RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services?

RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (Full Version)

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peace77 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/28/2008 3:49:35 PM)
quote: Please....tell me the reason why anyone would have a cell phone in church...let alone have it on? In addition to what was already mentioned, some people are "on call" for their work such as doctors. Some things such as pregnant women rin labor can't wait until the service is over. She may need to notify the father and the doctor, for example. However, phones can be put on vibrate and not disrupt the service. quote: If you have no medical reason to have a drink constantly, respect the sanctuary and go worship God without all of your comforts. Even when a person has a medical need, they aren't drinking constantly but it is a NEED. It can be done respectfully. Would you prefer those who need water to just stay home? Have you ever been in a church that provided water for the pastor? Most churches do. Would you tell the pastor he can do without too? Peace, Anne

krazyxsinner -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/28/2008 5:30:17 PM)
quote: Please....tell me the reason why anyone would have a cell phone in church...let alone have it on? Why do people socialize during the sermon? Why are the younger children chased around the sanctuary, can't sit still and playing with toys? 1. Dr.s on call, police officers or firemen on call, asst. pastors on call, etc 2. Because the pastor says turn and greet your neighbor 3. I have been in churches that have said kids are treasures not statues to put on a shelf. As a child my husband had to wear a ill fitting suit, sit still, and hear a lifeless message. He learned that church was a place that was uncomfortable and to be hated. If we make kids hate church then they will not want to go

Tinkerbell_ -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/28/2008 5:33:15 PM)
We have a coffee/hot chocolate bar and a soda machine in our cafe that people can have before the sermon. I generally bring my own hot chocolate because the line is generally so long. I have spilled my coffee on one occasion and the janitor just rolled his eyes at me in a loving way. I think he considered the source and knew I was a klutz anyway. [:D]

captainfraulein -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 2:17:59 AM)
I get migraines and find staying hydrated really helps me keep them at bay. I also sing up front on Sunday, so I get incredibly thirsty for some reason (all that singing during practice then worship). So I keep a big plastic bottle of water at my pew. I drink pretty silently and nobody seems to mind. WE worship in a synagogue and are told nothing but water is allowed in the sanctuary...plus of course our kosher grape juice and crackers for Communion. [8D]

SonInMe1 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 8:16:04 AM)
quote: Would you prefer those who need water to just stay home? My question is...do they really need the water? quote: Would you tell the pastor he can do without too? He is speaking. He needs it. quote: Dr.s on call, police officers or firemen on call, asst. pastors on call, etc Most of the time I see someone with a phone going off in service they hurriedly shut it off with apologies. It does not seem like an emergency situation...which of course would be ok. My point isn't absolute. I am sure there are circumstances. I think though, most of the time, there isn't some special circumstance...its just plain rude people.

Closie -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 11:13:42 AM)
Toward the end of my father's life, my mom and I took turns staying home from Sunday School or church to be home with him. Given the circumstances, I kept my cell phone in my hand, on vibrate during the services I attended.

the_mom -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 12:00:15 PM)
Please refer to Luke 13:10-17, where Jesus healed the woman who had been crippled for 18 years. The leader of the synagogue complained because Jesus healed her on the sabbath. He was more concerned about his own need for following rules than for the well being a member of his synagogue. Jesus' response is appropriate for the OP's circumstance, as well. I am hurt when the people in my congregation, who are supposed to love me, are more concerned about their own ideas of what is appropriate in church than they are about my well-being. It has happened in the past. Currently, I have a dry-mouth problem, too, and when it is bad, chewing gum is the only thing that helps. So, I chew gum in church, especially when I have to sing. But people have different levels of spiritual maturity, and they often operate their mouths without engaging their brains first.

Zhi -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 12:01:14 PM)
Sometimes people forget to turn off their cellphones, or even forget they're carrying them. I was very embarrassed one service when my phone went off... I didn't even realize it was in the little caddy pouch on my purse. I usually remember to leave it on my desk at home. Granted with a 5 week old baby I was massively sleep deprived so I suppose it wasn't terribly surprising that my brain wasn't working well enough to remember to shut it off. It's not an intentional attempt to be rude, it's human forgetfulness. Most churches I've been to that actually care have slides up that say "please turn off your cellphone" to remind forgetful people. Our church has breakfast snacks, coffee, tea, water, etc, in the back of the sanctuary. It's just not a big deal. We prefer to eat before coming to church because it's hard to turn the pages of the Bible while holding a donut and I don't want my Bible to get all sticky. I don't really notice who eats and drinks and who doesn't. I'm busy paying attention to the sermon. Our church has a cry room with speakers in it for young/nursing/inconsoleable babies and toddlers. It's glassed in and has speakers so you can hear the sermon. Children stay upstairs with their parents for the first half of singing, then go up front for a blessing/very quick message from the pastor, and are excused downstairs for their classes or the nursery, though parents can choose to keep their kids in church with them. The only time I've ever had a pastor comment on a baby starting to cry it was to say that it's a beautiful sound of a child being brought up in the church from their first days.

