rwjx2khsmj Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 (edited) Today, I attended a church and after the Christmas program, Santa was serving communion. Would this bother you? ETA: Please notice above that it says "after the Christmas program". Edited December 13, 2010 by rwjx2khsmj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikeBookBread Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 You're not kidding, are you? That's, well, beyond explanation. May I ask what denomination it was? I just can't even imagine... So many responses are swirling in my head right now... :confused1: Just so, so sacrilegious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in OK Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I. Am. Appalled. I just can't even imagine... So many responses are swirling in my head right now... Mine as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2J112903 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I don't know how to respond, this is just so :confused: What religion was this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I'm UU. It wouldn't bother me. But if I were a member of a more traditional denomination that viewed communion as the blood and body of Christ, I'm sure it would bother me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Well, since I'm Catholic, and Catholics should have great reverence for the Eucharist, I would find that odd - in fact, quite odd. Our Eucharistic Ministers are instructed to dress properly, so I can't believe I would ever see that, at least, in my parish. Yes, it would bother me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Jo Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Tremendously Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I cannot imagine that happening at our church, but if it did I wouldn't be the only appalled one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 The Yes option isn't worded strongly enough. ;) I'm extremely liberal theologically. I often describe myself clinging to the far left of Christianity. And this appalls me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I voted "other," because it wouldn't bother me, but I do not find it acceptable, and would have walked out. Does that make sense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I know it bothered me when our Episcopal priest (back when I was both Christian and attending an Episcopal church;)) would hand out foil-wrapped chocolate eggs from the rail during Eucharist at Easter. Too much mixing of metaphors, I suppose (which sounds odd coming from someone who's been UU for about 13 years ;)). So, IMO (when I was within that faith), in a liturgical church, it would definitely be inappropriate, though those who do things like clown communion would likely not agree. In a more "low-church" style of service, well, it seems like most anything goes at some of the churches (rock bands, movie clips, etc), so I wouldn't be surprised, though I still would not have liked it. Perhaps, like the "kneeling Santa" figures, they are trying to make a more strongly Christian religious connection between the two? Not sure, you'd have to ask those doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It doesn't bother me. Christ invites all to the table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hana Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It doesn't bother me. Christ invites all to the table. I would like to have this kind of grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 The Yes option isn't worded strongly enough. ;) I'm extremely liberal theologically. I often describe myself clinging to the far left of Christianity. And this appalls me. :iagree:Eeezackly. Words fail and the mind reels... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda in VT Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It doesn't bother me. Christ invites all to the table. I apologize in advance if this sounds argumentative, because I really don't mean it to be. I agree that Christ invites all to the table. (And so it wouldn't bother me in the least if someone in a Santa costume was *taking* communion.) But I don't see how having Santa *serving* communion connects to Christ inviting all to the table. ETA: I see I left off the question. Can you explain your answer a bit more? I'd like to understand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Yes. I think that would be highly inappropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the4Rs Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Not appropriate at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Perhaps it was meant as a metaphor for the secular paying homage to the Holy at this Advent season...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I'd be bothered... Not walk-out-of-church bothered, but more titter-quietly-in-the-back-pew-about-it bothered. I agree though - Santa is welcome to take communion. Santa in vestments is welcome to serve communion. Santa in a jolly red suit serving communion is weird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It's just ... beyond ... my realm ... of understanding. Was the bread gluten-free walnut raisin bread too? :D (That's from another thread!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I think that would have given me a case of the giggles. Seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Yes, it would bother me big time! We "do" Santa and I see nothing wrong with the fat man, but Communion is sacred and you shouldn't make jokes about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It's just ... beyond ... my realm ... of understanding. Was the bread gluten-free walnut raisin bread too? :D (That's from another thread!) We do have gluten free hosts - something that is very new to our parish, but walnuts and raisins? That leaves me speechless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I would not partake if that happened at any church I was attending. I've got nothing against Santa. I'm a big big fan of Santa. But I wouldn't be party to any Catholic priest or Eucharist minister dressing as Santa during mass. Now if were an older hefty jolly bishop saying Mass I might be able to liken him to St. Nicholas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 UN-believable. :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I just cannot wrap my mind around this. It's just so...bizarre. I mean, just...why?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It's just ... beyond ... my realm ... of understanding. Was the bread gluten-free walnut raisin bread too? (That's from another thread!) Although I do have to say that our priest often gets mistaken for Santa Claus with his white bushy beard! He says this time of year he'll be ... wherever ... and kids will come up to him and with big eyes ask, "Are you Santa Claus?" To which he'll reply, "No ... but he is a good friend of mine." (Referring to St. Nicholas.) :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwjx2khsmj Posted December 12, 2010 Author Share Posted December 12, 2010 Thanks for your responses. The church is not one we attend regularly. No one else seemed to mind, or really even notice that Santa was serving communion. I thought maybe my absolute astonishment and disbelief was out of line with the incident. Let me add that this is non-denominational church that prides themselves on being relaxed. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in thinking that perhaps serving communion in a Santa suit is ... inappropriate. In response to a previous post: If Santa had only been receiving communion, I would have been pleased. You are absolutely right, Christ invites all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnL Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Since I tell my children that Santa has the "magic" of Christmas because of his deep, absolute belief in Christ, no this wouldn't bother me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Wow. At the moment when one is to MOST have their mind on Christ and his shed blood on the cross for our sins and they serve up Santa? I am beyond shocked. I'm absolutely speechless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freethinkermama Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Not even a Christian--and this would RILE ME! