I moved to my new community about 3 weeks after Evan was born. I have been searching for a new church, and just got a flyer in the mail for one that seems to be everything I have been looking for. I emailed the pastor this: "Hi! I received your flyer in the email about *** and would like to know if you are doing your Easter service at a special time or just at regular time. Also, I see that you use contemporary praise and worship; is the atmosphere more casual than a regular worship service? I ask because I have a 5 month old son who would be coming with me, and many people in more "classic" churches tend to disapprove of having an infant in service, but most especially nursing an infant in service. Thank you for any information you can help me with, I really appreciate it! I hope to meet you on Sunday!"
The pastor emailed me back stating that if I come, I am welcome to have Evan in service but that I should nurse in the nursery, so as not to be a source of lust to the men in the congregation.
Okay I think that's about how I feel. ANyways, I replied back to him with: "I'm sorry that you feel that way about nursing a baby in service. I would remind you of Joel 2:16, which reads "Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; asemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave the bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber." I also take from your comments the assumption that I would be immodestly exposed, which because of my own comfort, I would not, as I would cover myself with a blanket. I understand that in today's society the breast is viewed as a sexual object when it is not, but the only way to correct this way of thinking is to portray its true purpose: the nourishment of babes."
GRRR! I'm so upset and discouraged!! I was really looking forward to attending this church! What would you all do: not go, or go and nurse in service?
**Edited to adhere to MDC copyright policy**
**UPDATED, PAGE 2**
The pastor emailed me back stating that if I come, I am welcome to have Evan in service but that I should nurse in the nursery, so as not to be a source of lust to the men in the congregation.
Okay I think that's about how I feel. ANyways, I replied back to him with: "I'm sorry that you feel that way about nursing a baby in service. I would remind you of Joel 2:16, which reads "Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; asemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave the bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber." I also take from your comments the assumption that I would be immodestly exposed, which because of my own comfort, I would not, as I would cover myself with a blanket. I understand that in today's society the breast is viewed as a sexual object when it is not, but the only way to correct this way of thinking is to portray its true purpose: the nourishment of babes."
GRRR! I'm so upset and discouraged!! I was really looking forward to attending this church! What would you all do: not go, or go and nurse in service?
**Edited to adhere to MDC copyright policy**
**UPDATED, PAGE 2**
"Dear Pastor, I am saddened to hear that so many of your congregation are so corrupted by our modern world that even in a time of prayer they cannot turn their minds from sinful thoughts, even to the breaking of the ten commandments. I will pray for them and for you as you try to lead them closer to G-d."
would want to gather a bunch of women together and have them all come "casually" dressed -- fairly revealingly (many casual styles that are popular today are pretty revealing) while I was dressed modestly and nursed my babe. Just to make a point.
: (much to the dislike of my nursing babe in arms! 
