Part A - Comment on Jessica Djong's Blog

On reflection my classmate Jessica’s blog is accurate. Her information on the historical beginnings of the Uniting Church – the merging of the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in 1977 – is accurate. She also makes it clear that the Bible is the basis of the church beliefs and not tradition and that people are saved through faith in Jesus Christ who took away the world’s sin.
Jessica also gives accurate information on the two sacraments, baptism and Holy Communion. She says that the bread and wine only symbolise Christ’s body and blood but are not changed into it. She also points out that baptism is for people who believe in and confess the Christian faith. Her blog accurately says the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are the confessions used by the UCA and that it is governed by a series of councils, not individuals (Elders, Presbytery, Synod and National Council).

There were lots of differences between Jessica’s experiences and mine at the Uniting Church. This was probably because I think she attended a baptismal service and not a normal Sunday service like me. Therefore the service she attended had no offering message or collection. No sermon was preached. There was no announcement about coming events or what was happening in the life of the church. There was no prayer for the people and their concerns, nor was there a concluding prayer. There was also no prayer of confession said. The service was short, only 30 minutes compared to just over an hour at Glebe Road. At the Albert Street Uniting the three hymns came from The Australian Hymnbook and there was only one pipe organ to accompany them. All choruses and hymns were projected on a screen in my service and accompanied by a smaller organ and a piano.

Similarities were that both churches had stained glass windows. Both services had the passing of the ‘Peace’, where the minister said ‘The peace of the Lord be always with you,' and the congregation shook hands with one another and said ‘Peace be with you,’ or ‘And also with you.’ In both services the minister lit a candle at the beginning. In Jessica’s service he said it symbolised ‘the presence of Christ and Christ being the Light of the World.’ At Glebe Road however, the minister said it was to remind us what a wonderful thing it is when sisters and brothers can live together in unity. It is difficult to compare two services with different purposes. Probably if both had been normal services they would have been more alike.

Jessica's Blog: http://djongjessica.blogspot.com

Reference List

‘Glebe Road Uniting Church’ [Internet] URL Date Accessed: 04 June, 2010
“Christian Reformed Church.” 1996 – 2010. URL Date Accessed: 14 June, 2010
“Roman Catholic Church, Catholicism.”2010. URL Date Accessed: 14 June, 2010
About.com, 2010. “Christianity.” URL Date Accessed: 14 June, 2010
Assembly Communications Unit, 2002. “What is the Uniting Church?”)
Christian Outreach Centre, 2008. “Christian Outreach Centre Australia.”[Internet]URL Date Accessed: 04 June, 2010
Citipointe Church, 2010. “Citipointe Church Brisbane.” [Internet]URL Date Accessed: 26 May, 2010
Edwardson, Rob. Email Interview, 27 May, 2010
Foott, Trevor. Personal interview. 20 May, 2010
Gunsser, Sam. Personal interview. 02 June, 2010
Henderson, G, 1992. The Basis of Union. Melbourne: Sands and McDougall Pty Ltd.
Djong, J. 2010. “Jessica Djong’s Reformation Blog.” [Internet] URL

Part B - Citipointe and St Stephens Cathedral

Comparing and contrasting the Catholic Church and Citipointe Christian Outreach Centre shows basic Christian beliefs which are the same. It also shows many major differences which began in the time of the Reformation in the sixteenth century AD.

The basic beliefs that the Catholic Church shares with Citipointe are that God entered the world through the Incarnation of His Son Jesus Christ, by a virgin birth and that the church began with His life and teachings. They agree Jesus led a sinless life; that He died on the cross to atone for the sin of the world and that He rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to help believers. Both churches also believe in the Trinity or “God Head” – comprising Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/rcatholi.htm)

The early church lived and shared the gospel. As time passed and the church spread, they joined together into an organisational structure that helped them support each other and kept them on the right track in their teachings. By the eleventh century, many church leaders had become corrupt. Power struggles and different doctrines led to a split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, led by the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. Corruption became widespread amongst the clergy, especially at the top. The church encouraged prayer to Mary and the saints; sold “indulgences” guaranteed to get people to heaven, and persecuted and killed those who tried to bring reform. (http://www.crcna.org/pages/reformation.cfm)

During the sixteenth century, reform could no longer be stopped, especially after the Bible was translated from Latin and people could decide for themselves if what the church was teaching was true. Many believers followed the Reformers (Luther, Calvin, Knox and Zwingli) and left the Catholic Church to follow the teachings of Scripture and the Protestant churches began.
This is where the main differences between the Catholic Church and Citipointe come from. Citipointe is a Protestant church. It believes that the Bible is the Word of God and infallible. (http://www.citipointe.com.au/) All beliefs are based on it. The Catholic Church’s beliefs, however, are based on the New Testament teachings, but also on traditions and what the Popes and other teachers have decided. (http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/rcatholi.htm)

