I absolutely love Jesus' words about not being able to put new wine in old wineskins. And if all of us in the Religion business really believe in the Living God, we need to be open to new ideas in worship. I must fault myself in this endeavor because I do have a fondness for the hymns I heard as a child, and some of the modern so-called "Christian" music leaves me cold. Still, I personally need to be open to where the Spirit of the Living God is leading, and so do the rest of us proud, mainstream Protestants.

All of us Congregationalists and Presbyterians and Methodists and Anglicans and Baptists really do have wonderful traditions, but we need to be sure that we aren't worshipping the tradition instead of the Living God! All of our traditions believe in having educated clergy; so those of us with enough smarts to get through seminary or to absorb some other kind of religious training need to continue to use our God-given minds and be open to possible change in the way we do things. So can we learn from different religious traditions? We had better; otherwise we would not be faithful to the One who said, "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5).

THE REV. C.L.

"SKIP" LINDEMAN

Congregational Church

of the Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Cañada Flintridge

Every person of faith faces a challenge. Our worship experiences should be fresh, meaningful and personal before God. Yet because He never changes, our core beliefs about Him should never change. Whatever particular form it takes, mature and appropriate worship balances these two elements.

In the Bible we learn that God required different forms of worship at different times. Israel initially worshiped God in their tents as family groups. Then, in the wilderness God told them to worship Him together at one portable tent, the tabernacle. Later, God said that the temple in Jerusalem was the place to worship. Ultimately our Lord Jesus said, "an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (John 4:23).

True worshipers constantly grow because we have a relationship with God. We grow in knowing Him better and appreciating the wonderful things He does for us. So while God Himself never changes, our forms of worship should change and mature as our souls do.

Psalm 98:1 sums up the issue beautifully: "O Sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things.... "

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

You can't get more traditional than us, the Armenian Apostolic Church. We're as old as they get. We literally have a chain of leadership that dates back to Christ's apostles (Thaddeus and Bartholomew). So this discussion is one that surfaces all the time among church leadership. How do you make an ancient faith attractive to the children of the modern world? I personally have a different philosophy and approach to this question than most clergy in our tradition.

For me, the tradition and language of the ancient Armenian Church is the language of the angels. The way I see it, we have two options, either to bring the angels down to Earth to mingle with people, or lift people up to fly with the angels. I opt for the latter and it seems to be working.

In fact, at our parish we celebrate the Liturgy in the ancient Armenian language and in accord with the practices as established in the early Christian centuries. And yet, our church is filled to capacity on Sunday mornings with worshippers of all ages, and primarily young families.

I think one of the problems in finding new methods and practices is that we underestimate two things. First we have to believe that the Church belongs to God and He is in control. He will not let His Church fail. Second, people have a need for the spiritual and that realm is intertwined in mystery, that is, not everything needs to be explained with words and clarity, but with a pure heart striving for wholeness.

FR. VAZKEN MOVSESIAN

Armenian Church

Youth Ministries

The lives we lead and the world around us is very dynamic in nature. While some may not appreciate change, ultimately it is an un-stoppable, positive force that keeps our lives interesting and exciting. I feel it is very important to adapt religious services to meet the ever-changing needs of society, especially those of our youth. If this is not done, we risk alienating a crucial segment of the population -- our very future.

However, while I understand and recognize the need for continuous change, I feel that there are many creative ways this can be done without sacrificing authenticity. Most faiths practiced in America have age-old traditions that adapt very well to a modern culture. Unfortunately, in the past, we've seen creative groups that have come and gone with the empty promise of "revitalizing" religion. All they ever succeeded in doing was to create unique, chaotic rituals -- albeit with a religious twist. There is no need to adulterate our traditions to meet modern requirements.

Today, more so than ever, Americans are turning to religion as a source of inspiration in an increasingly frenzied world. Modern society brings with it many side-effects that can be a source of friction in people's daily lives. These people turn to religion as a refuge from their otherwise chaotic lives.

Clergy and lay leaders, as guardians of the faith, have a unique responsibility to introduce new ideas and methods, which keep religion fresh and exciting. At the same time we must also guard that refuge and make sure it remains a place of safe haven for those who seek it.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN

Jewish Center

Glendale

Baha'is believe in the fundamental oneness of all major faiths, in that God sends his messenger with renewed teachings from age to age, according to man's need and ability to understand. Essential spiritual truths never change. They are only reinforced to further illuminate their intent. Social teachings that guide the ever maturing human race evolve from age to age. In a sense, you might say that Baha'is have inherited the practice of worship from their religious predecessors, not in an eclectic sense, but rather by the flow of God's eternal religion.

The expression of religious faith is fundamentally mystical in nature, connecting the believer to the Creator. It cannot be modernized per se, but it can certainly be expressed differently, according to cultural mores. In this sense it behooves a religious institution to be world encompassing, to practice in a way that allows groups and individuals to feel at home in worship. Popular preferences of faith expression, such as music and language, have a way of going through growth and change. Anything that builds a sense of spirituality should be shared, both within a religious community and between diverse communities. It should not, however, tamper with the original and relevant intent of religious practice.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Local Spiritual Assembly