I decided to visit a second church on Sunday. This was an afternoon worship service. A much more casual service than the one I attended in the morning.
This church encourages coffee in the sanctuary -- I opted for a sparkling water, but took my beverage with me as I entered the worship hall. I was met by a crowd of people who were younger than me. (Admittedly an odd thing for a church!) The whole congregation was younger than me -- maybe an average age of 24, perhaps a little older if you count the pastor.
The pastor in in his older 3os. Maybe a little older, but he looks young and hip. He speaks with a soft, uncertain tone. Its refreshing. Too many preachers are too certain. I don't remember anything he said, but I remember feeling a sense of grace and acceptance. Maybe that is sermon enough.
I appreciated that they made a point of saying, "the time of offering is for our regulars only - we do not ask visitors to contribute." More churches should make a point of saying that every week. In fact, because they said that, I felt more willing to give.
Attending here was like a fresh breeze -- they not be doing everything by the book, but its encouraging to see a congregation experimenting with the "what ifs" instead of managing the "shoulds."
8.26.2007
My Visit on Sunday, August 26
"Good morning, we're glad you're here." "Good Morning. God bless you." "Hi there, its nice to see you."
Three people greeted me within the first 30 seconds of my visit at today's church. And they all smiled! (I’m not sure, but I think they may have actually meant what they said, too!) It was a nice treat after the 15-minute traffic jam I endured just to get into one of the church's parking garages.
This isn't a small church. They manage to "compaq-t" a lot of people into the building.
Worship was lively and held to a high standard of quality. I was grateful to find a church that knows the importance of quality when it comes to music. I know a lot of churches where "little Johnny" gets to play his clarinet for worship whenever he wants to. (Alright, I'll be honest: I was little Johnny in my home church.) But I've learned that nothing leads people closer to the heart of God than excellent music in worship. There are exceptions to that rule: I realize that nothing feeds little Johnny's ego (or, at that age, my ego) like getting to perform in church...but when worship becomes a congregation's show-and-tell time (forgetting the importance of music quality), its time for some focus-adjustment.
A church's architecture can also either carry someone close to God -- or leave them with a sense of his distance. A church's facility says a lot about what it values. I was sad that there wasn't a cross anywhere in the worship hall. Maybe that's intentional. Maybe its not. Maybe it is left out because it reflects the saddest part of the Christian story. Maybe its too confusing a symbol. I don't know why it’s not in there. But I do know that I miss not seeing it when I worship.
I do know there was a giant illuminated American flag positioned above the rear of the worship hall . . . Hmm, a big flag and no cross . . . I’m not sure why that decision was made.
All things considered, this church exceeded my expectations. I have heard other people talk of visiting this church -- with reports both favorable and unfavorable. I wanted to experience it for myself -- and apparently a lot of other people do, too. I’m glad I went. It was a good example of what happens when a lot of attention – and resources – are given to worship planning.
Three people greeted me within the first 30 seconds of my visit at today's church. And they all smiled! (I’m not sure, but I think they may have actually meant what they said, too!) It was a nice treat after the 15-minute traffic jam I endured just to get into one of the church's parking garages.
This isn't a small church. They manage to "compaq-t" a lot of people into the building.
Worship was lively and held to a high standard of quality. I was grateful to find a church that knows the importance of quality when it comes to music. I know a lot of churches where "little Johnny" gets to play his clarinet for worship whenever he wants to. (Alright, I'll be honest: I was little Johnny in my home church.) But I've learned that nothing leads people closer to the heart of God than excellent music in worship. There are exceptions to that rule: I realize that nothing feeds little Johnny's ego (or, at that age, my ego) like getting to perform in church...but when worship becomes a congregation's show-and-tell time (forgetting the importance of music quality), its time for some focus-adjustment.
A church's architecture can also either carry someone close to God -- or leave them with a sense of his distance. A church's facility says a lot about what it values. I was sad that there wasn't a cross anywhere in the worship hall. Maybe that's intentional. Maybe its not. Maybe it is left out because it reflects the saddest part of the Christian story. Maybe its too confusing a symbol. I don't know why it’s not in there. But I do know that I miss not seeing it when I worship.
