Thoughts on coffee in church

We do not allow food or drink in the sanctuary of our church. The staff members are allowed water.

One deacon criticized the pianist for drinking water during a worship service. She told him if he didn't want her to drink water, then he would need to get another pianist.

She is still our pianist and she still drinks water when she is thirsty during the worship service.

Someone said that the youth carry can sodas into their sanctuary, but it is better to do that than not be at church. I have always questioned why the youth are given more freedom to do things just to keep them in church. I think I have heard all the arguments, but I still question it.

 

Coffee in church: absolutely not.
Coffee in Sunday School: ABSOLUTELY!

I drink voluminous amounts of coffee each day, and I cannot imagine a better group with which to share a great cup of coffee.

 

We have'nt had anyone bring a beverage into the worship service. They do bring their candies. They leave their wrappers in the pews and on the floor. And those wrappers, do they go to the store to find the wrapper that makes the most noise. They try to open it slow, but that just makes it worse.

I went to a church in Bayou George, Florida that had candy with bible verses on the wrappers. They were also designed to cut down on the noise.

 

I am glad this subject has come up. I have missed 2 services in a row d/t a bad cough. Sunday I made it through Sunday school without disrupting too much then just as church services began I started coughing and couldn't stop. I was pretty loud so I left.
I had intended to ask our pastor if I could bring a bottle of water with me Wednesday night. Usually if I drink water I don't cough.
I guess the proper thing for me to do is just stay home since most of you think it it would be disrespectful and being such I don't want to put the pastor on the spot.He is too nice to say no don't bring water to the santuary. Thanks MK

 

Well, that's a little different if you're sick. I would certainly understand that and I would imagine that God would allow you a little water (personally I find that the carbonation in Coke works much better) if you were sick.

 

Come now people, perhaps the pastor is really THAT boring in the Church and its their only way to keep awake?? (j/k).

To each his own. I would never want coffee in our Church but we have new carpet and semi-new pews but I do not see how something like having drinks in the worship service can hurt anything AS long as the truth is being preached in respect and humility.

 

Personally, I don't like the idea of food or beverages being brought into the worship area. OTOH, the first churches were home churches, where feeding your guests was common custom.

I don't like it, but it wouldn't be biblically wrong for a church to allow it.

 

Have we come full circle? The establishment of the Lord's Supper was just in that kind of an environment, a supper, the Passover Seder.

If we use the first instance as a model then we need to have a table full of food and drink before us and then after having feasted.

As I said I don't eat and/or drink (apart from the Lord's Supper) and I didn't let my kids eat/drink in the "sanctuary". OK, it just doesn't feel right, and it might be offensive to others.

HankD

 

We don't have people bringing coffee/cokes into the sanctuary during worship. However, my friend and I were leading a special worship service one night where we were having to sing for over an hour...we had bottles of water on the front pews and whenever we had a break (Like if i was singing a solo, she would sit down) we would get a drink of our water. Our pastor sometimes has water. Even if we did bring coffee into the sanctuary, I wouldn't b/c I would spill it, and then there would be a big mess.

 

I throughly agree. Sunds like worshipping God on ones own terms, as long as I get what I want.
Doesn't sound like worship.

 

Actually there are only two "terms" related to worship:

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

HankD

 

From small acorns great oaks grow.

What about a glass or bottle of bitter? Many people prefer beer over coffee. Can this be had in the sanctuary as well? Isn't it just another beverage?

Cheers,

Jim

 

Amen brother!

 

What? no more pot lucks!?

Isn't Pot Lucks a Baptist distinctive?

HankD

 

Actually there are only two "terms" related to worship:

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

HankD </font>[/QUOTE]Thats what I mean, theres only God's way, but people try to make it conditional and want to do it there way, which isn't worship at all.

 

I think there is a proer time for eating,fellowhip,etc....a church can set aside this time. I don't think drinking or eating during a worship service is good. Sometimes a teacher of a class may have water or coffee while they are teaching...there have been times our pastor or a pastor will be preaching and keep a glass of water with him. I think this is okay.

We,also, have a fellowship time at the beginning of our equipping hour where breakfast type foods are present...this is a more informal gathering. During a service,I consider it disrespectful.

We do not allow our children to chew gum or eat candy during worship services either. There is a time and place for everything. They can chew gum at other times.

Just my thoughts!

Molly

 

I can't allow "cole-colers" or coffee or any sort of drink---other than the Lord's Supper time communion Fruit of the Vine---

No food---except some have gum and hard candy they chew on during worship---here lately I have personally picked up these items out of hymnal racks--communion cup racks and pews---have politely asked folks that if they must chew gum or suck hard candy--would they be so kind as to put the used pieces along with the wrappers in their pockets or purses and dispose properly after the services---if it pursists I will insist then that no candy/gum be brought in period!

Blackbird

 

OK, just don't take away my pot luck dinners.

HankD

 

When I started a church in North West Minnesota; I had table and chairs by design. WE had our coffee and our muffins or cookies there before us. It was avaiable before , during, and after the service. As long as they were there I considered it a blessing. The question I have on this topic is this : Is this man's dogma and tradition geting in our way ? Jesus preached some of His finest sermons while folks ate and laid down around the table/s. Now there is a radical thought for ya !!!