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It would be the last time I set foot in that church. I would also let them know how I felt about it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Wow. At the moment when one is to MOST have their mind on Christ and his shed blood on the cross for our sins and they serve up Santa? I am beyond shocked. I'm absolutely speechless. :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaMa2005 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I. Am. Appalled. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simka2 Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Thanks for your responses. The church is not one we attend regularly. No one else seemed to mind, or really even notice that Santa was serving communion. I thought maybe my absolute astonishment and disbelief was out of line with the incident. Let me add that this is non-denominational church that prides themselves on being relaxed. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in thinking that perhaps serving communion in a Santa suit is ... inappropriate. In response to a previous post: If Santa had only been receiving communion, I would have been pleased. You are absolutely right, Christ invites all. I marked "no" when I first read your post and this even solidifies it for me. I was pretty sure this was a non-denom church so it doesn't bother me. Now if I believed in transubstantiation...I would be bothered! Otherwise...go Santa! way to be an upstanding member of the congregation!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 It wouldn't just bother me. It would bother me A LOT!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeeBeaks Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 Wouldn't bother me. We're Catholic by the way. At my in-laws' church, Santa comes after the vigil service each year and gives out treats to the kids. I feel fine with teaching my kids the real meaning of the holiday, but still having fun with the fictional characters and customs as well. The communion, to me, is still the body and blood of Christ no matter who is handing it out and what he/she is dressed like. Christ can overcome all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susankenny Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 Well, I definitely would have thought it was at least a little weird. Not to mention, accepting communion from "Santa" with a reflective spirit & straight face seems impossible. Will the Easter Bunny be there during Lent??? I saw a sign not too long ago where a church offered breakfast with Santa for $10 a child (assuming it was a fundraiser perhaps??). I thought that was weird too though. So what do I know. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susankenny Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 I just asked my husband his opinion on this. He (with a straight face & totally serious) said, "I don't know. Was Santa Ho, ho, hoing??" :lol: Um, does it seriously matter??? lol. I suppose it matters a great deal to him. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 Uh...yeah, and I'm not even all that religious. Santa is the commercial end of the holiday/celebration. Do you, by chance, go to a big box sort of church? Sad. And silly. What a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvToRead Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 It would bother me. I couldn't imagine our pastor dressing up as Santa to serve The Lord's Supper (what we call communion). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 I don't even celebrate Christmas/go to church, and I find that kind of odd and not really appropriate lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patchfire Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 The Yes option isn't worded strongly enough. ;) I'm extremely liberal theologically. I often describe myself clinging to the far left of Christianity. And this appalls me. :iagree: I'm... Christopaganish? But I don't want Santa serving Communion. Ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 (edited) Honestly, it wouldn't bother me. Years ago, when we were Lutheran, I was highly offended when a "lay person" gave my DD her First Communion. I felt it should be the pastor who served Communion, especially First Communion. But you know, the more I left religion, and embraced Christ, the less those things mattered. Jesus didn't say it had to be a specific person, in specific attire, administering the blood and body. He simply said, 'Do this, in Remembrance of ME'. I once had a Lutheran female pastor tell me that if you're focusing on who is giving you Communion instead of focusing on why you're taking Communion, then you probably shouldn't be taking Communion. I remember being offended at that, but as time goes by, I'm thinking she's right. Edited December 13, 2010 by Hockey Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 I just cannot wrap my mind around this. It's just so...bizarre. I mean, just...why?????? i agree...why??? :001_huh::confused: kinda sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 I saw a sign not too long ago where a church offered breakfast with Santa for $10 a child (assuming it was a fundraiser perhaps??). I thought that was weird too though. So what do I know. The parish to which we belonged until we moved in January did this as a way of raising funds to support the RE program. The teens from the Sr. High youth group did the cooking & serving and they roped one of the deacons into dressing up as Santa. That didn't bother me as it was on a Saturday morning in the community center and wasn't in any way connected to the Sunday worship service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 I apologize in advance if this sounds argumentative, because I really don't mean it to be. I agree that Christ invites all to the table. (And so it wouldn't bother me in the least if someone in a Santa costume was *taking* communion.) But I don't see how having Santa *serving* communion connects to Christ inviting all to the table. ETA: I see I left off the question. Can you explain your answer a bit more? I'd like to understand. Well, when I answered I thought Santa was taking communion. Was there a tie in with the sermon? Was it to make a point? I think it's weird but like Hockeymom said, it really doesn't matter who is serving the communion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 The Yes option isn't worded strongly enough. ;) I'm extremely liberal theologically. I often describe myself clinging to the far left of Christianity. And this appalls me. :iagree: Another really "relaxed" Christian here and that doesn't sit well with me at all. To me, being a relaxed or liberal Christian doesn't mean that you get to send weird, mixed messages by mixing the most secular symbol of Christmas with the one of the most solemn religious traditions in Christianity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susankenny Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 The parish to which we belonged until we moved in January did this as a way of raising funds to support the RE program. The teens from the Sr. High youth group did the cooking & serving and they roped one of the deacons into dressing up as Santa. That didn't bother me as it was on a Saturday morning in the community center and wasn't in any way connected to the Sunday worship service. I understand that. I'm sure this church was doing something very similar. I can still think it's weird though. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwjx2khsmj Posted December 13, 2010 Author Share Posted December 13, 2010 I once had a Lutheran female pastor tell me that if you're focusing on who is giving you Communion instead of focusing on why you're taking Communion, then you probably shouldn't be taking Communion. I remember being offended at that, but as time goes by, I'm thinking she's right. Normally, I would say that I agree. But, this was SANTA CLAUS. It was hard not to focus. And, again, you are right, I probably shouldn't have been taking communion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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