Tag Archives: solemn

Bulletin

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Bulletin: (n) a regular newsletter or printed report issued by an organization

After twenty years of doing some of my sharing and proclaiming in the church, I will tell you that the bulletin that many of them print each week as an order of service speaks volumes about the congregation.

It basically falls into three categories:

  1. A very short document which minimally lists the elements of the day’s worship experience, communicating great reverence and solemnity.
  2. A tri-fold piece of paper stuffed with all sorts of envelopes and notices, which is like a hand-held Facebook account. It is encompassed with announcements, pictures, and hopes and dreams for the future.
  3. A well-crafted piece of art put together by a staff member who is meticulous, perhaps to a fault, and contends that one of the better ways to communicate the quality of the church is in the distinction of the graphics.

The fascinating part of this is the life expectancy of a church bulletin–which is no more than four days, and except for two hours, languishes in a pile, waiting to be appreciated.

A case could be made that nobody really reads anymore, but that does not mean we should give up on good things with good intentions, which might prove, over time, to once again become the new rage.

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Abjure

by J. R. Practix

dictionary with letter A

Abjure: v. solemnly renounce (a belief, cause or claim): his refusal to abjure the Catholic faith

I was trying to figure out if I’m EVER solemn. I guess my definition for “solemn” would be to give a placid response to any given situation, thus appearing to be in control and without excess emotional baggage.

I don’t see how you can “solemnly renounce.” Isn’t that an oxymoron? “Solemn” means you’re calm and “renounce” requires you to actively reject.

I think I would be really uncomfortable with anyone who would “solemnly” renounce anything. If it’s worth renouncing, it would certainly require raising a few blood pressure points as you walk away in disgust. And if you’re NOT that invested in it–so that you could be solemn–it’s not really renouncing, now, is it? It’s more like choosing not to get another helping of something or other in the great buffet of life.

Maybe that’s the problem in our generation. We want to come across like we’re “solemnly renouncing” things. We want our hot-headed to appear cool.  I believe that particular mixture would make you even out at lukewarm.

Yeah. That pretty well describes things, doesn’ t it? A lukewarm rendition of a once-hot meal that doesn’t even have the benefit of being eaten cold.

I guess I don’t “abjure” much…

If it’s important enough for me to participate in it, I bring my passion–both in favor and in disfavor to the cause. If it requires solemnity, I just usually go to bed and go to sleep.

It’s a funny time, isn’t it? A season in life when we come up with solemn renouncement like we’re proclaiming, “It’s a funny time” instead of being more forthcoming, by calling it “crap.”