Week 5: MP-3 Not the Music Device of the 90's!

WHERE I WENT AND WHY:

I've lived in Charlotte 36 years, but it doesn't take that long to know about the intersection of Queens and Queens and  to understand that Myers Park is synonymous with wealth and power in this town.  I knew that visiting the MP3 - Myers Park Methodist, Myers Park Baptist, and Myers Park Presbyterian - would be included in my "top 50" but I wasn't in a hurry.  I have been to all 3 in 36 years:  for community meetings, or to consult with their preschools, but never to worship.  Rev. James Howell's Op Ed in Friday's paper entitled God Wants us to Fix our Broken Politics pushed Myers Park Methodist to the top of my list.  Rereading it for this post, I would like to quote just about the entire article, but  I won't.  The last paragraph though is a terrific summary:

Laws and elected officials matter. But they are not the only way, and probably aren’t the best way, to achieve real cultural change. How do we fix politics? We fix ourselves. We fix our neighborhoods and communities. We get up off our knees, we get out from in front of the TV, we stop our griping, and we renew what it means to be citizens instead of consumers or critics, to do the good this challenging time requires of us.

You can access the article at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article97759362.html

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:

I knew from going to community meetings that it is easy to mix up the MP3 - especially MP Methodist and MP Presbyterian since they occupy the same block where Providence "makes its turn" and intersects with Queens Road. MP Methodist is the big one right there across from the 2 story "Teeter" and the often decorated "Gold Man of Myers Park". Parking can be tricky. I parked in the commercial lot beside the Harris Teeter where the stores were closed on Sunday. A policeman was employed to help us cross the street. According to their website and bulletin, there is also a continuously running shuttle between Myers Park Traditional Elementary and the church. (2132 Radcliffe Ave) Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes extra to find parking and walk to the church, especially with Charlotte's eternal construction. Dress was dressy! While there were no hats, women were mostly in dresses and men had on jackets, and most wore ties. Children were welcomed with bright blue activity bags in the Narthex, and today at another service they had the "Blessing of the Book Packs" to mark the beginning of school. (That explained all of the children I saw with book packs as I was crossing the street!).

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD:  GREETING AND ATMOSPHERE

The large Gothic Sanctuary, automatically commands reverence, though there was the usual chatter of folks greeting neighbors as I entered. The Bulletin held both announcements and the order of the service with either the words printed, or the pages for the hymns published. Crosses marked where folks were asked to "stand as you are able". Visitors were welcomed during announcements and asked to sign a pew pad and get a gift from the welcome table in the Narthex. (I've been to MP Methodist and I have the coffee mug to prove it!!) The Passing of the Peace came at the very beginning of the service and folks did not leave their pews but just acknowledged those around them.

This is not a clapping church. I expected applause after the Baptism and Reception of New Members, and the music and anthems were especially applause-worthy, but I suppose a culture of reverence trumps exuberance here. I don't see this as a bad thing. Sometimes I think clapping can "glorify the performer" instead of lifting our talents to God. But I must say I missed it a little. Balance I guess is key here, and authenticity.

When I entered and was looking for a seat, the pastor happened to be in the aisle making his way to the Narthex for the processional, greeting folks as he passed by. He said, "Hi my name is James Howell. I'm glad you're here." I responded, "HI, I'm Deb Park. I'm glad to be here too, and you will receive an email from me soon."  When I left at the end of the service, he remembered me and said he would be waiting for my email.  I never know when the best time is to "out" myself on my 50 church quest.  I went for the "hint"...lol! 

MUSIC:

I came home and told my husband, that I wished he had been with me to hear the music that I know he would have appreciated!  The Opening Voluntary, a Prelude on Gift of Love by Michael Burkhardt, featured a grand piano and a cello that was breath taking.  It definitely quieted the crowd and put me in a reverential mood.  It took the choir 3 verses of For the Beauty of the Earth to process into the Sanctuary (because there was so many of them!).  Their anthem during the Offertory, Love Divine All Loves Excelling was beautiful.  I was a little disappointed that the final hymn, Gather Us In, one of my favorite "contemporary" hymns was replaced with a more traditional hymn.  The organist played the hymns on an amazing pipe organ and his counterpoints during the hymns were beautiful, without making them hard to sing. (A delicate balance, not easy to achieve!)  The Benediction Response was Lift High the Cross, another personal favorite.  When I saw it in the bulletin, I wondered how the choir would recess with just the chorus being sung .  Only the pastor, liturgists, and crucifer recessed and the choir did an amazing counterpoint as the congregation sang the melody.