Another main difference from the Reformation is that Citipointe believes that salvation comes from faith in Jesus and confessing Him as Lord, accepting what Jesus has done, that is by His grace. The Catholic Church, however, has emphasised the church’s role in mediating salvation. Supernatural life is mediated to Christians through the sacraments administered by the hierarchy, who must be obeyed. (http://mb-soft.com/believe/txc/rcatholi.htm)

Citipointe regularly (about once a month) celebrates the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion “in remembrance of Christ”. (http://www.citipointe.com.au/) The Catholic Church celebrates it daily and believes that the bread and wine turn into the actual body and blood of Christ.
Citipointe prays to God alone through Jesus, while the Catholic Church prays to Mary and the saints as well. (http://christianity.about.com/od/denominations/a/?once=true&)

These are some of the most important differences from the time of the Reformation. The way the two churches are governed is also different. In Christian Outreach Centre, God is considered the Head, and under Him, the Oversight of Senior Pastors together tries to follow His directions and agree on how God is speaking and leading. They oversee the church, and God’s Word is what they base their decisions on. In the Catholic Church, the Pope is the head. He is the supreme authority. He now shares a lot of authority with the Bishops. For hundreds of years, he has been considered as infallible.

Both Citipointe and the Catholic Church are Christian churches who believe Jesus is God’s Son but there are also many different beliefs which go right back to the beginning of the Protestant church in the Reformation. (http://christianity.about.com/od/denominations/a/?once=true&)

Evidence

Glebe Road Uniting:


Catholic Church:
Citipointe Church:

Part A - Citipointe Church Brisbane

The second church I attended was Citipointe Church, which is my home church, located in Carindale. We attended the 10:30 service which tends to be one of the main services on Sunday.

The service began with praise and worship, led by the Citipointe band. The praise was incredible, everyone got into it and just gave the praise to God that he deserved. The worship was amazing, the presence of God could be felt and it was easy to enter into his presence. After praise and worship one of the pastors of the church got up and led the congregation in prayer over the prayer requests. He then praised God for His miracles in peoples’ lives, reading out one or two praise reports. It was incredible to hear the miracles that have happened in other people’s lives. After this we were told to greet people and then to take our seats. When everyone had regained their seats the pastor called up a leader from the church to give the announcements. These were done in an interesting way, making me want to listen to each different notice. After the announcements were read out they were followed by a short video clip on the main announcements. Following this was the tithes and offering message. The message was short and interesting, challenging my perspective on tithing. Shortly after the tithes had been taken up the Senior Pastor, Pastor Mark Ramsey was announced to give the main message. The message given was serious but funny and Ps. Mark had a unique way in making his point. The message went for a reasonable length of time (about half an hour). It wasn’t too long or too short. One praise song ended the service on an up key note, setting the atmosphere once more towards the King of Kings. Overall Citipointe Church was an amazing experience with an incredible atmosphere, and a great place to experience the presence of God and learn how to apply His Word in your life.

Citipointe Church is a Christian Outreach Centre. Clark Taylor was the founder of Christian Outreach Centre. Originally Clark Taylor was a minister of the Methodist Church, but soon after being baptised in the Holy Spirit miracles started taking place. The leaders of the Methodist Church soon asked Taylor to either stop performing these miracles or to leave the church. Mr Taylor left the Methodist Church and began a home group of 25 people in the front room of his home, 23 June, 1974, this being the beginning of the church. As the church grew quickly its location was moved a couple of times until in late 1975 it moved into a warehouse in Kurilpa Street. Also in the year 1975, the church began a television show “A new way of life.” Miracles were happening both on the TV and in the lives of those who watched, 100s were born again each week and came to church. By 1977 over 1000 people were gathered at West End COC, and other Christian Outreach Centres had been planted in several nearby cities. Because the church grew so rapidly, COC Brisbane had to purchase 25 acres at Wecker Road in Mansfield, and by the end of 1985 had a facility which could accommodate 5000 people, the name of the Mansfield. (http://www.coc.org.au/about/default.aspx) The Church was changed in recent years when the current Senior Pastor, Pastor Mark Ramsey, took over.

Men and women with a heart to pioneer for Jesus Christ began launching Christian Outreach Centres in cities and towns across Australia and then overseas.

