A Game for Seminarians

Here's One for Seminarians 

While we are on the subject of games, here is one for seminarians. It is called "Incorrect Ideas or Actions." In each of the following sentences is something that was done in violation of approved liturgical practice or good taste. See how many incorrect ideas or actions you can underline.

1. The missal-stand stood in the center of the altar as the pastor began the service.

2. With a full Diapason chorus and tremolo, the organist launched into the festival hymn.

3. The pastor read the solemn Marriage Service, accompanied by luscious soft music on the organ.

4. Having sung the Vesper Service, Holy Communion followed.

5. The open casket, banked with flowers, stood at the head of the center aisle.

6. In the Lutheran Church, the last Sunday after the Epiphany is always observed as Transfiguration Sunday.

7. Gazing over the bowed heads of the congregation, the pastor repeated with them the words of the prayer.

8. There will be services this evening at 7 :45.

9. The confirmation class noted the palms and the white altar paraments, reminding them that it was Palm Sunday.

10. The choir proceeded up the aisle, led by the pastor.

11. The bell tolled solemnly for the Good Friday service.

12. The pastor chanted the Communion liturgy, accompanied by the melodious music of the great organ.

13. At the close of the service, the pastor hurried to the door to greet the people.

14. Potted Easter lilies stood on the altar, and a great spray of white roses filled the font.

15. After the Apostles' Creed and the sermon, there will be a celebration of Holy Communion.

This is but a small part of the list we had in mind. First of all, underline all that you consider bad form. Do this before reading the next paragraph. Then read the following corrections:

1. The missal stand is at the pastor's right at the beginning of the service. 2. The tremolo is never used with Diapasons, nor for hymn playing. 3. Organ accompaniment, while one is reading, is a silly affectation. 4. The Vesper Service is never used when there is Communion. 5. Nowadays it is considered bad form to open a casket in church. 6. In many parts of the Lutheran Church, August 6 is still the date. 7. The pastor should have faced the altar. 8. A service is a service, not a "services." 9. Violet is the proper color for Palm Sunday, regardless of confirmation. 10. If the pastor must come in with the choir, he follows it. 11. Bells are not tolled during Holy Week. 12. If the pastor chants, he should do it without accompaniment. 13. Pastors of humility of spirit rarely rush to the door. It reminds us of an old German woman who said sharply, "What are you doing here'? Fishing for compliments'?" 14. Potted plants are never placed on the altar, and flowers are never put in the font. 16. The Nicene Creed is always used at Communion.

Quoted from F. R. Webber in The American Lutheran, Vol. 22, No. 5 (May, 1939), p. 15