Pick your Battles

[solo1]

This is gonna be a ramblin' post about picking your battles.

As many here know i was a councilman for 14 years. That was a fast lesson in human nature.  It didn't take long to realize that just because I wanted a change, everyone would agree with me, so i won some and lost some.

This year I volunteered to be an Elder with my church.  Yes, volunteered.  Although it is an elected office, there's not many that want to do it.  My  idea was to be a voice for the seniors in our church.

The 'Greying" of America, I think, needs to have more thoughts on accommodating seniors. Along that line, in my first meeting, I proposed an additional railing at the altar to help seniors navigate the three steps.............I ran into opposition from the pastor.  Evidently the railing would interfere with the placement of all the participants in a wedding.

What started out as a simple idea now has become more complicated.  I'm going to take another look and see if we can compromise.  It is amazing to me still today, how much energy can be spent on a simple idea such as this.

And that brings me to the conclusion of this ramblin' tale.  I will be 87 years old in two weeks and I notice a decided decrease in my energy, both physical and mental.  I must decide where and how to spend my energy.  I don't have time for things like selling "tin hats'.  Neither do I have the energy to  debate such a useless subject.  

Ah well, age hopefully brings wisdom, and along with that, the ability to discern how to keep from making problems for oneself where there are no problems.

'Nuff said.

Wayne, solo1

[Robert]

Personally what I have found is if your pastor is god don't challenge him, if the rest of the board does make decisions not just give a stamp of approval then bring it to them. I cannot think of a more frustrating way to loose peace and joy in church than to get involved with a church government especially one that is not run correctly. Much like the regular government, I thought you would have learned by now 

In a little less religious setting a pastor or one of his helpers could go to the older ones and give them communion at their seats. Just a suggestion that lends itself to personal acknowledgement of each senior also.
 

[MacDragon]

Well said... How about a rail that can easily be detached at the bottom three posts for those times that a wedding is scheduled? Possibly quick releases much like what you find for removable seats in an SUV.  There can always be some sort of alternative that accommodates...  Just a thought.

[Gavin_Sons]

why not make the railing removable? Our church has railing like you are talking about and is up on communion sundays, otherwise it is down and stored in the side room just off of the alter. And our steps are marble.

[solo1]

First of all, Robert, this will not be an "in your face' type of confrontation.  You are reading it wrong.
There are always two sides and i will proceed rationally.

Yes, the pastors do come down into the pews to give communion. Yet, there are still those, including me, who prefer to take communion at the altar. Right or wrong, walking to the altar, is saying to oneself, "i can still do it"

When i presented this idea, i did suggest a removable railing.  I will suggest this again.  The final vote would be by the Trustees but, as we know, pastors have a lot of influence.

It is possible that the structures under the steps are too expensive to change. It might be that I will resign myself to failure, so be it.  The seniors who asked for this will understand.

[therapist]

The bigger point here is, that you are still so active and vital at 87. This humbles me. I am 20 years your junior and have less and less energy every day (not just age, health related). You help put things in perspective, and give me hope that there is still a lot of living to do. Thanks!

[Big Rig]

Wayne,

Just remember, bring up the liability issue, if an elderly person should accidently fall?

I am sure you all will come to some agreeable terms and get that railing installed.

I am 50 and I know what you mean when you talk about using your energy on better things!

Be strong, just not head strong!

Keep fighting the good fight, but do it at a pace that you can handle and still enjoy it!

[Robert]

First of all, Robert, this will not be an "in your face' type of confrontation.  You are reading it wrong.
There are always two sides and i will proceed rationally.

Yes, the pastors do come down into the pews to give communion. Yet, there are still those, including me, who prefer to take communion at the altar. Right or wrong, walking to the altar, is saying to oneself, "i can still do it"

When i presented this idea, i did suggest a removable railing.  I will suggest this again.  The final vote would be by the Trustees but, as we know, pastors have a lot of influence.

It is possible that the structures under the steps are too expensive to change. It might be that I will resign myself to failure, so be it.  The seniors who asked for this will understand.

I trusted you are more diplomatic than me To me to dismiss the idea without consideration or the pastor talking it out with you to find out why you wanted the railing is unacceptable. He could have asked why you wanted it or what was your feelings about it and prayed for you. Now I just assumed he did not do this from your words. Compassion and caring along with good financial planning, handling Gods resources should be the rule for churches. If they say you are stealing from God by not giving tithes then how much more responsibility do they bare for handling God people and finances wisely and compassionately. 

[R J]

In our church there is TWO railings.

One on each outside wall.

The senior can come down the aisle on the outside or middle.

If they use the middle, they then cross over to the outside wall, use the railing to get up on the altar and cross back across to the Pastor.     Exit the same way.

This was suggested by an elderly lady when I was in Korea in 1950.    One suggestion and 2 weeks later they were up.

Helps the Pianist get up to her piano with all the sheet music needed for Sunday Service.

They are used quite often, and no one has bad mouthed it in years.

[csj]

Solo 1

When I was very young, I was taught to Set A Good Example. I try to do so today when possible.

You and the other very senior members of this board Set a Good Example for me, every post.

You all inspire me to Keep on Going, no matter what.

