Church Behavior... I learned it differently....

I am about to post the phrase that officially makes me old. "When I was a child,"we were taught certain behaviors were, not only appropriate, but expected at church. Church was a place to worship our Heavenly Father, and was never to be treated as any less. As an adult I have noticed some disturbing trends at church, and I feel the need to be sure that my children are taught correctly. So as a public plea for aid in doing so I am going to post my list, and ask you to help correct my children, if you see any behavior to the contrary.

1.) We are all Heavenly Father's children and we should address one another accordingly.

Brother or Sister _______. I don't care if we are all friends outside of church, or if you have never seen me before! My name is Sister Cowell, not Julia, when I am at church. In fact if you know me from church, or my children know you from church, they will call you Brother or Sister ______ . I don't want my kids to call you ____'s Mom, your first name, teacher, or anything else! They are being taught their place in the divine plan of our mutual Father, and should always know, and regard you as a Brother or Sister. Please, help me by also referencing me as Sister Cowell, and nothing else, so that I am not the exception.

2.) Sabbath day or not, it is the Lord's house.

Don't allow my children to be caught running or playing in the halls on any occasion at church! I teach my children: "Jesus Christ, doesn't come to our house and run, so don't come to Heavenly Father's House and run." This principle does not change, just because it isn't Sunday, or because the block meetings are over!

3.) Reverence!

"Reverence is more than just quietly sitting" and is expected! No exceptions, not need to elaborate. 

4.)It's a special building we use special language to describe it.

It's not a gym, its a Cultural Hall. It's not just a couch, it is in a foyer. It's not just another changing table, it is in a Mother's Lounge. It's not just a room, it's a classroom. Using proper terminology reflects a respect for the places we are in, and their use. A gym refers to a place to be exercising, and while we may do so on occasion, it is still in the Lord's house and is used for a variety of purposes. Each in their own appropriate time.

5.) Dress

Sunday best means, Sunday best. Dressed, pressed, and keeping it that way. There was no bringing clothes to church to change, or rushing home to sweat pants. My heart sinks when i see  youth run to the bathroom and change right after the third hour of the meeting block. If your best is jeans and tshirt then by all means please come in it! But don't trade in your Sunday best before you even leave the building!