The theological understandings and core beliefs of Citipointe Church are as follows:
1. The Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and infallible
2. The Godhead comprises Father, Son and Holy Spirit
3. The Lord Jesus Christ is the son of God. He came to earth as a human by virgin birth. He led a sinless life. His death atoned for the sins of the world and his resurrection brought our justification. He ascended to the father’s right hand, and will personally return to reign upon earth.
4. Salvation comes by faith in and confession of Jesus Chris as Lord, producing an upright and moral life.
5. The ordinances are water baptism, for all believers by immersion and the Lord’s Supper celebrated regularly in remembrance of Christ.
6. Divine healing is secured for every believer through the atonement of Christ; and deliverance from all bondage to the power of satan.
7. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is shown through speaking in other tongues
8. The gifts of the Holy Spirit used for the equipment of ministry and the edification of the Church and the fruit of the Holy Spirit as the expression of Christian Character in believers.
9. The Church comprises of all born again believers of all nations and denominations under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
10. The Bible Prophecy in its fulfilment in world events, heralding the climax of this age and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (http://www.coc.org.au/about/believe.aspx)

Citipointe has no liturgy. The services are to be free for the Holy Spirit to guide as he wishes. There is always praise and worship, offering, a message from the Word of God, an altar call for salvation, prayer and announcements, but not necessarily in a particular style or in a particular order. The general pattern is praise and worship, prayer requests, announcements, offering, message from God’s Word, altar call and ministry if wanted. (Gunsser, Sam. Personal interview. 02 June, 2010.)

Citipointe Church’s vision is to unmistakable influence the World for Good and for God (Titus 2:14). They are achieving their vision through their values which are: - With God nothing is Impossible. Don’t ever give up! Always expect breakthrough (Luke 1:37). Every Believer is called to engage; to engage God, others, the Church and the world. We need to be connected and serving. (Acts 2:42-47) (Ephesians 4:11-12). Everybody can make a difference if we live our lives on purpose, for His purpose (2 Cor. 9:6-8). (http://www.citipointe.com.au/index.php/about_us/vision/)

Citipointe impacts the surrounding area through community care and youth programs such as Red Frogs (High School and University Chaplaincy); then it reaches around the world through Church planting, Praise and Worship music, Leadership Training and Development, Missions, and International Care and Aid such as She Rescue Homes (rescuing trafficked children). (http://www.citipointe.com.au/index.php/about_us/who_we_are/)

Christian Outreach movement seeks to follow Jesus as its head. The Oversight which is made up of a group of senior pastors from each state oversees the vision and management of Christian Outreach Centre Australia. There is also an Operations Board which oversees the financial affairs, policies and property management of the Christian Outreach College movement. (http://www.coc.org.au/about/oversight.aspx)

Citipointe Church itself has a senior pastor, executive pastors and depart mental heads to run the church.
There’s no restriction on the type of music. The music is provided by Citipointe band, which is a modern rock type band with keyboards, drums, guitars. They mostly use contemporary praise and worship music, often written by themselves. They also use some older choruses often, and occasionally a traditional hymn when an atmosphere of incredible worship is present.
Citipointe Church is a great church to help a person glorify God and know Him better, invest their time, talent and treasure, and value every individual.

Part A - Glebe Road Uniting Church

The first church I attended was the Glebe Road Uniting Church located in Ipswich, where my grandparents go to church. We attended the early service (8:15 am) which tends to attract retirees and a few young families who enjoy a blended style of worship with traditional hymns accompanied by an organ and piano. The interior appeared quite elegant and inviting due to its many large windows, flowers and warm temperature. The church was also complimented by its five large stain glass windows positioned behind the small stage .Many parts of the service had set words. The service began with a welcome, followed by a call to worship. The words said in the call to worship, on May 16, are as follows: “Beverley Wildung Harrison reminds us that connections and relationships have to do with more than threads and cloths. We are connected to each other because of who we are and who God is. Our knowledge of God is in and through each other. Our knowledge of each other is in and through God. We act together and find our good in each other and in God, and our power grows together, or we deny our relationship and reproduce a violent world, where no one experiences holy.” (Edwardson, Rob. Email Interview, 27 May, 2010). To me this did not make much sense but I suppose those who have attended the Uniting Church for some time would be able to understand. Following this was the lighting of a candle. This was to remind us what a wonderful thing it is when sisters and brothers can live together in unity. The song, TIS 152 - Joyful, we adore you (Tune: Ode to Joy) was sung by all. The words were projected onto a screen on the right hand side of the room. The screen was very helpful for most of the songs sung that morning I did not know. Following the song a prayer of confession was said. The minister would say a few lines and then the congregation would repeat a set statement/word, like” forgive us” or “Loving God, forgive us”. The words for the congregation to say were projected onto the screen so all the members would know what to say. This part was very different to what I was use to so it was quite interesting. The Prayer of confession was fairly long but interesting, and it was seen that this was a usual event within this service. The Assurance and the “Passing of Peace” followed. This is when the members of the congregation go around and shake hands saying something like “Peace be with you.” It was strange but made me feel quite welcome for many members came round and said hello. When everyone had taken their seats another song was sung, Res 728 - Teach me to dance. The Bible readings for the day were from John 17:21 and John 17:22-26. When these had been read out another song was sung, TIS 473 Community of Christ.

