| Church Etiquette This should apply to all churches, but most specifically those which are less causial. Special Note: These are solely my opinions and do not reflect what is expected at all churches or any in particular. Clothing: It causes a stur inside when people mention to "wear church attire, no suits and ties." I seem to remember a number of more dignified people, when I was growing up, would wear full suits to church. This did not reflect their social status, but more their respect for the environment they were entering. I am finding more and more people wearing causial clothing to churches. Low cut shirts, cleavage, bellybuttons and misc. midriff skin should probably be avoided. Shorts too should be avoided. If possible, try to avoid jeans. Some believe all church attire would be expensive if one couldn't wear jeans. An enexpensive button down shirt from a local department store accompanied by a pair of kacki slacks would set someone back approximately $25 if they avoided expensive brands. This is approximately comperable to a pair of jeans and a tee shirt, but one would look more professional. If one is sale savy they can get clothing for much cheaper at "end of the season" sales or discount outlets for the major brands. Think of your clothing in a manner of: would you be imbarrassed of what you are wearing if someone you deeply respected saw you (grandmother, parents, teacher, pastor, etc). What if you would have to stand in front of the congregation, would it still be presentable then? Electronic Devices: Unless one is expecting an urgent call (as one put it, "unless God is calling"), please turn all phones on silient or off. This is to benefit all persons who are probably trying to concentrate on things besides who's phone may be ringing. A tip for all is: Unless you are "on call" or expecting an urgent call, leave the phones, calculators, "pda's" or other electrical equipment in the vehicle. If you are "on call" or expecting an urgent call, when avaiable, consider sitting in a "cry room" if they are not overly crowded. Tips Plan ahead. This is not a race to see who can get to the locale the fastest or just on time. Plan ahead. Spend a few minutes preparing yourself both emmotionally and physically so you not only look presentable, but are well prepared for the function you are about to partake in. Others Try not to chew gum in church try not to talk if you do not have to (to friends, neighbors, etc) try not to make un-needed distractions or disruptions. try to sit, stand, kneel with dignity... you are here for many reasons, try to respect those. Remember, other people are here for a purpose. Try to respect those intentions. Body Alignment kneeling: keep body aligned: hands on pew in front of you, shoulders aligned above hips, which are then aligned above knees. This keeps pressure off of your back and allows you to kneel for longer without hurting. Another tip is to press your feet together with your knees slightly wider than your shoulder. This helps take pressure of your lower back. Standing: As with kneeling, try to keep your body aligned. Have your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. If you "lock" your knees, it slows circulation and sometimes causes fainting. getting up: use you arms to pull you up, while you push with your legs. If you use your whole body, each part works with less stress.. Breathing: Yes, you must concentrate on it. If you start yawning, start breathing with deeper breaths. Some say that the yawn is caused by lack of oxygen to your brain, thus your body pulls in a large quantity of air with a deep breath. Smart of thy body, eh? If it is not proven, it does seem to work for me. Closing Comments I am not trying to tell anyone that if they do not wear nice cloths to church they shouldn't be there, as I would much rather see lots of people in shorts and tee shirts than a small handful in nicer cloths. However, with a little planning more people can add additional respect to thier church by wearing nicer cloths. One does not need to be monetarily wealthy to be dignified. Each generation can change that (positive or negative). Be kind, courtious, respective (of self and others), and try to present and conduct oneself in a clean, efficient manner. |