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| THE SABBATH |
| Reform Mormonism is practiced in the home, so most religious activity is
conducted in the home. Each Sabbath ritual may be slightly different for
each family or household, based upon their needs. A major aspect of this
weekly ritual is to honor the idea of the Sabbath, or the "day of
rest." Rest, therefore, is perfectly acceptable - and encouraged -
on the Sabbath. Sunday is usually the Sabbath, but this is based upon the
family's need: if the family's schedules make a weekday more appropriate
for a day of rest, the home may agree to dedicate a different day. Many
of the rituals mention the family; but many Reform Mormons live alone.
In this case, all of the Sabbath rituals can - and should - be performed
by a family of one. PURPOSE OF THE SABBATH There are two main reasons why Reform Mormons observe the Sabbath. The first is tradition, the second is sanctification of time for the purpose of rest and enrichment. The Sabbath as a Jewish and Christian ritual is well understood. The Reform Mormon Sabbath rituals honor these traditions while creating a new one. The tradition is formed in the home, which is the center of Reform Mormon religious activity. The traditions of Sabbath observance can offer enrichment in and of themselves. Tradition becomes something that the family expects and builds upon. The second reason is sanctification of time. This concept may be strange to those who are used to a Sabbath filled with Church activity and events, defined by that activity. The sanctification of time is one way to reconnect ourselves to that part of ourselves which is eternal, and it can succeed only when the atmosphere for such a connection can be created. Much of the Reform Mormon Sabbath is an attempt to create this atmosphere and setting. The time spent during the rest of the week must be differentiated not because it is merely a different day on a calendar, or because it is filled with "assignments." A fundamentally new approach to the Sabbath is required in order to begin to have a new experience: the mastery of time. These quotes may help explain: "Indeed, we know what to do with space, but do not know what to do about time, except to make it subservient to space. As a result we suffer from a deeply rooted dread of time and stand aghast when compelled to look into its face. Time to us is sarcasm, a slick treacherous monster with a jaw like a furnace incinerating every moment of our lives. Shrinking, therefore, from facing time, we escape for shelter to things of space. The intentions we are unable to carry out we deposit in space; possessions become the symbols of our repressions, jubilees of frustrations. But things of space are not fireproof; they only add fuel to the flames. Is the joy of possession an antidote to the terror of time which grows to be a dread of inevitable death? Things, when magnified, are forgeries of happiness, they are a threat to our very lives; we are more harassed than supported by the Frankensteins of spatial things.The main thing to remember about the Sabbath is that it does not exist unless you define it, and you can define it in any number of ways in order to make it work. When you define it, you are engaging in an act of creation - you are creating sanctified time, differentiating it from normal time. You are organizing something new, for your own purpose. In performing this creation, you need not create something that will not work for you, such as a Sabbath that is observable only by others, or as defined by others. The Sabbath defined by others is likely the Sabbath you've found to be uninspiring and untenable. The Sabbath that you will create for yourself and your family will be something that specifically works well for them. The Reform Mormon ritual of the Sabbath merely assists you in performing this creation. BEGINNING THE SABBATH The Sabbath begins with the lighting of four candles, which are left burning throughout the day. Anyone in the home can perform this ritual; it is not necessary for the entire household to be present at this ritual. Each candle has a symbolic meaning, and the following is thought or spoken as each candle is lit: (Candle One is lit) Faith. We remember the faith of those who sacrificed before us. When the candles are observed throughout the day, it reminds us that we are currently in sanctified time; that today is different. THE MEAL The main event of the family Sabbath is the ordinance of the Sacrament. This ordinance is conducted at the beginning of the meal, which would be the main meal of the Sabbath day. Normally, all members of the home participate in the Sabbath meal and the Sacrament. The Reform Mormon sacrament honors the tradition of the Lord's Supper and is modeled upon ideas of re-evaluation of one's commitment to their own eternal progression by remembrance of God's progression and the gift of life. The Lord's Supper, as a ritual in which such re-evaluation can re-commitment can occur, is a powerful personal testament to progression. Any priesthood holder at the Sabbath table can conduct the Sacrament. Once the food has been prepared and all members of the family are seated at the table, the Officiator: 1. Waits for quiet. 