MESSAGE:

After Rev. Howell's Op Ed, I had high expectations for a meaningful message, especially after the reading from Hebrews 13 on hospitality, marriage, and money!  I was not disappointed.  This passage references extending hospitality to strangers for they may be "angels without you knowing it."  To drive this point home, he referenced the fruits of a ministry he had in a church in Davidson where when folks came to the church asking for help, they not only received a bag of groceries from the food pantry, but the support of a "Hope Team" to walk with them and help them get back on their feet.  Just recently he had encountered a young man who had been in this program, and when he first met him, he was sure he would become a high school drop out.,  He just recently learned that he has graduated from both high school and college and is an assistant coach at Fayetteville State University.  I especially liked the way he concluded this section.  He said, "Not one of the folks who worked with Jamal said 'You know I really missed being on the golf course when I mentored him.' Or, 'It was truly a shame to miss that bridge game when I went to his back-to-school night.' "

His reflections on marriage were the most humorous, though he was able drive home a few good points.  He said that we as a culture were not holding marriage up as sacred and holy.  How many times have you heard your neighbors "rant" about how wonderful their spouse is...rather its "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"  He went on to "rant" about a few things that had occurred while officiating at weddings that were less than Holy - intoxication, the groomsmen tossing balls to the groom, etc.  Our marriages are supposed to offer a model here on earth of our relationship with God and reflect the relationship of Christ and the Church.

Now I was beginning to wonder how he was going to preach to this obviously affluent congregation about "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and to be content with what you have." Now, these are "my" words:  he chose the Lilies of the Field way, instead of the camel through the eye of the needle."..  He stressed that with our belief in Christ, we know that he is always with us and therefore we can be content with what we have and show our hospitality to others as a reflection of Jesus showing forgiveness even when at his most vulnerable on the the cross.  He gave a great example of FDR visiting amputees in Hawaii during the war and letting them see his polio affliction versus hiding it as was often done.

OUTREACH AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS:

• A cub scout pack that is organizing and the back to school events were the only outreach emphasized in the bulletin.
• However their website has MANY opportunities for service and connecting. Their website seems to be their primary way of connecting, advertizing opportunities to parishioners, signing up for various activities, etc. 
• There was a Baptism and Reception of New Members today.  I loved the way the pastor walked with the baby down the aisle to let the congregation greet him.  I thought it interesting that when introducing the new members, most of them had been actively attending the church for several years before joining, even though joining requires only a 1 time class according to the website.
• The mood of this church was perhaps a little "stiff" for me, but the music and message were definitely inspiring.
• While I may think the mood a little "stiff", Rev. Howell is definitely not!  After I sent him my rough draft, we had an almost "real time" email conversation Sunday night.  He said, "Well, I guess I can't ask you to come back anytime soon"... and then told me about a site called Ship of Fools (www.shipoffools.com) that actually has Mystery Worshippers!  They rate everything from the sermon (minutes and was it "heaven worthy") to the softness of the seats and the coffee!  It started in the UK but has an American component... but it is all very snarky... definitely British humor.  I hope he doesn't think this is what I'm going for, but I will admit some of it is hilarious.  While I think God has a sense of humor,  and I'm not afraid to invoke it (why else would we have giraffes?), my purpose here is to stretch myself and to see how other Believers in our community are living out their faith.  But you can believe I'm going to spend some time this week sailing with the Ship of Fools!  If you want to laugh out loud go to the "Signs and Blunders" section.... and buy me the book at the top of this blog!

