I don't think cultus and cultivate are from the same root. Kind of a nice metaphor, though. I also would not say the Divine Service, Matins, etc. "form us into a unique community." The Gospel and the sacraments are what form us, not a specific type of liturgy. I appreciate that you said traditions can become idols. I prefer "traditional" worship myself, but some go too far and say it's un-Lutheran or even a sin to not use "traditional" worship. I think encouraging useful traditions is wise, but I also think we should not burden consciences. I am also concerned that we might lean too far into the "alien culture" thing. There are plenty of good, innocent things about this world and our culture. If we try to make our kids too different (I'm not talking about matters of clear right and wrong), we may well wind up driving them away from the church. Our young people are not of the world, but they do have to live in it.