2. Takes bread, and breaks it. 3. Pauses for a moment of quiet meditation before the following is spoken: (Addresses God,) we ask thee to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of thee, and of the covenant to emulate thy creation. Amen. 4. The bread is passed among all at the table, and all partake. 5. The Officiator pours wine into a glass, pauses, and speaks: (Addresses God,) we ask thee to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may drink in remembrance of thee, and always have thy spirit to be with them. Amen. 6. Once all have partaken of the wine, the Sacrament is ended; the meal progresses. Reform Mormons have a variety of ways to address God in prayers and ordinances. The particular method chosen is at the discretion of the Officiator. Three of the most common are: "O God, the Eternal Father," ADDITIONAL RITUALS BASED UPON HOLIDAYS Reform Mormons also observe a variety of religious and secular holidays. The observance of some of these holidays occurs on the family Sabbath. Based upon the holiday itself, it would not be unusual to hear a reading during the Sabbath meal, or to enjoy special foods that correspond with the holiday. The choice to observe a holiday and the manner in which it is honored within the home are family decisions, but most Reform Mormon families will observe holidays in this manner. Visit the Reform Mormon calendar for a list of observances. SABBATH ACTIVITY Sometimes the Sabbath is a more active day for the family. Activity for activity's sake is not encouraged. Activity on the Sabbath is chosen based upon its ability to foster internal contemplation, communion, and progression. In a family setting, the activity chosen needs to integrate well with the various needs of the family. Some of these activities might include:
The Sabbath concludes with the extinguishing of the candles. The following is either thought or said as the candles are extinguished: Our rest is over; our sanctified time ends; we are restored; we begin again.Additional blessings for the new week are added as the spirit dictates. HONORING THE SABBATH The Reform Mormon who is travelling or unable to stage the Sabbath rituals to their preferences should not be troubled. The candles can be mentally lit at the beginning of the Sabbath day; keep them mentally lit throughout the day and you will enjoy sanctified time. Almost any meal that day can include bread and drink in which the Lord's Prayer, privately or silently recited, can be enjoyed. Participating in your own form of Sabbath ritual is key to making the day one of significance for yourself and your family, but rigid rules or constraints are not in harmony with the spirit of the day. Each Sabbath should be viewed as something special, and considered by all, at its conclusion, to have contributed to a sense of enrichment and restoration. If this can be achieved, then the Sabbath is successful. The lighting of the candles, even if done symbolically, is important, for it formally marks the beginning of sanctified time. Extinguishing the candles is similarly important, to mark the end of special time. The Lord's Supper is usually the ritual apex of this time, though individual spiritual exploration during this time may result in any number of more significant experiences with the eternal. The extent to which the Sabbath will form an important spiritual base in your life is entirely dependent upon how you observe and honor it. We need not honor this time with stress and ridiculous work. The Sabbath is not honored by everyone sitting around quietly all day doing nothing. Application of dogma will likely do little to enhance the day, to make use of sanctified time. Rather, choose activity that indicates something different, something special is happening today. What is happening should be exciting, fun, and special - somethng to look forward to. We are not talking about a somber Sabbath always conducted in a dark setting (though, for some people, that may be the way to go!) To shake up your thinking a bit, consider how you might honor the Sabbath in the following conditions:
Remember that the Sabbath is a created thing. You have limitless options
when you begin the act of creation. The sanctification of time is what
the Sabbath is about, not conforming to another religion's perception of
the Sabbath. Create the Sabbath such that you and your family will enjoy
it, and it will become a cherished tradition. "Creation is the language of God, Time is His song, and things of space the consonants in the song. To sanctify time is to sing the vowels in unison with Him...All week long we are called upon to sanctify life though employing things of space. On the Sabbath it is given us to share in the holiness that is in the heart of time. Even when the soul is seared, even when no prayer can come out of our tightened throats, the clean, silent rest of the Sabbath leads us to a realm of endless peace, or to the beginning of an awareness of what eternity means. There are few ideas in the world of thought which contain so much spiritual power as the idea of the Sabbath. Aeons hence, when of many of our cherished theories only shreds will remain, that cosmic tapestry will continue to shine." - ibid |
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| Holidays Observed |
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