• My faith reflections were also stretched by 2 other media events.  On Thursday Mike Collins had a show about the Church and Politics that was very interesting.  You can access it at:  http://wfae.org/post/politics-church-2016
• And the Voices of Faith column in Saturday's paper was entitled "The best part of going to church is..."      While I don't think I agree that church is where you go have a "happy, upright, and balanced life" (vs. doctrine, dogma, and dictates)... I do agree that church supplies us with needed social interactions and connections, the need to serve and make a difference in the world and a place to develop meaning in our lives. Unfortunately, I could not find the link to it on the Observer home page. Dig out your Saturday paper and read it.  Let me know what you think and what the best part of going to church is for you.

BULLETIN and Flyer in Visitor Gift Coffee Mug:

  

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article97759362.html#storylink=cpy

Week 4: The Dome on I-85 or Can you Disagree and Still Worship Together?

WHERE I WENT AND WHY: 

I had decided that this Sunday would be a "mega church" Sunday and I chose Northside Baptist.  Again, the timing factored into my decision.  David wanted to go to Advent and their times and proximity coordinated.  Plus I had always been curious about the large dome and campus visible on my way out to the University.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:

While the sanctuary is visible off I-85, you have to drive through a neighborhood via  University City Blvd., Neal Road and Mineral Springs Road to get there.  Parking was plentiful and dress was "church casual"... men wore collared shirts and women were in pants or dresses.  Because the service is broadcast it was exactly 1 hour long with the seconds counted down on the large screens!  I went to a 10:30 service.

MOOD:  GREETING AND ATMOSPHERE

While folks were friendly, no one engaged me in conversation or asked my name.  I thought it inventive that a large sign on the long drive asked visitors to put their flashers on so that they could be directed to special parking.  Two very young (less than 10 years old) children greeted and waved at folks at the top of the drive.  Visitors were asked to fill out a pew card and folks were asked to greet each other for about 30 seconds during announcements.

I'm not sure if it was just the contrast from last Sunday, but my first impression upon entering the Sanctuary was how dark it was.  With no windows, all of the lighting is theatrical (no chandeliers).  There was a very small, plain cross above the Baptistery, otherwise there was no liturgical art. Preaching is the obvious emphasis here, so perhaps the lack of visual distractions was intentional.  The bulletin was more like a large post card with very brief announcements on the back and the title of the sermon on the front.  Two huge video screens had running announcements when I entered the Sanctuary and then were used to project the words to the hymns and anthems.  The nursery was visible from the parking lot, but otherwise, children were not mentioned during the service (except that Northside  had won its football game on Friday night).  Several families with young children sat near me.  The Sanctuary, which must seat close to 1000, was about half full. According to the bulletin, last Sunday's attendance was 623.  From the video monitor and bulletin, there was a simultaneous service in Spanish being interpreted in the Fine Arts Center (attendance 66 last Sunday).

MUSIC:

The screens counted down the beginning of the service with 2 songs sung by a large choir, accompanied by 3 guitars and a grand piano.  The tone of the songs was very upbeat and joyful and the music leader encouraged folks to stand, clap and join in on the choruses.  However, the words were very militaristic with phrases such as "overcome the enemy", "conquerors , and  surrender" dominating the words.  I found the tone and words very disconnected from each other, even for the "victor".   Later after the choir was dismissed, the congregation sang, How Great Thou Art and Just As I Am, though the latter had several unfamiliar verses.

MESSAGE:

Rev. Joe Brown has served at least 2 churches in Charlotte and has a reputation of preaching "fire and brimstone."  I was not disappointed.    He ended his first personal story with a preacher telling the Board of Directors, that the meeting was not about budgets or books, but "Our house is on fire and if we don't get out, we'll all go to Hell!"  That will get your attention!  While he prefaced his remarks with them being based on The Sermon on the Mount, he concentrated on the end of the Sermon  (Matthew 7: 13-23) and declared that Jesus said (all points emphasized on the big screens)... Everyone is not going to Heaven, More folks will go to Hell, Beware of False Prophets, and No one is Saved after Death (during which he made fun of  a fellow he met in India, and condemned all folks who believe in reincarnation, to Hell.)

