Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!6J_judgment of the session, so long as nothingis done which would diminish thesignificance of the sacrament in the eyes of the congregation.15. Following the communion, special sermons to stimulate thecongregation to more definite obedience to Christ are appropriate.Chapter 4: SPECIAL ORDINANCES1. In addition to the elements of public worship described in Chapters 2and 3, the Scripture also establishes fasting, thanksgiving and covenanting asacts of worship. While these acts of worship may be observed voluntarily,they are to be observed by the body when the officers of the church deemthem to be especially appropriate or necessary.Fasting2. Special days of fasting, humiliation and prayer are always appropriate,and particularly so when God's judgments are evident in the land. It isappropriate that such a day be observed in connection with servicespreparatory to the Lord's Supper. Days designated by Synod for this purposeshould be observed. A fast day is properly observed by a public service ofworship. Psalms of penitence should be sung, and prayers of confession of sinand petitions for pardon should be offered. Abstinence from food and fromordinary pleasures and occupations may serve to center attention upon thedeeper and more serious things involved in the occasion.Thanksgiving3. Christians should be thankful at all times, and there are occasionswhen a special season of thanksgiving should be observed. The annual call fora day of national thanksgiving should be followed by each congregation. Asuitable service of public worship should be conducted at which the peoplerecount God's blessings, sing His praises, and thank Him for the multitude ofHis tender mercies to our nation and to ourselves. An opportunity may begiven for the people to show their gratitude by making a contribution tosome benevolent cause.Covenanting4. It is the duty of Christians to profess publicly the content of faith as itapplies to the particular needs of each age and situation. Such publicprofession, otherwise called covenanting, should be made formally by thechurches and other institutions as well as informally by each believeraccording to his ability.Chapter 5: OTHER CORPORATE MINISTRIES1. In addition to its stated worship services and special ordinances, thecongregation may often be involved in other collective activities where theapplication of the rules of worship is unclear. The Regulative Principle ofworship applies in those situations in which God's people are called by God's