The sermon was given. The minister used photos on the screen and other aids which did help me understand the message which was based on the Gospel reading. Next came the offering message which was short and quick, only about five set sentences. This was very different to what I was use to and quite surprised me. It was still very effective and gave across the desired message. Whilst the offering was being taken up a song was played. Next came the weekly announcements. These included prayers of the people, which had been posted onto the ‘prayer wall.’ The minister then prayed for all the concerns/prayers etc. that members of the congregation had.

The concluding prayer was said by two people, each taking turns in saying a line or two. Within the concluding prayer the Lord’s Prayer was said. I noticed that the Lord’s Prayer was different from that said at school but still meant the same. The service ended with two more songs and a blessing. The last song was only the last verse of the previous sung song. Overall the experience was very interesting and the structure of the service completely different to what I was used to. It was incredible to see the differences between my home church and my grandparents’ Uniting Church.

The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) began in 1977 and claims to be the nation’s only truly indigenous mainstream Christian Movement. The UCA resulted from the coming together of the Congregational Union of Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia and the Presbyterian Church of Australia. (Assembly Communications Unit, 2002. “What is the Uniting Church?”)

The theological understandings and core beliefs of the Uniting Church are as follows:
1. The church is built upon the one Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.
2. It preaches Christ the risen crucified one and confesses him as Lord to the glorified father. In love for the world, God gave the son to take away the world’s sin.
3. Sacraments. Christ has commanded his Church to proclaim the Gospel both in words and in the two visible acts of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. A. the Uniting Church will baptise those who will confess the Christian faith and children who are presented for baptism. B. the UCA acknowledges that the continuing presence of Christ with his people is signified and sealed by Christ in holy communion, constantly repeated in the life of the church.
4. The biblical witnesses. The Church has received the books of the old and new testaments, as you need unique, prophetic and apostolic testimony in which it hears the Word of God and by which its faith and obedience are nourished and regulated.
5. Creeds. The UCA enters into unity with the Church throughout the ages by its use of the confessions known as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
6. The UCA believes in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the witness of the early Reformers, in the Grace which justifies them through faith. (Henderson, G, 1992:8-9)

The liturgy of the Uniting Church is mostly that followed by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches in their original forms – called “free” worship. In other words, it does not have to follow a set form of words as in the Anglican or Catholic Churches, although, of course, there are set liturgies for Baptism, the Uterchrist, funeral services etc. (Foott, Trevor. Personal interview. 20 May, 2010.)

The UCA acknowledges that Christ alone is supreme in his church. Over each congregation there is the Elder’s council which consists of the minister and elders who share in the oversight, there is a Presbytery council of ministers, elders and church members who are appointed to oversee the life and mission of the church in that district. Over that is the Synod or Regional council which has responsibility of the general oversight of the churches worship, witness and service in a region. There is also the Assembly or National council who oversees the church in the nation and decides on the tasks and authorities of the other councils. (Henderson, G, 1992:13-15

Glebe Road UC is a community of Christian disciples committed to discovering Christ already present in our midst. Church is not what we do on Sundays; church is who we become as the Holy Spirit continues to transform us into a community of grace. Our hope and our prayer is that we would have the imagination to see the world the way Christ does – in order to bring Good News to the poor, release for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (Luke 4: 18-19). That we would have the courage to dare to believe that God’s dream for the world could actually become a reality in our lives, and to live as though it has already begun (Mark 1:15). And that we would have faithfulness to endure as disciples of Jesus no matter what the cost, and to practice the disciplines of faith as an act of worship to God (Romans 12:1-2). (‘Glebe Road Uniting Church’ (brochure))

The UC have no restrictions on the use of music and can use anything they use. The Glebe Road UC tends to use a variety of different music throughout their range of church services. The first service contains a ‘blended’ style of worship with traditional hymns alongside more contemporary choruses, accompanied by an organ and piano. The second service is a more contemporary-style family service being led by an amazing team of sings and musicians. The Grace Church is a more relaxed and informal worship service. And the Evening Service is catering primarily for young adults and teenagers, with ‘high octane’ worship with a great worship band. (http://www.gleberd.com.au/Services.html) and (‘Glebe Road Uniting Church’ (brochure))