I kept wanting that "nugget" that would help me through the week.  In a brief mention of Grace, he said, "Jesus not only gets you into Heaven, he gets Heaven into you."  I took that to mean that our lives need to, and will, reflect the Heaven we are assured of through our beliefs.

While I absolutely recognize evil and believe in the Devil, I do not see my faith as a battle, rather as a joyful renunciation of evil and a reflection of Heaven on Earth and thereafter.   I also find it offensive to make fun of other religions.  But I will say, he made me think!!

Outreach and other Observations:

• The congreogation is being asked to contribute to the "Chest of Joash" (a special offering in the Jewish tradition) to raise money for the "repair and refurbishment of the church".
• The only outreach highlighted was volunteers needed for a "Good News Club" at Hidden Valley Elementary after school.
• I did notice a clothing ministry in a building on the perimeter of the parking lot.
• I knew going in, that this church held several beliefs that do not correlate with mine especially regarding the role of women and LGBT folks.  Except for a few pointed references to men-only Deacons, these beliefs were not "thrown in my face." I asked a friend of mine to pray with me that I would not be critical, but just seek to worship.  And while the worship experience was passionate, I just could not find my center in the mood, music, or message.  So I know my prayer was answered,(yes, Rev. Caldwell-Williams I was listening last week!) but how?  I did find one "nugget" in the message, but was not moved by their passionate style. So, were they serving tuna casserole today? Or was I just tasting it? (see 1st blog!! LOL)  While the worship experience may not have touched me deeply, it was obviously serving those around me.
• After a month of being the "eternal visitor" (no one's fault but my own!), I am finding I miss being greeted by name.  Only at the first church (First Methodist in Isle of Palms) did I have a "real" conversation with a parishioner.  I have had several interesting email exchanges with the various Pastors.  Perhaps, I need to make myself more "available."  Now I must ponder what that means.  I usually think of myself as "easy to talk to", and not especially shy....Any ideas, readers?  One thing I know I could do differently, is not be in a rush to leave after the service.
• ·Addendum to Week #2... Rev. Cleghorn (Caldwell  Presbyterian) did say in one of our email exchanges that "Where Crying Children are Welcome" was an attempt at humor!  (I told him, "inquiring minds want to know!! LOL)

Bulletin:

Week 3: From Africa to Charlotte

Where I Went and Why:
I decided this week it was time to get out of my comfort zone.  I chose Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  I hope to include several (many?) African American churches among my "50" and Friendship's reputation in Charlotte put it near the top of my list.  Frankly it rose to the top because it had an 8 am service and David and I had travel plans for this Sunday, so it fit the schedule.

What to Know if you Want to Go:
Friendship is located at 3400 Beatties Ford Road just on the "outside" of I-85 from the City.  Dress is very dressy with many women wearing both hats and heels.  There is ample parking at the 8 am service but exiting the parking lot took 3 volunteer policemen.  I have a feeling if coming to the 10:30 service, you would need to allow time for parking and traffic near the church.  If I were to go again, I would sit past the horizontal aisle.  The ushers stood in this aisle and often blocked my view as I am vertically challenged!  LOL

Mood:  Greeting and Atmosphere
I arrived about 10 minutes before the service and the parking lot was beginning to fill.  The first thing that hit me upon entering the sanctuary were the exquisite windows.  The stained glass windows on the left of the Chancel depicted stories from the Bible and the windows on the right depicted the African American journey from Africa to Charlotte.  There was also a HUGE pipe organ which unfortunately I did not get to hear.  As I sat and read the bulletin (which concentrated on announcements and only had a general outline of the service) I was astounded at the numbers of people there and filing in.  As I observed them, I realized that there were no children (except for a beautiful babe-in-arms about 3 rows in front of me) and I assume from the bulletin that the children were in programming in other parts of the building.  The Worship service was definitely geared to adults. 

 Visitors were asked to stand during the announcements and were greeted with applause.  There was a reception for visitors (and another gift) after the service, but because we were in a time crunch I did not go there.  I may have a different view had I done that.