peace77 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 1:35:02 PM)
quote: its just plain rude people. No doubt that there are rude people in this world. There are also people who didn't grow up in church and didn't have parents or elders explaining how to behave or teaching them what is expected. quote: quote: Would you tell the pastor he can do without (water) too? He is speaking. He needs it. So, you seem to understand that the pastor needs to have a drink and are willing to make an exception for him. Why is it so hard to understand that singers and others who work during the service also need water? Why is it that you seem to be unwilling to understand that there are people who truly do have a medical need to have a drink of water. Just because candy or cough drops worked for you does not mean that it will work for everyone. There are so many hurting people in this world. Many of them try to find comfort in church services. We don't need to send them back out the door into the world by shooting them disapproving looks when they take a sip from a bottle of water. peace, Anne

MrsLavender -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 1:46:42 PM)
I personally have no problem with someone needing water (for whatever reason) drinking it discreetly during the service. I do not like to see children gorging themselves on snacks throughout the service though. Babies with bottles is one thing. Otherwise, I find it disrespectful.

daisies4u -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 2:08:57 PM)
Well, SoninMe1, you and I will be the lone negative in this group. I, too, think that it is completely inappropriate to drink anything during church, EXCEPT, for those with a medical need. And even then, if you have a medical need that forces you to drink water consistently, you should sit in the back so as not to cause a distraction. How long does church last? 1 1/2 to 2 hours? You can't go without water for 2 hours? Our society seems to be spiralling more and more towards a "comfort" attitude. Now, I am not completely opposed to this. But it seems like no one is willing to do anything that will cause the slightest bit of discomfort to themselves. To me this is selfish. We are commanded to love one another. Sometimes putting others first is not comfortable, and we have convinced ourselves that if it makes me uncomfortable, then it can't be from God. I know, I am getting off track here a little, but this is bigger that someone "just" drinking water in church. It is about attitude. Going to church requires approximately 1-4 hours of your time each week. Why can't we shut everything else out and just give God those few hours? It is the same as when the pastor's sermon goes long. People start getting ancy. Most people, however, don't have problems sitting in front of the TV to watch a football/basetball game for several hours. God expects nothing less that our best. IMO, drinking anything is a distraction, not only to those who have to look at and hear you doing it, but also to the person doing it. Focus on God instead of yourself and I promise you, you won't even think about being thirsty.

i_am_just_me -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 2:09:16 PM)
My church has a coffee break! Love it! The children that are in grades 2-5 come in to worship with their parents, and we sing worship songs and pray together, usually takes about 15 minutes, and then the children are released to their classes. Then for 5 minutes, coffee and different pastries (normally some type of muffin or breads) are provided at the back of the service and everyone is welcomed. Some people bring in their own Starbucks because there is one really close, some people stop at the drive thru of Jack in the Box and get the super-size soda. I havent had any occurences of loud slurping, or other disturbances. Seems like everyone is respectful. My church offers several services, and on Sunday, there is one at 9, and one at 1045. I am am a first grade teacher for the one at 1045 every other Sunday, so on those days, I go to the 9:00 service. I always bring a Diet Coke (in a bottle) with me on my teaching days. I dont go out of my way to be noticed that I am drinking a soda during the sermon. I open it when everyone is on the coffee break so the "hiss" sound isnt obvious, and there are just certain times when I dont need to be throwing back the bottle (prayer, special worship, etc). I don't normally bring a soda if I am attending just one service, but I cant say that it has never happened either. My pastor has a Starbucks cup up there with him too. This seems to be acceptable in my church now. However, in my mother and grandmothers church, theres no way that would fly! They go to a very old church, there are about 35 members in the sanctuary that can hold about 200. Everything echoes! And (from memory) most of the members are at least a billion years old and everyone is always hacking/coughing/etc. and instead of bringing a 'disrespectful' bottle of water, they would rather unwrap (crinkle crinkle crinkle) hard candy during the whole service. If the first 5 pieces didnt work, the next five wont either.

