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Greg Hazelrig

I believe both have their place. Some are moved by the surroundings, while others can actually be turned off if they had bad experiences early on in church.

I wore my robe for the first time yesterday and I could tell that many of the older and/or more traditionalists in my congregation were genuinely happy. Some just think it "ought" to be done that way. But others get more of sense that God can speak to them from the pulpit if I am robed up. There is more of a reverence and that I'm set apart to speak for God instead of me.

On the other hand, I don't wear a robe because from what I've been taught, many of our visitors are looking for a place they can fit in and not have to be part of a church that placed more importance on outward stuff then on the person. I don't wear the robe to show that in our church it doesn't matter what's on the outside...it's what's on the inside that is important. Some will see it that way and others won't.

I guess that my long-winded point is simply that people are different and that some will be attracted by some things while others will not. Some will be affected by some things while others will not. Some will find a true experience with Christ during the Sacraments, some on the porch playing guitar, some in a cathedral, some in a praise service. As for me...I've experienced God in all those surroundings. Maybe it's not that we can't experience Him in other places, but that we simply won't allow ourselves.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Lorna (see-through faith)

It's connecting with God that matters - and that in itself creates atmosphere

personally - probably because i live in Europe - I find those ornate cathedrals very un-stimulating even stifling - and will take a camp fire meeting (hopefully minus the mosquitoes) every time!

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