To burn, or not to burn (candles), that is the question: Some folks become ill from the chemicals emitted from burning candles. Some folks feel that the quality of our worship is diminished by not having a real flame. They also point out that plastic candles and batteries made in China add to the pollution of the planet as well.
I am proposing that we try various compromises. Next week we will light the chalice with a real candle, but use stones in the water for “joys, concerns, and sorrows.” I will have face masks available for those who cannot tolerate even one candle. There will not be any candles burning in the social hall at all.
You may respond to this on our blog or you may reply to this email. Please reply to all, so that we can have a real Congregational conversation about this.
–JAN
p.s. Please leave a comment below. We need to hear your voice on this issue!
I am not taking a vote. I am looking for suggestions and ways we can work together to make our time together good for all of us.
By: Rev. Jan on April 13, 2010
at 1:29 pm
Following a beautiful “Tea” for Vola’s birthday, I came home and found alot of feelings coming up..longing for and missing people from the church, feeling angry that although I spoke to everyone I was directed to ( Jim P and Julie G), the church that I helped to support is not burning candles because one or more people claim to not tolerate being in the presence of candles. I feel betrayed..how could my church act as if it is more important to make the church candle free so that someone who I have seen 2 times in church might come to church in the next few years again? (And can you really afford to shed members?)
Perhaps, people who can’t be around a few candles should have the services audiotaped so they can listen from a chosen other location.
People have used fire in sacred ceremonies since the beginning of time. For me candles (and music and meditation and people sharing) provide a powerful centering, purifying, divine experience.
I have environmental asthma which I take med for.
There is a lot of air in the sanctuary, candles can be bees wax, lead free wick, snuffed with a drop of water. One receives greater exposure to toxins just driving a vehicle down the road, or stopping behind another car, or vacuuming, mowing grass, etc.
Last time I was at the church in Ithaca it was standing room only..and they burn candles. Besides me, you dont’ know how many people are turned off by battery op candles.
I guess it comes down to I won’t support the only church on the planet that doesn’t use real candles.
Pam
I
By: PAM jENKINS on October 24, 2010
at 9:53 pm