The general mood of the congregation was reverent, kind and joyful. There was clapping during the  gospel music and a few folks stood to enjoy the music.  I missed the presence of children and their spontaneity.  The bulletin asked that you put away all electronics., so I did not take pictures and the pictures in this blog are from their website (and of much greater quality!!) 

The bulletin gave no indication when to stand or sit.  I just followed the folks around me. There were Bibles in the pews but no hymnals. 

Music:
My Gospel music expectations at an African American church were more than exceeded. The Prelude was played on a grand piano and quieted the congregation (though the crowd was at least 10 times larger, it wasn't near as "chatty" as last Sunday).  The Call to Worship was sung by an all men's choir who provided two other "Ministry of Music" interludes during the service.  After the Prelude the musicians switched to an electronic organ, bass guitar and drum to lead the congregation and singers.  I was in awe of the pipe organ and disappointed that I did not get to hear it.

The Ministry of Music before the sermon was "I Made it Through" and included a rousing solo by a very talented member of the men's choir.

The only hymn printed in the bulletin  was the opening hymn "Lift Him Up" and the other hymns were sung by the congregation from memory, a daunting task for a visitor.  The men's choir led the congregation with poise and enthusiasm. Only a few  folks around me were actively singing, though many were clapping and actively enjoying the music.  During the Invocation and Intercessory Prayer,  music was played behind and "under" the speaker, building to a triumphant AMEN.

 Message:
There were many "nuggets" to be gleaned both in the prayers and in Rev. Sandra Caldwell-Williams' sermon.   Many points were made with touching humor and repetition .During the Intercessory Prayer,  on kindness and hospitality, the Deacon said, "If you were arrested for kindness, would there be enough evidence to convict you."    The lead up to the offertory prayer had another Deacon declaring "good news and bad news": that there was enough money in the treasury to pay off the mortgage and fund all of the outreach programs... unfortunately, it is still in your pockets!

Rev. Caldwell-Williams preached on Peter 4: 7-9 , entitling her sermon "Turn it Up".  As she emphasized the expectation of the End Times and return of Christ in Peter's letter, she cited the inaction of Congress to fund research to end the zika virus and 546 fatal police shootings since January, encouraging parishioners to "turn it up" and register to vote. (There were registration tables in the education wing.)  Parishioners were urged to "voice their choice" without specific choices being mandated, but obviously "understood."   I liked her call to turn up our prayer life and  "pray with expectation", knowing that God hears our prayers.  When discussing Peter's call to have fervent love and hospitality, she spoke about attitude.  "Even though you might "tic me off" today, I will still love you.   She also urged the members to serve in the church with hospitality and without complaints.  Near the end of the sermon there was an altar call or "Invitation to Christian Discipleship".  One woman went up I think (this was when I couldn't see).  Special prayers were said for her to help her in the next step of her faith journey.  She finished the sermon with "and I preach with my shoes off, because I'm standing on my own two feet!" 

Outreach and Other Interesting Things:

• I anticipated being moved most by the music at this church and while it was awesome, I think the Messages inspired me the most.
• After the sermon, there was a mass exodus for the exits.  Rev. Caldwell-Williams, had to call folks back for the Benediction!  
• The ushers were dressed in all white and wore white gloves.  I remembered this from a one other time I attended this church for a funeral (in the "old" Sanctuary across the street).  During the offering, the ushers would empty the plates into large leather boxes.  I'm not used to this large of a sanctuary and this much in the plates!  (I guess the "good new/bad news" worked!)
• The outreach in the bulletin,  emphasized their wellness programs.  There was help for Seniors in understanding Medicare and Medicare supplements, and a Medassist over-the-counter giveaway.  During announcements, a cancer survivor spoke and encouraged other survivors or caregivers to join a "CROSS" ministry and support group.  (CROSS was an anagram for Cancer Survivors, but I didn't quite catch all of the words.)
• This church likes to walk!  There was a Walk Team Ministry and a Jericho Prayer Walk: only 1/2 mile, but parishioners were encouraged to pray to tear down negative strongholds and build us up in a positive way, including prayers concerning social justice and the 2016 elections.  
• I have emailed the pastors of each of the churches I've visited and invited them to read my blog, this time I will also invite them to contact Catherine Armstrong and join the "We Walk Together" project.
• As far as I could tell I was the only white attendee at this service.  While there were nods of greeting and I felt welcome, no one engaged me in conversation.  This may be a component of it being such a large congregation.  And had I joined the 1st Timers reception after the service, I may have had a different experience, but the "mountains called"... We had planned an outing to Black Mountain.
• I was very impressed with the attendance at an 8 am service.  The 2000 seat Sanctuary was almost filled! ...at 8 am on a hot Sunday in August!

