Article 37

2. That synod instruct the CRC Worship Committee to write shorter, more flexible sacramental forms to meet more effectively the increasingly diverse climate of worship.

Grounds:

a. The statistics in Appendix A of the CRC Publications report, pages 57-58, Agenda for Synod 1991, indicate this need.

b. The present forms, because of their length, tend to render the sacrament itself an anticlimax following the overly long explanatory sections.

c. Even though the Church Order stipulates use of the provided approved forms, their length and weighty language give reason for our pastors not to use them and to substitute forms which have not been approved.

d. Because we care about our young people and about our visitors, we should review the language of our forms and discern how well these forms speak to them. In both diction and length they need improvement.

e. The increasing diversity of people in our denomination, for which we are thankful, would be better served by forms that are shorter and written in crisper, simpler English.

-Adopted

3. That synod encourage churches to adapt as needed all denominational liturgical forms for the spiritual nurture of their people.

Ground: Our diversity requires flexibility, yet the uniformity of our denomination is enhanced by the use of synodically approved forms.

-Adopted

4. That Recommendations 2 and 3 be synod's response to Overtures 73 and 74.

-Adopted

Overture 73: Provide Shorter Liturgical Forms for Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Classis Georgetown overtures synod to provide liturgical fonrms for both baptism and the Lord's Supper which are shorter than the present forms (less than half) and more contemporary in their language.

Grounds:

1. The present fonrms, because of their length, tend to render the sacrament itself an anticlimax following the overly long explanatory sections.

2. Even though the Church Order stipulates use of the provided approved forms, their length and weighty language give reason for our pastors not to use them and to substitute forms which have not been approved.

3. Because we care about our young people and about our visitors, we should review the language of our forms and discern how well these forms speak to them. In both diction and length they need improvement.

4. The increasing diversity of people in our denomination, for which we are thankful, would be better served by forms that are shorter and written in crisper, simpler English.

Classis Georgetown
Neal R. Rylaarsdam, stated clerk

Overture 74: Develop Guidelines for the Preparation of Liturgical Forms for the Administration of Sacraments and Prepare and Solicit Samples

Classis Central California overtures synod to instruct the Liturgical Committee (1) to develop guidelines for the preparation of new liturgical forms for the celebration of the sacraments and (2) to produce and solicit sample forms that would serve the churches better than the present forms do.

Grounds:

1. Many churches find the current forms for the sacraments too didactic and desire shorter, more celebrative forms.

2. Many churches are adapting the current forms or writing their own forms.

3. Churches should have the freedom within guidelines to produce forms that will best serve them.

Classis Central California
Gerrit B. Boerfyn, stated clerk

Note: Sample forms are on file in the general secretary's office.