|
Source: (consider it)
|
Thread: Thanksgiving and fireworks
|
Cathscats
Shipmate
# 17827
|
Posted
I have been asked to organise an ecumenical service, just because it would be a good idea. I agree, it is always a good idea to worship together. However there is no given theme for this service.
The date given for the service is the evening of November 3rd, and that, of course is near bonfire night. This got me thinking. In 1605 the English Parliament passed an act commanding that there be a service of thanksgiving on the morning of each November 5th. That was only ever law in England and Wales, as the Scottish parliament did not pass a similar act, even though it was a Scottish King who was nearly destroyed. Some have seen the Act, repealed in 1859, as mainly anti-Catholic, rather than really to do with thanksgiving. Still, it is, I think (and if I am wrong I will be told) the nearest thing we have ever come in the British Isles to having a national day of thanksgiving.
So my question - you must have wondered where all this was leading - is what elements would you include in a modern ecumenical (no no curses on the Pope) thanksgiving service, and how might you incorporate the use of either indoor fireworks or outdoor fireworks let off by the windows?
--------------------
"...damp hands and theological doubts - the two always seem to go together..." (O. Douglas, "The Setons")
Posts: 176 | From: Central Highlands | Registered: Sep 2013
| IP: Logged
|
|
Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
|
Posted
This is how it used to be celebrated -- it could be modernized as a starting point. Not sure how fireworks could be use as part of the service, except maybe outdoors afterwards.
--------------------
"...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe."
~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
|
Posted
While I quite like the idea, I can see this running into difficulty. What are you wanting to give thanks for? Parliamentary government? the Constitution as it currently is? Both good things IMO but not necessarily, I'd have thought, something that people will be especially bothered about turning out for.
May be better to have a sort of post-All Saints thing - thanksgiving for those who have inspired us and taught us the faith, perhaps. And you can still find an excuse for fireworks- 'lights of the world in their several generations'- and maybe work up a bit of ecumenical symbolism about being different in colour and sound but all being lights.
[ 26. September 2013, 21:15: Message edited by: Albertus ]
--------------------
My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
Posts: 6498 | From: Y Sowth | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Graven Image
Shipmate
# 8755
|
Posted
Zappa shared quote:
On Easter morning we use poppers, sparklers, and champagne
What a great idea. Graven Image makes note on calendar for next Easter celebration.
Posts: 2641 | From: Third planet from the sun. USA | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Cathscats
Shipmate
# 17827
|
Posted
Thanks for some great replies. The question of what we give thanks for is always interesting. In the years I spent accross the pond I noticed that for most people American Thanksgivng was mainly (food apart) about giving thanks for their health: very personal.
Love the poppers idea - can see that working (and the church cleaner having a real complaint instead of an invented one)!
--------------------
"...damp hands and theological doubts - the two always seem to go together..." (O. Douglas, "The Setons")
Posts: 176 | From: Central Highlands | Registered: Sep 2013
| IP: Logged
|
|
Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
|
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Cathscats:
...In the years I spent accross the pond I noticed that for most people American Thanksgivng was mainly (food apart) about giving thanks for their health: very personal...
Interesting. I've lived in the U.S. all my life and never came across that. I've heard Thanksgiving prayers for the nation, for family, etc., but mostly it's about over-eating, watching football, and going to pre-Christmas sales which start earlier every year -- usually around midnight on Thanksgiving now, I believe. (I have zero interest in any of these activities.)
--------------------
"...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe."
~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Printer-friendly view