OLEEguacamole -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 3:41:19 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: daisies4u Well, SoninMe1, you and I will be the lone negative in this group. I, too, think that it is completely inappropriate to drink anything during church, EXCEPT, for those with a medical need. And even then, if you have a medical need that forces you to drink water consistently, you should sit in the back so as not to cause a distraction. How long does church last? 1 1/2 to 2 hours? You can't go without water for 2 hours? Our society seems to be spiralling more and more towards a "comfort" attitude. Now, I am not completely opposed to this. But it seems like no one is willing to do anything that will cause the slightest bit of discomfort to themselves. To me this is selfish. We are commanded to love one another. Sometimes putting others first is not comfortable, and we have convinced ourselves that if it makes me uncomfortable, then it can't be from God. I know, I am getting off track here a little, but this is bigger that someone "just" drinking water in church. It is about attitude. Going to church requires approximately 1-4 hours of your time each week. Why can't we shut everything else out and just give God those few hours? It is the same as when the pastor's sermon goes long. People start getting ancy. Most people, however, don't have problems sitting in front of the TV to watch a football/basetball game for several hours. God expects nothing less that our best. IMO, drinking anything is a distraction, not only to those who have to look at and hear you doing it, but also to the person doing it. Focus on God instead of yourself and I promise you, you won't even think about being thirsty. it depends a lot on the church you walked into. what is the expectation and style of the meeting and location? as for drinking, not drinking which party is being selfish, the ones that say no water, or the ones that want water? tv and football games have food and bathrooms and talking and yelling even. some sermons are tough to sit through, not because God is tough to listen to, but because some of His servants are tough to listen to, and because some brains can absorb a lecture, sermon etc better than others. i have found like some have mentioned, that gum can help me get by without water for quite a while, but you know, when i was a kid, gum in church was FORBIDDEN. i love manners and decorum, but some changes in society are good too.

logansmommy -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 4:30:22 PM)
I don't see a problem with. I havent taken drinks in church with me before. Mostly, just water though.

krazyxsinner -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 5:34:49 PM)
quote: Going to church requires approximately 1-4 hours of your time each week. Why can't we shut everything else out and just give God those few hours? It is the same as when the pastor's sermon goes long. People start getting ancy. Most people, however, don't have problems sitting in front of the TV to watch a football/basetball game for several hours. God expects nothing less that our best. IMO, drinking anything is a distraction, not only to those who have to look at and hear you doing it, but also to the person doing it. Focus on God instead of yourself and I promise you, you won't even think about being thirsty. Honestly church should be 24 hrs a day 7 days a week, not just 1 to 4. Football is no problem because sermons usually end before kickoff and we don't go Sunday evenings during football season so that is not a problem. You claim people have no problem sitting in front a a tv for several hours during a game. You don't live here. The guys are always getting up to go to the fridge, the stove, or the bathroom. No sitting still here.

iluvatar -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 7:56:16 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Zhi Sometimes people forget to turn off their cellphones, or even forget they're carrying them. A couple years ago, my then pastor/music leader was in the middle of a service when his cell phone rang. He'd left it inside the piano bench and forgotten about it. When it first rang, nobody thought much of it, but after it went unattended for a bit, everybody -including the pastor- started looking annoyed. Then he realized it was his. [8D] -Dan.

Cc20 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 8:00:36 PM)
hehehehehe!!![:D]..poor him!

SonInMe1 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/29/2008 9:19:35 PM)
quote: Why is it so hard to understand that singers and others who work during the service also need water? Why is it so hard to READ my posts. Here, once again I will repost what I said for your reading enjoyment.... quote: My point isn't absolute. I am sure there are circumstances. quote: Our society seems to be spiralling more and more towards a "comfort" attitude. amen and amen. People abuse the good nature of christians. quote: Most people, however, don't have problems sitting in front of the TV to watch a football/basetball game for several hours. ...and I have never been to a sermon with commercials either. My church has a tent outside, permently, that is a coffee shop of sorts. I am sure some come in with their coffees but...I have never seen it. We also go through about 70 dozen donuts...but I have never seen one consumed in the sanctuary. Its more for after service I think. We have served meals...yep, after services. We have, now 6 services a week...oops 7 if you count mid week bible study. They have served real meals after service like I siad and often they have fun houses for the kids and hot dogs with the works for the adults. We arer baptist, we love food and while it isn't preached from the pulpit, I think we all respect the sanctuary. Some people bring water in or other drinks and to me...that is on them. Personally, I have never had a need for drinks or food in the sanctuary. It would be a disruption for me...and I have had medical reasons to keep my throat moist. I just did it in other ways. I was saved in a pentacostal syle church...believe me, we were taught that what your pewmaye does is not a distraction...IF...it honors God. Ushers were encuraged to quiet unruly kids or inattentive adults. Women who came in with revealing clothes were given cloths to cover themselves. I won't say any of that was right or worng but I sure liked the idea that the sanctuary should be respected. Its not about clean up, though I think people's efforts should be respected too, its about the reason why you go to church. Its not just another stadium or show. Its about Jesus Christ. IF YOU CAN, give up your water bottles and soda and coffee for a few minutes and focus with everything you have on your Lord. My last comment...or question...is...what is a fast? Why is the ansence of food an important aspect of our relationship with Jesus? The answer, I think, has bearing on this subject.

