Any Presbyterians here? Was interested on your thoughts about the faith

[LynneSin]

I was born and raised a Methodist all of my life. Even the college I graduated from was run by the Methodists (although it wasn't some super religious college that forced you to go to church. Their only requirement was either 2 semesters of religon or philosphy). When I moved away from home I tried to attend church and usually it was to local Methodist Churches.

However, since I've moved to Delaware I pretty much quit going outside my month of checking out Quaker services. I was always in the belief that being a Christian wasn't just about attending Sunday services but about your overall faith and attitude.

However, I'm getting older and I'd like to attend church again. Most of the types of Methodist churches (since there are many variations) I would probably attend are outside of the city of Wilmington. However, there is this amazing Presbyterian Church that is only about 5 blocks from my home and I have attended a few services. I've been impressed with their seemingly strong attitude that although favors progressive values and I could really be involved in that.

I guess my question is just feedback of DUers who are of Presbyterian background and your thoughts. I mean I can read the history and how they happened. Looking more for personal experiences.

Thank you !

[jhrobbins]

1. I am a self identified Christian...

with a Presbyterian background. I say self identified because I also have a Jewish grandmother and have a varied religious history - one that I would not trade for anything. Everyone in my family was very liberal about their outlook onn faith and religion - some of my cousins embraced Judaism and I also observe Christian and Jewish holidays. I'm not sure what you wanted to hear about Presbyterianism and I am pretty sure it wasn't what I posted, but if you have any specific questions, I will try and answer.

[supernova]

2. I'm a former PCUSA elder

I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. I quit going in the early 2000s b/c that particular congregation was very conservative and I felt myself growing in more of the UU/Quaker direction for a variety of reasons.

I'm more than thrilled though, that PCUSA has finally voted for full participation by our LGTBQ friends and family.

[LynneSin]

7. With churches in general struggling for money...

I can't see how any group would deny potential members over something like sexual orientation.

[xmas74]

3. I'm not a Presbyterian

though it seems like a wonderful faith to follow. I am, otoh, a Methodist and I was wondering if you had looked into any of the reconciling ministries. http://www.rmnetwork.org/

(I just saw where you live and found that none are registered in Wilmington. I guess it was a shot.

[LynneSin]

4. I'm kinda old-school when it comes to religion

probably because I have so many favorite hymns I enjoy singing.

The Presbyterian Church services I have been attending pretty much is the same layout and format of the Methodist ones. However I find it odd that they use debt/debtors for the Lord's Prayer and I keep saying Trespass/Trespassers. I don't think any of the Methodist churches I have attended have ever used debt/debtors.

[xmas74]

5. I've never heard debt/debtors.

I've always used trespasses.

There's a reconciling church in KC I've attended a few times and I enjoyed it. It was the same service, just open and welcoming to the LGBT community. The hope is that someday all will become members of the reconciling ministries.

[LynneSin]

6. I don't think I could attend a church that didn't welcome LGBT

Not that I'm gay but just feel everyone should be welcomed.

[xmas74]

9. My church welcomes

but, as of this time, still doesn't offer marriage. (But I've noticed a change in the congregation and it might lead to something more soon.) The reconciling churches are different. Some marry no matter what comes from the UMC conferences. The church I attended in KC refused to perform any marriages of any sort until all are allowed to marry in the church.

http://www.trinitykc.org/422233

I enjoy my current church home but if Trinity wasn't such a drive I'd probably move the family.

[supernova]

8. Debts vs Trespasses

Presbyterians use "debts/debtors" in this instance b/c it's in the KJV for Matthew's version of TLP. That would be King James Stuart, the first Scottish King to sit on the Throne of England.

Wikipedia has little discourse about the differences in translation and Matthew/Luke here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord%27s_Prayer#.22And_forgive_us_our_trespasses.2C_as_we_forgive_them_that_trespass_against_us.22


Yes PCUSA takes its Scottish history seriously.

[xmas74]

10. It's cool.

It's just different from what I'm used to. Debtors brings to my mind only one thing while trespassers makes me think any number of thoughts of what could be.

I should go to a service sometime. I live three blocks from a church. I know I would enjoy listening to the similarities and the differences.

[Cairycat]

11. I grew up with debts/debtors

as a Congregationalist (NACCC, not UCC, though). I now belong to a Mennonite church which uses sins/sins against us.

[cally]

12. I grew up Presbyterian and still attend sometimes

I've been to Methodist churches and have almost joined one. I think they are pretty similar and I felt comfortable in the Methodist church. I think it depends on which Presbyterian Church you attend. They are different and some are much more conservative than others. I live in the SF Bay Area and the one I attend has been in the forefront in some of the recent GLBT battles within the church. The church I attend has a meditation service that I like that discusses different religions as different paths to God. I like the openness and lack of judgement about others' faiths. Just a heads up, my sister's Presbyterian Church is very different from my own, more conservative, more evangelical, and one I would not feel comfortable in.

It sounds like the one you found is more like my own.