Bulletin:

 

Week 2: The Miracle on 5th Street

Where I Went and Why:
I went to Caldwell Presbyterian Church .  I had read about the church's miraculous turnaround in 2006 and have seen their vibrancy and community activism, attending several community meetings on school desegregation there.

Things to know if you want to go:
Caldwell is located near Presbyterian Hospital in the Elizabeth neighborhood at 1609 E. 5th St. near Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School (another church is also meeting in the school).  The church parking lot is very small, but there is parking at the school and on the street. Dress was "church casual".  I attended the 11 am. service, which was a blend of   traditional with some gospel and contemporary music. 

Reflections on Worship

Mood:  Greeting and Atmosphere

I arrived about 10 minutes early and folks were gathering in the Sanctuary.  The usher greeted me and between the Narthex and my seat, a woman gave me a political post card advocating voting for District Judge. This surprised me and caught me off guard. (I don't know that this was sanctioned by the church, but it was definitely condoned.)   The sanctuary was fairly noisy with many neighborly greetings and chatter.   My first impression was that Martin Luther King would have loved this church because it contradicted his comment that "11:00 is the most segregated hour in America."  The congregation was racially diverse.  

The Gospel Choir quieted the crowd  with a capella processional to We are Marching in the Light of God, both in African and English accompanied by a drum. During announcements, visitors were asked to stand and say where they were from.  I found this a little awkward, but liked the way that the whole congregation responded to each with a resounding "Welcome!" in unison.

The chattiness of the congregation returned during the Passing of the Peace.  The man in the pew behind me shook my hand and said, "Get ready, this goes on for a while!"  And another woman said, "We are a raucous bunch."  While this tradition has become quite popular in recent decades, I have never really embraced it.  To me it seems anything, but peaceful.  My understanding is that it originated as a way for folks to literally "make peace" or offer forgiveness and peacefulness to individuals in the community and leave any differences behind.  However it has been my experience that it breaks the reverence of the service and while most greetings are heartfelt, they  can sometimes seemed forced or superficial and are rarely used to offer forgiveness or reconciliation. 

The bulletin was easy to follow and there was a nursery, children's sermon and children's church. Directions to the nursery and bathrooms were printed on the back of the bulletin. Lemonade and cookies were served on the lawn after the service.

Music
Several references were made to the small choir and how their ranks were thin this morning. I was impressed with their processional and anthem, which they sang from memory without music in front of them and often without accompaniment.   They must really be amazing when at full strength!  The hymns except for the last one, were very traditional and the choir moved to face the congregation, truly leading us with their singing.  A piano and single drum were used throughout the service and the musicians were talented without being showy.

Message 
Rev. Cleghorn preached from the reading from Hebrews on faith.  I noticed that he began away from the pulpit when telling a story from his childhood and then used the pulpit when referring to the lesson and its message.  He had challenged the congregation in his weekly blog to say what faith meant to them in 6 words or less and used several of their responses.  A nugget that stood out to me that faith is a way of knowing we won't ever know it all.  The congregation clapped at the end of his sermon!  