figmentPez -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/30/2008 1:22:12 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: SonInMe1 My question is...do they really need the water? So, uh, do I need to bring a note from my doctor or something? Sorry, I don't have one, because doctors don't know what is wrong with me. I've been in ceaseless pain for 13 years and no one knows what's wrong. In the past half-dozen, keeping hydrated has been a serious problem for me. I need to be able to drink regularly. This isn't just a dry throat. Sucking on a lozenge would make it worse. During some of my worse periods, if I were to try and go through even an hour-long service just sitting, I'd be in severe pain and unable to walk without assistance by the end of an hour without water. If I were to sing (and I love to sing), I'd be in danger of passing-out. However, I look perfectly healthy. I have no proof that I need water.

iluvatar -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/30/2008 7:30:59 AM)
quote: Its about Jesus Christ. IF YOU CAN, give up your water bottles and soda and coffee for a few minutes and focus with everything you have on your Lord. I don't agree that this approach is necessarily the most effective for helping people focus on an issue, be it the sermon at church, a meeting at work, etc. For some people, even their own possession of a drink may be distracting. For others, the additional comfort of having a beverage or snack may actually help them relax and pay attention. quote: ORIGINAL: figmentPez quote: ORIGINAL: SonInMe1 My question is...do they really need the water? So, uh, do I need to bring a note from my doctor or something? Sorry, I don't have one, because doctors don't know what is wrong with me. I've been in ceaseless pain for 13 years and no one knows what's wrong. In the past half-dozen, keeping hydrated has been a serious problem for me. I need to be able to drink regularly. This isn't just a dry throat. Sucking on a lozenge would make it worse. During some of my worse periods, if I were to try and go through even an hour-long service just sitting, I'd be in severe pain and unable to walk without assistance by the end of an hour without water. If I were to sing (and I love to sing), I'd be in danger of passing-out. However, I look perfectly healthy. I have no proof that I need water. While I don't agree with him, I don't think SonInMe is going so far as to say that people with legitimate medical conditions should be banned from bringing water. -Dan.

SonInMe1 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/30/2008 7:52:30 AM)
Right, I have no problem with people who really need water. I question the varacity of the need. Fasting is giving up of a carnality, eating, for a period of time that puts a focus even more on the Lord. Its the same with the OT sacrifices...a blood sacrifice is kinda major thing for an agrarian people...it puts true focus on the Lord. Our daily worship is our sacrifice. It would seem to me you can give up a little hydration, outside of a true medical need, for an hour and a half for the sermon as this would seem to be a way to respect and worship our Lord. I usta bring candy to service. A couple of lifesavers. It wasn't a need though after my throat surgeries you could say it was. I don't anymore. I don't have that need anymore. Heck after removing pollups on my vocal chords I wasn't even supposed to talk for 6 weeks so I understand that need. I just don't think most people need a drink. They might want one. It might make them comfortable...but when does comfort come before God? It isn't the noise so much, I can handle that and it won't distract me...there are few things that will distract me in service. It, to me, is a matter of respect. Put aside your wants for a little time. Its no big deal. It just seems...reasonable.

peace77 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (1/30/2008 8:57:46 AM)
quote: what is a fast? I know what a fast is. I can't fast due to health reasons. quote: You can't go without water for 2 hours? No. There truly are people who can't go without. quote: you should sit in the back so as not to cause a distraction. Then, I guess you better not come to my church. I and the 2- 4 other workers sit in the front pews or in the front of the church. Actually, what I find most distracting are the churches that have roving TV Cameramen. To see people constantly moving around in the front of the sanctuary is far more distracting than anyone taking a sip of water. quote: Put aside your wants for a little time. I'm working before, during and after the service. The work I do during the service is hard work. My back gets cramped up and it sure isn't comfortable. Last Sunday there were not enough workers so we worked the entire service. Not even the pastor works that hard. Yes, it is a sacrifice to work that much. Instead of being judgmental about someone drinking water, try having some compassion and show some Christian Love. Don't ask someone who has a bottle of water, "Do you need that?" Instead, offer them a Christian greeting and let them know you're glad to see them in the church service. Peace, Anne

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SonInMe1 -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (2/1/2008 8:22:11 AM)
Oh, no one cares about water in the service at my church... I just think its disrespectful...for the greatest part.

krazyxsinner -> RE: Is It Okay To Drink Water and Other Beverages During Church Services? (2/1/2008 8:28:33 AM)
I think if some churches had a open bar they would be more tolerable.[8\|]

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