I do know there was a giant illuminated American flag positioned above the rear of the worship hall . . . Hmm, a big flag and no cross . . . I’m not sure why that decision was made.
All things considered, this church exceeded my expectations. I have heard other people talk of visiting this church -- with reports both favorable and unfavorable. I wanted to experience it for myself -- and apparently a lot of other people do, too. I’m glad I went. It was a good example of what happens when a lot of attention – and resources – are given to worship planning.
8.19.2007
My visit on Sunday, August 19
This Sunday, I was in the mood for pipes -- big pipes! -- so I went to St. Pipe Organ Episcopal Church. I knew I was going to worship among Houston's high society, so I dressed up. The parking lot was full and I couldn't find the "visitor parking" lot. So if it was there, it wasn't marked well.
Turns out it was the minister's final Sunday before retirement. No wonder there was a crowd! (Nothing turns out a crowd like a "Wonder-what-the-minister-will-say" sermon.) An added bonus was that they were asking us to fill out nametags. Apparently it was not a regular feature at this church. I chuckled when I overheard the older, gentlelady behind me say, "Does this mean we have to wear nametags every Sunday?" Her question was innocent enough, but there was something behind it... (Why do church people find nametags such a nuisance?)
The sermon was alright -- its what you would expect from a minister that close to retirement. But the music! O the music! Beautiful! Awe-inspiring! As a tribute to their beloved pastor, the choir presented something of a "greatest hits" of (I'm assuming ) his favorite hymns and anthems. It was a very stirring orchestration -- like a soundtrack written just for that moment and that place in history.
There was a moment of "passing the peace" and I got scared when I saw the elderly couple seated in front of me turn to kiss. ("Wow! They really pass the peace," I thought) Thankfully, the old man on my left and the old woman on my right opted for a genteel, Southern handshake. (You know, the limp kind.)
The people were friendly enough. Not bad for upper-crust Episcopalians. I stayed planted on my pew cushion until the rousing end of the organ postlude. I thought it was obvious that I was trying to hear the grand finale, but a very noisy, chatty couple came and sat right beside me and talked through to the last, resonating note. (I guess all the other pews were too empty for them to sit in and talk.)
This church gets an A- for the overall experience because of the stunning music and attention to detail. C+ for their treatment of visitors. But I'm grateful to overhear and witness this congregation's affection for and gratitude their retiring rector.
Turns out it was the minister's final Sunday before retirement. No wonder there was a crowd! (Nothing turns out a crowd like a "Wonder-what-the-minister-will-say" sermon.) An added bonus was that they were asking us to fill out nametags. Apparently it was not a regular feature at this church. I chuckled when I overheard the older, gentlelady behind me say, "Does this mean we have to wear nametags every Sunday?" Her question was innocent enough, but there was something behind it... (Why do church people find nametags such a nuisance?)
The sermon was alright -- its what you would expect from a minister that close to retirement. But the music! O the music! Beautiful! Awe-inspiring! As a tribute to their beloved pastor, the choir presented something of a "greatest hits" of (I'm assuming ) his favorite hymns and anthems. It was a very stirring orchestration -- like a soundtrack written just for that moment and that place in history.
There was a moment of "passing the peace" and I got scared when I saw the elderly couple seated in front of me turn to kiss. ("Wow! They really pass the peace," I thought) Thankfully, the old man on my left and the old woman on my right opted for a genteel, Southern handshake. (You know, the limp kind.)
The people were friendly enough. Not bad for upper-crust Episcopalians. I stayed planted on my pew cushion until the rousing end of the organ postlude. I thought it was obvious that I was trying to hear the grand finale, but a very noisy, chatty couple came and sat right beside me and talked through to the last, resonating note. (I guess all the other pews were too empty for them to sit in and talk.)
This church gets an A- for the overall experience because of the stunning music and attention to detail. C+ for their treatment of visitors. But I'm grateful to overhear and witness this congregation's affection for and gratitude their retiring rector.
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