Observations and Outreach:

• The Mood and Music were definitely the strength of this congregation for me.
• The Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service next week was highlighted in the bulletin along with  organizing a booth and march in the Gay Pride Parade and Festival
• The congregation has a coffee house called The Third Place and an Educate to Engage opportunity was highlighted in the bulletin there.  A group is reading The New Jim Crow about the incarceration industry, discussing a section or chapter each week.
• The parking lot also contained a community garden.
• This is a clapping congregation - at the end of each choir selection, the sermon, etc. In some congregations this can feel forced,  but this congregation seemed genuinely exuberant.
• The front of the bulletin said, "Caldwell Presbyterian Church Where crying babies are welcome".  I wondered if this was a political statement from last week, or just a welcoming phrase.  LOL
• I forgot to bring a check or cash for an offering, but they had flyer in the Narthex about giving on line and a skew in the bulletin.  I thought this was great for keeping track. 

Bulletin:

#1 THE CLAPBOARD CHURCH WITH THE RED DOORS

   Week 1:
  The Clapboard Church with the Red Doors

Deb in front of the first church she visited.  The beautiful red doors are open.

Where I Went and Why:

This week we are on vacation on Isle of Palms near Charleston, SC.  I've always admired this church as we drive by it, so I thought it would be a great first stop.  Truthfully, I thought about putting off my "quest" for a week since we were on vacation, but since I was up for the sunrise (one of my favorite parts of the beach),  and my family wasn't! It was an easy decision.

Things to know, if you want to go:

Its on the "main drag" (Palm Blvd.) as you drive through IOP from the bridge  toward Wild Dunes. Parking was plentiful and easy.  You can enter the front door or a side door where there are both steps and an elevator.  Dress is beach casual.  The guy in front of me and an usher had on shorts.  Sundresses were dominant among the women.  I went to the 8:30 am Traditional Worship.  There is a contemporary service at 9:15 and another traditional service at 11 am.

Reflections on Worship

Mood:  Greeting and Atmosphere

I was greeted several times before I found my seat with pleasant hellos and the Pastor spoke about welcoming visitors and vacationers during the morning announcements.  The bulletin was easy to follow.  There were several things especially for children:  wiggle bags, a nursery, and a children's message, though no children were there at 8:30 am to attend the prepared message.  They also advertised a SoundMate Personal Listening System for folks who have trouble hearing.

After the service, a parishioner noticed my note taking and she told me about the beautiful Pentecost banner.  She also took the picture of me in front of the church.

The banner and stain glass windows were beautiful.  

Music:

This was a very traditional service.  The music leader used both an organ and piano and sang a solo during the anthem.  The hymns were either familiar to me (Holy, Holy, Holy!  and O Spirit of the Living God) or sung to a familiar tune.  The prelude was beautiful and served to quiet the congregation.  The small, 5 member choir attempted an Anthem.  I was glad that the words were printed in the bulletin to help me focus.

Message:

I thought I was in for "fire and brimstone" when the reading was from Galatians 5 and emphasized acts of the flesh and fruits of the spirit!  But instead of preaching from the reading the pastor continued a themed set of sermons on the Trinity, specifically the Holy Spirit.  A fact he gave that stuck out to me was that the word "trinity" is not in the Bible.  But the nugget that has caused the most reflection for me was that the Holy Spirit is described as wind, or breath empowering you to do things you could not do on your own.  Often he described it as a "nudge" or "click" pointing you subtly or pointedly in a certain direction.  His personal stories intermingled with theology kept my attention.   

Outreach and Other Interesting things:

• During morning announcements, the Pastor asked everyone to get out their smart phones and "like" the church on Facebook, or tweet that they were at church!
• He also had his sermon on his tablet and used it for notes, not using the pulpit.
• The church had some interesting outreaches and activities:  a school supply/backpack appeal, ongoing operation Christmas Child, and the pastor is organizing a trip to the Holy Land. Two dancing opportunities were offered as activities:  line dancing on Monday and the Shag on Tuesday.  I was trying to figure out how he would juxtapose these with the Bible reading of the day!  A Loaves and Fishes appeal was directed specifically at  vacationers with a drop off point for food on Saturday when beach houses "flip".
• Visitors were given a gift:  a sand dollar with the religious interpretation printed on one side of a small insert and the church's information on the other.

The bulletin:

Can you tell I'm at the beach?  Bare feet under the table!!