyday and not just one day. He then went on to preach the next passage of John chapter 4 vs. 27-42 about revival. There were several members absent due to visits to mothers, apparently, though.

Aside from the RPW issues, it really does make me feel very sad for a big deal to be made about Mother's Day in church because it would be so very hurtful to those who desire to be a mother but who have not yet been blessed in that way. The world does that all the time...it's the way it feels when you're the last one chosen for the team...left out, unwanted. The church should never do that.

This is a good point. My wife just suffered a miscarriage. However, we already have 2 children. I can imagine the hurt that would have occurred if we didn't already have children and my wife was passed by and not giving a white carnation because she didn't qualify as a mother.

Besides eliminating the practice (which might be the best option) is there any ways in which churches deal with this sticky issue?

we had the kids give a rose to all women. Mainly because i wondered how they would be able to tell them apart.

 

[Montanablue]

This is a good point. My wife just suffered a miscarriage. However, we already have 2 children. I can imagine the hurt that would have occurred if we didn't already have children and my wife was passed by and not giving a white carnation because she didn't qualify as a mother.

Ditto. I don't have a problem with acknowledging the day outside of the sermon (as others have mentioned, making an announcement, offering a prayer of thanks for our mothers etc), but the giving of corsages, little gifts, or having all of the mothers stand so people can clap, I find a little...odd...for the church. It just seems like something that could easily hurt others.

 

[Pergamum]

This is a good point. My wife just suffered a miscarriage. However, we already have 2 children. I can imagine the hurt that would have occurred if we didn't already have children and my wife was passed by and not giving a white carnation because she didn't qualify as a mother.

Ditto. I don't have a problem with acknowledging the day outside of the sermon (as others have mentioned, making an announcement, offering a prayer of thanks for our mothers etc), but the giving of corsages, little gifts, or having all of the mothers stand so people can clap, I find a little...odd...for the church. It just seems like something that could easily hurt others.

"Congratulations, you can breed! Oh, you can't have babies...no cigar!"

 

[C. Matthew McMahon]

Every church in South Florida from West Palm Beach to Miami did. If you hang with the brother-s at Lakewood, you'll get a Jazz band too. If you hand with the brother-s at First Pres you get a parade too. If you hand with Flamingo Church you get a Billy Joel song, or s skit or two. If you hand with the brother-s at the Apostloic Church, they throw in visions, maybe a prophecy or two. If you hang with the brother-s at....well I'll stop there. The churches down here go ALL out on every holiday they can to attract more people.

 

[akennethjr]

Mother's day was not mentioned.

 

[Scottish Lass]

And if you give flowers to every woman, then what's the point? One can no longer say it's in celebration of mothers.

 

[Marrow Man]

And if you give flowers to every woman, then what's the point? One can no longer say it's in celebration of mothers.

It's like that line from "The Incredibles" -- if everybody's special, that's another way of saying nobody's special.

 

[ubermadchen]

And if you give flowers to every woman, then what's the point? One can no longer say it's in celebration of mothers.

Well, one of the deacons who gave me a flower said that women like me (unmarried without children) should still act as spiritual mothers to the children in the church by participating in encouraging kids to grow in the love and admonition of the Lord. Roles like mine are small in comparison to the actual mothers but the elders/deacons wanted to acknowledge our part anyway.

 

[ww]

Our pastor mentioned it in the announcements (prior to the Call to Worship) with some attempt to instruct that since we are commanded to honor our parents, it should be everyday and not just one day. He then went on to preach the next passage of John chapter 4 vs. 27-42 about revival. There were several members absent due to visits to mothers, apparently, though.

Aside from the RPW issues, it really does make me feel very sad for a big deal to be made about Mother's Day in church because it would be so very hurtful to those who desire to be a mother but who have not yet been blessed in that way. The world does that all the time...it's the way it feels when you're the last one chosen for the team...left out, unwanted. The church should never do that.

This is a good point. My wife just suffered a miscarriage. However, we already have 2 children. I can imagine the hurt that would have occurred if we didn't already have children and my wife was passed by and not giving a white carnation because she didn't qualify as a mother.

Besides eliminating the practice (which might be the best option) is there any ways in which churches deal with this sticky issue?

That's exactly my wife's situation as a first time expectant mother who suffered a miscarriage. We suffered it before attending our new church of almost 2 months now and so they wouldn't have known any better.

Interesting though that we had a Fellowship at an Elder's house and his wife started talking to my wife about stuff and my wife felt comfortable in bringing it up and talking about it with her. She was able to comfort my wife as she had 3 of her very own and finds it difficult 14 years later. But as an aside the Elder and his wife invited unbelieving neighbors to the Fellowship and this one couple just lost their 38 year old daughter due to an accident by the Surgeon who hit a major artery and she bled to death just 3 weeks ago. She was so relieved that no one wished her a "Happy Mother's Day" and this was at a Fellowship so imagine if they would have attended Church and had to have an entire service devoted to Mother's Day. Of course this is only anecdotal as I embrace the RPW and feel it would violate the way God desires to be worshipped by doing so anyway.

 

[Ruby]

No mention of Mothers' Day in service and our family "spoil" the mums on Saturday.

 

[Tim]

The thing with focusing on certain aspects of the Christian life (that are not in themselves sinful or improper) is that there are more than 52 aspects that are important. If we designated a focus for every Lord's Day, then some aspects of our faith would be left without a 'special' focus.

Let us rather preach through whole books of scripture as is prudent and cover ALL aspects of doctrine and practice as they are presented in the stories, teachings, and poetry of scripture.