[Gryphon Rider]

Because I rarely see them removed, I can't say this for certain, but the hand rails for the steps at our church remove by pulling them straight up.  They have steel posts on the bottom that insert into steel sleeves imbedded in the stairs.  Safety should trump aesthetics.

[solo1]

Robert, we have three pastors and they are all fine pastors.  We also have a large church with 1200 communicant members and generally 400 at each service. It would take a long time if all seniors wanted communion at the pews.  

I noted the pastor's mild opposition at the Board of Elders meeting.  Mild or not, a mutual discussion is in order and that's what i intend.

RJ, thanks for the input.   Our church, too, has railings at both sides.  However, it is hard for some to walk across when they are in the middle of the altar as we have a wide sanctuary.  

It's very possible that it isn't feasible to do this.  At that point I'll withdraw my request.

I also suggested a valet service for seniors during the winter months.  That was welcomed by all.

I'm still working on talking about a church telecoil  installation for those with hearing aids.

Gryphon, absolutely safety.  The railing must be trusted, thanks.

[Robert]

I love your ideas, anything that makes people feel more welcomed and accommodated is great. Convenience is a great thing in this day and age, not to mention that is what keeps people attending and not dropping out. I applaud the innovation and direction you are going in. keep up the good ideas, it benefits all. 

[ricoman]

Good you have taken up a cause. It is frustrating to see a need and find out the blindness of others.
I admire your approach. Calm and steady-qualities many of us lack on occasion.

Your comment
"Ah well, age hopefully brings wisdom, and along with that, the ability to discern how to keep from making problems for oneself where there is no problems."

will be printed out and on the fridge.

[solo1]

thanks ricoman.  However i used a singular with a plural.  My grade school English teacher would've gone nuts.

It should read.

Ah well, age hopefully brings wisdom, and along with that, the ability to discern how to keep from making problems for oneself where there ARE no problems.

I'll correct my post.  

[ricoman]

thanks ricoman.  However i used a singular with a plural.  My grade school English teacher would've gone nuts.

It should read.

Ah well, age hopefully brings wisdom, and along with that, the ability to discern how to keep from making problems for oneself where there ARE no problems.

I'll correct my post. 

the message is what matters, your English teacher likely had blue hair too (mine did).

[old2soon]

At early service-the one I attend-they have the outer row of pews on each side closed off and 4 ushers take communion to the people. When all the pews are open we have 8 ushers serving. On large turnout days-Easter and Christmas Eve-8 ushers still handle it well and doe's not take as long as you'd think even with 500+ in attendance. And-yes Wayne-I understand the problem you are describing. When our senior minister took a position in Kansas the Church KNEW our youth minister should be the one to step up and become our senor minister. I'll NOT talk bad about our board of elders because some have since passed on but it took them about 5 months to realize what we did in a day. And you thought politics in the city sector was tough!  Wayne-I KNOW you are capable of leading and getting that change implemented. I'll Pray for you and your Church. RIDE SAFE.

[solo1]

Thanks Dennis for the thoughts.

In our church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, only the Pastors or Elders are allowed to give Communion.  There are, at the most, three giving communion at the altar.  The Pastors walk down to the pews to give Communion to those that stand up.

We are the strictest of the three Lutheran denominations.  Reminds me of a joke.

How many Lutherans, Missouri Synod, does it take to change a light bulb?...

The answer is NONE.        We don't believe in change (in the Gospel)

[ricoman]

Thanks Dennis for the thoughts.

In our church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, only the Pastors or Elders are allowed to give Communion.  There are, at the most, three giving communion at the altar.  The Pastors walk down to the pews to give Communion to those that stand up.

We are the strictest of the three Lutheran denominations.  Reminds me of a joke.

How many Lutherans, Missouri Synod, does it take to change a light bulb?...

The answer is NONE.        We don't believe in change (in the Gospel)

ah, Missouri Synod
my whole life as a part of the "Chosen Frozen"!
had an Uncle who was a parish pastor in MN and finished his career as the Chaplain at Mayo Clinic in the early 60's. Remember the term Herr Pastor? Took Catechism from Reinhold Hingst- a tough one.

[Valkjerk]

Wayne, I'm not out to pick a fight with you because you are twenty years my senior and I can't have someone your age whipping up on me. It'll make me look bad. LOL LOL  However, I am from the Wisconsin Synod and I was told that this is the most conservative of them all. My old church (I presently attend) was Missouri Synod for it's first 50 or 60 years of existence changed to Wis. Syn. about 20 or so years ago because our elders at that time said that it was getting too liberal. I don't know much about the differences so I'll do what I have always done.....worshipping God through His son and not the church. Love ya, brother.

[solo1]

Valkjerk, I could be wrong also.  The thing that most people find very strict in the Lutheran church, Missouri Synod, is Closed communion.  The second most thing is only men can hold office in the Church, no women Pastors, no women Elders.  I think maybe they are pushing it to allow Deaconesses now.

So far, as of now, my church is well aware that Practice changes Doctrine. Our church is not popular today as we don't change and people today like fancy praise songs with lots of clapping and entertainment. I'll stay with the majestic organ music, the liturgy that doesn't change, and the choir in the back of the church.

[hairyteeth]

I'm not sure if it would be accepted or even if possible given the alter design, but I was thinking of a temporary step cover forming a handicap rail. HT