I ran into this WELS congregation by Googling "WELS, Leonard Sweet." I saw that he was drooling over the latest Sweet book and publishing his weekly offerings. The offerings were catastrophically bad, gushing red ink. Overnight he was warned and the Sweet reference disappeared with the offerings. I was scolded (not by name) for mentioning his offerings, which he listed for everyone to see. That was not classy, he claimed.
I could tell there was a network of Church and Change informants, and now I know a number of them. They all squawk in a raucous chorus, a cacophony of bad manners, worse doctrine, and disgraceful spelling.
Before I get into Corona aping the Babtists - there used to be a tradition among Lutheran congregations. They did not try out something new unless the others were informed and in agreement. The idea was to show respect for worship and not undercut others by going freaky for the sake of attendance bumps. Someone might be able to cite a source for that. I remember reading it, but of course that was just a joke in Columbus.
Here is the new Crown of Life, verbatim from their webpages:
Worship
Crown of Life is now meeting in two places for worship. We would love to meet you and to have you as part of our community.
Sunday Mornings at our Corona Campus
8:30 a.m. ~ Traditional Worship called Heritage of Faith where Pastor Rick wears vestments, we make use of the liturgy, and a pianist leads our worship with hymns.
9:30 a.m. ~ Adult Bible Study led by Pastor Rick.
10:30 a.m. ~ Contemporary Worship called Faith for Today. The service is led by Pastor Rick and our own COL Adoration Band, using video projection, and singing the best of today's Christian music. Children's education and nursery are offered foloowing (sic) the children's message. Pastor dresses more casually at this service--no gown or vestments.
Sunday Mornings at our Beaumont Campus
9:00 a.m. - Sunday morning worship begins in Beaumont on March 15, 2009. Style of music is contemporary/coffee house -- today's best Christian music with an acoustic sound and light percussion. Service also include video projection. Children's education and nursery are offered following the children's message.
What to wear? You will find people dressed in shirt & tie and dresses. You will find people wearing jeans and polo shirts, shorts and tee shirts. Come dressed in whatever way you find comfortable and appropriate for worship. The Bible doesn't prescribe a dress code for worship and neither do we.
After the Service please stay for coffee and a snack. In Corona, that takes place on our shaded patio where you'll also find the CommUNITY Center with booklets, magazines and a place to plug in and sign up for activities. In Beaumont, the coffee is close by, along the side buffet in the Oak Valley Room.
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GJ - Going multi-site means going Mars Hill. The Church and Chicaneries cannot admit that their guiding lights are Leonard Sweet, Mark Driscoll, Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley, and other peddlers of spiritual Spam. Their idols plagiarize each other and the motivational circuit, and the C and C followers plagiarize them. Lutheran worship services glorify God by offering Christ crucified through Word and Sacrament. The Church and Chicaneries offer:
And:
