#28 A BEAUTIFUL AND COMPELLING VOICE IN THE PULPIT

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
Having heard Rev. Amantha Barbee speak at several meetings on social justice, I sought out her church, Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
Statesville Avenue Presbyterian Church is a block off Statesville Avenue on Nevins Road, just outside of I-85.  Parking is plentiful and dress is a dressy church casual.  Rev.  Barbee had on a pant suit with her clerical collar, however more women were dressed in skirts.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD

The mood was reverential and welcoming.  Being one of 3 whites in the African American congregation, I probably stood out, but the welcoming of those around me seemed very sincere.  During the passing of the peace, it seemed that everyone greeted everyone in the congregation.  Upon asking my name, they invariably asked me to come and visit again.  One lady asked me where I usually worshiped.  When I replied that I was Lutheran, she looked surprised and said, "That is probably very different and interesting."  I said it was reciprocal.  LOL

MUSIC

The music was a blend of gospel and traditional hymns.  The Queen City Singers provided special music today with Erlene Hicks on bass guitar.  Mr. DJ Boyd, the music director played a grand piano and was able to move between traditional and gospel styles with ease.  The surprise to me was Rev. Barbee who ended her sermon by singing with the Queen City Singers "That's When He Blessed Me".  Her voice was beautiful and compelling.  She also did a duet with one of the singers, a special version of "You've Been So Faithful."

I found a YouTube video of her singing with the Queen City Singers.  I encourage you to listen, and you also see the inside of the pretty sanctuary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-EbK9bqnlY

MESSAGE

Rev. Barbee's prayers and sermon were a mix of theology and a "call to action."  In her prayers she prayed for those "seeking peace.  Guide us through reconciliation."  She also prayed for the ostracized and those that are "just" women, "just" black...."just" anything...that they may no longer be marginalized.  At the end of the sermon, song and prayer of invitation, two folks came up during the call.  Her individual (unheard) prayers with these folks were obviously heartfelt and included hugs and tears.

Her sermon was on Matthew 5:1-12, the Beatitudes.  Her opening prayer of the sermon was very humble:  "Hide me behind the cross, so that the only thing seen and heard is you, Lord."  The sermon was entitled "Blessed and Highly Favored". This is obviously a phrase used in her community in response to "How are you?"... "Blessed and highly favored".  Many in the congregation have adopted it, and like the Beatitudes she cautioned against it becoming so familiar, that it becomes a cliche.  She then went through the text emphasizing several points.  First she said that the context of the Beatitudes on the mountain, is a setting for a rabbi who expects his followers to listen with respect.   She expanded the meaning of "those who mourn" to include those who have lost not only loved ones, but jobs, health, dignity, etc.   She included "people mourning today because they cannot get on a plane and seek refuge here."  She cautioned us not to confuse "meekness with weakness" for the meek are those who work for justice behind the scenes.  And finally she equated righteousness with justice, and called us to action:  "if you're sick of it, do something about it."

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• Obviously I was moved by the Music and Message at this church and enjoyed the Mood.
• Many opportunities to serve were highlighted in the announcements including an Anti-HB2 rally organized by the Methodist Women on Monday at Marshall Park.  This was news to me and I researched it. I decided to attend.
• Also highlighted were $5 gift cards they are collecting for the children at Statesville Road Elementary School and a Bible Study on Ezekiel.
• The head of Christian Ed highlighted an opportunity for a community meeting they are sponsoring with police, a lawyer and a representative from Wells Fargo to help folks "go into communion before going into community - recalling past histories to meet ourselves and seek reconciliation." 
• The bulletin also highlighted an exercise through dance program and the program I've highlighted here before at Covenant Presbyterian "Charlotte's Wake up Call"
• When I couldn't find Rev. Barbee's email address, I asked Rev. Nancy Kraft if she had it... somehow I knew they were "2 peas in a pod"!  She sent it right away!

THIS WEEK'S EXTRAS:

Couldn't help but include a couple of cartoons on the Beatitudes:

At Rev. Barbee's urging I decided to attend the Anti-HB2 rally supported by the Methodist Women.  The most poignant moment was when a trans woman spoke and seemed a little nervous and searched for words, the entire group applauded and urged her on, enveloping her in acceptance.  We were all urged to contact our state representatives especially 

Tim Moore, the Speaker of the House 

919-733-3451

Tim.Moore@ncleg.net   Phil Berger,  President Pro Tempore of the Senate (919) 733-5708 Phil.Berger@ncleg.net Here are a few pictures:  Some of the art work was amazing Rev. Barbee speaking

The Bulletin:

#26 and #27 CELEBRATING LIFE AND GRIEVING TOGETHER

WHERE I WENT AND WHY:

This week I worshiped in 2 churches as I supported family in friends during their grief.  I  was in South Carolina and St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charlotte.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:
St. Peter's is at the corner of 7th and Tryon in uptown Charlotte.  Free parking is available with validation in the parking deck across 7th St.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MUSIC:

Music was not a major part of either service, though the hymns reflected the families and their faith.  Amazing Grace was sung at both services.At St. Peters we also sang a hymn based on the 23rd psalm, and processed to Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, all very fitting to the funeral of a 90+ year old.

ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

MOOD:

My friend Diane's mom, Bette, had lived a long and productive life only slipping into poor health in the last few years. Diane and I have commiserated  over elder care issues since my mom had Alzheimers several years ago. When one lives to be ninety one, you have probably out-lived most of your friends and the small group that gathered Friday at St. Peter's were there more to support Diane and her family.

MESSAGE:

The Rev. Ollie Rencher chose not to emphasize the Gospel reading from John about Jesus being the Good Shepherd instead described how his memories of Bette were most vivid at their first meeting when she shared both her love of family and her faith.  He came to know her as a "doer" constantly making sure everything was in order so that she could offer hospitality to friends and guests.  The Eucharist was included in the memorial service because it was always important to Bette along with prayer and scripture reading.  He asked us to think of our own faith journey.  Today  as we celebrate with joy and thanksgiving for Bette's life, he said that we could use her as a model in our own lives for kindness, hospitality and belief in the grace of eternal life through Christ.

OUTREACH AND OBSERVATIONS

This painting filled the entire wall above the chancel and altar at the SC Church

The mosaic of the ascending Christ at St. Peter's

• The outreach of both churches to the grieving families was very apparent.
• Both churches used art of the ascending Christ as their reardos, One as a larger-than-life painting, and St. Peter's in a beautiful mosaic.
• Both families chose to receive friends after the services.  This custom is much better than the  "visitation" that  was common to Southern funerals a few years ago.  It is much less taxing on the family.
• My prayer for both families is that they will remember the vital, happy times with their loved one and as they experience their grief, they will draw support from their faith, friends and families.

THIS WEEK'S EXTRAS
Usually I call this space a "funny" and put a cartoon or humorous article here.  Somehow that didn't seem appropriate to a blog about 2 funerals (tho there is no scarcity of "funeral cartoons" on Google!).  

However, going to funerals was not the only thing going on in my life this week.  On Wednesday David, Tommi, and I went to Covenant Presbyterian's lecture series on "Race, Culture, and Opportunity" and were challenged to think about implicit racism.  On Friday President Trump was inaugurated and on Saturday I was one of 10,000 women (and men, and children of all races!) to march in Charlotte, to make sure President Trump and everyone making policy knows that women's, racial, and gender equality and  justice are issues we care about and will speak up and out about. 

So in those two veins, I offer you these extras.  First Sunday morning I woke up (as you may have guessed this is my Sunday routine) to Krista Tippet's On Being.  She was interviewing Eula Biss "On Being White".  Here is a quote from the introduction that made me listen to the entire interview.  I thought the imagery was very poignant:  
"She reflected on race in America through the metaphor of going into debt while buying a house — how surprisingly comfortable debt can be in the right circumstances, and how easily we forget that we have not quite paid for what we feel we possess."

You can listen to or read the entire interview at http://www.onbeing.org/program/eula-biss-lets-talk-about-whiteness/9147

And as far as the march goes... a few pictures speak more eloquently than I ever could.  I especially liked the pictures and signs of the children (even if they were helped and guided by loving adults)... and Elaine and I were a little silly walking back and took this picture of me by the police car (thank you, men and women in blue who kept us safe!!... and I did thank them several times along the route!!)... When we texted it to David... he replied, "I'll bail you out tomorrow!!"  LOL

Even the parking decks were full of folks!

Elaine persuaded me to go .. here we are near Tryon St..
The guy who took the pic was TALL

#25 A HALLELUJAH FROM CALVARY

WHERE I WENT AND WHY:

With Dad's death occurring during the holidays, I have been attending "comfortable" familiar congregations that would provide me with somewhat familiar liturgy.  With the new year, it was time to branch out and get out of my comfort zone.  While I have never worshiped at Calvary, it is hard to live in Charlotte for 30+ years and not know about the "pink castle or crown" in South Charlotte.  During my years working at CPCC and the Carlton Watkins Center, I did have several negative experiences with their preschool around the inclusion of children with special needs and their rejection of a co-worker to lead a class there for the preschool staff because of her Catholic faith.  So it was with some "baggage" that I went there, but with hopes of seeing a different side, and having a different experience.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:

My idea of Calvary, was a mega-church with multiple services.  They have only one service on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. and another at 6 pm on Sunday night.  It is located on Highway 51 at the corner of Rea Road. Parking was plentiful even though the church was about 2/3 full.  They have a "new here" portal on their website that says  "most people tend to wear business casual, but there’s always a wide range from ties to jeans".  That site also has tabs about beliefs, Sunday School, nursery, directions, etc.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD:

Arriving a few minutes before the start of the service, I was drawn to the chapel by both the sound of the pipe organ and ample signage.  The folks in front of me were "first-timers" too and were friendly and introduced themselves.  The middle school pastor came and sat beside me and talked to the others about adult education opportunities after the worship.  Several folks introduced themselves and welcomed me on my way out.  There was no bulletin, just a pamphlet of announcements, however everything you needed was on the big screens.

MUSIC:

This was my biggest and most pleasant surprise.  Twice the congregation sang two hymns, the first being a very traditional hymn, and the second a more contemporary one.  Words to all 4 appeared on the huge monitors flanking the chancel.  There was a FULL orchestra including brass, woodwinds, stings, a grand piano, organ, contemporary keyboard,and  tympani!  The more than 75 member choir lead the congregation in street clothes along with four singers and a music leader miked in front.  During the offertory, a youth choir performed and then led the congregation in a reprise of a contemporary hymn.  The congregation clapped after each hymn, and while it had a performance, vs. worship feel to it, I appreciated the mix of traditional and contemporary music.

Then came the big surprise.  At the end of the service and sermon on Christ's second coming in Revelation, the adult choir returned and did an amazing performance of the Hallelujah Chorus with the orchestra!  It was as good as any professional choir and orchestra that I have heard, and fit with the sermon.

MESSAGE:

I had read on the website that this Sunday would be a continuation of a sermon series on Revelation  and I was prepared for "fire, brimstone, and Rapture."  Instead I got a fairly scholarly lecture about the Second Coming along with a timeline and study notes.  While, not without passion, Dr. Munro's delivery in his Scottish brogue,  felt more like a theology professor.  He did preach about God's sorting and judgment without "fire and brimstone", choosing instead to emphasize Christ's Second Coming and contrast it with his First.  Most folks did not recognize Christ as a King and without political power, Jesus was rejected by all but his most loyal followers.  This, he proclaimed will be turned upside down at the Second Coming which will be "the most dramatic event in all human history."   While using Revelation 11:15-19 as his primary text, he also referenced, Luke, Isaiah, Daniel, Zachariah, and Corinthians.  At the end of the sermon, he concluded, "And all God's people said..".and the congregation responded "Hallelujah" instead of Amen.  This led beautifully into the choir and the Hallelujah Chorus.

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• Of the mood, music, and message, the music obviously stood out the most to me at this church.  
• The pastor's sermon was completely Biblical.  While I'm sure this was on purpose and true to the church's philosophy, I think the book of Revelation needs both historical and cultural context for a more complete understanding.  I was stunned when during the sermon the pastor encouraged folks to buy a Bible in the translation used at the church along with CD's of earlier sermons on Daniel in their bookstore.  I don't think I've had a sermon with an advertisement before! (The pastor did respond to my draft and emphasized that the book store sells the Bibles at a discount.)

• When entering the sanctuary  for the first time, it is hard not to be awed by the size with TWO balconies that surround the chancel on 3 sides.

• I was pleased to see several folks in wheel chairs and places set aside for them.  After my experience with their preschool, this was a welcoming surprise.

• All of the announcements in the pamphlet were about educational opportunities or about serving in the church.  The closest thing to outreach was a "Hearts and Hammers!" ministries that helps congregants and some in the community with home maintenance and repairs.  I would have expected more outreach opportunities to be highlighted with this large of a community (several thousand today).  More opportunities are on their website, but none were highlighted today.

• Today is #25 of 50!!  I'm 1/2 way there!!!!

• I'm not sure why the formatting came with a white background on about 1/2 of the blog today... I tried multiple "fixes" and couldn't get it uniform!

TODAY'S FUNNY:

I returned to Ship of Fools for this week's humor.  With Russia being in the news constantly for the last few weeks, this really struck me as funny.  I really like the last line..."It's not quite clear was this game devoted to teach Christianity or to show the flaws of the concept."  Sounds like it does neither well!!  And before we get too "holier than thou"...we have some pretty snarky items available in both regular stores and religious ones!!  (see Blog # 5)

The "bulletin":

# 24: GOING TO CHURCH IN MY JAMMIES!

WHERE I WENT AND WHY:
A snowy and icy Sunday brought me to Plan D.  I was looking forward to a 2nd Christmas with the Greek Orthodox Church, but got snowed out on Saturday.  Then I considered walking to St. Peter's Episcopal, but they cancelled services because of the snow and cold.  I considered walking up to First Presbyterian, but with the temperature in the teens, I decided to see what it is like to experience church via TV.  First Presbyterian broadcasts their 11 am service each Sunday.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:
Well if you're at home, a fire and jammies cures the "what to wear" dilemma AND takes care of the cold!! LOL Plus there are no driving or parking issues!  First Presbyterian is broadcast on WSOC.  I checked TV Guide and it seemed to be the only church where the service was broadcast as it is in the house of worship.  There are a few other churches that "live-stream" but this was easier.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD:

The mood by the fire was very cozy!  However I missed contact with other worshipers.  The pastor did welcome video viewers at least twice.

'

MUSIC:

The music leader used the pipe organ and the choir sang 2 anthems, one a Capella.  One of the interesting things about watching the service on TV was they often had close-ups of the choir and organist.

Close up of organist
The "beep" of the weather announcement was REALLY annoying!

 The downside was I missed any prelude or postlude that was played.  Also since I didn't have a bulletin or Presbyterian hymnbook here, I could not follow the music.  Participating by myself would have been a little awkward (I've mentioned before how I need help staying on key!).  It would have been nice if the words to the liturgy and hymns had appeared on the screen.  I just read on their website that it was broadcast with SAP, that may have solved the problem, though usually that is a beat behind.  Perhaps an "SAP announcement" at the beginning would be helpful.

MESSAGE:

I appreciated the words of the confessional when the Associate Pastor emphasized that Christ did not wait to come to us when we "had it figured out" but in the midst of our sin and confusion, bringing us Grace.

Rev. Pen Perry continued the theme of grace in the second of his sermon series entitled "The Things We Always Say:  By Grace You Have Been Saved."  He used as his text Ephesians 2: 1-10  He emphasized that when Paul pronounced we are "dead to sin" it means all of us are sinful and we cannot "get a pass" for small sins.  The flip of this death is the gift of Grace from God through Jesus.  This gift is free and not dependent on our control.  However when we accept this gift, faith takes root and grows.  While theologically, his sermon felt sound, it would have been nice if he had included a few examples of practical ways to respond to God's Grace.

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• The service included the Baptism of  Gentry Glen Allen, an infant who became a Child of God with gusto, crying the entire time!.  The pastor mentioned that some of his family members could not be present because of the weather, but were also watching via video.  He used the Baptism as a children's sermon, allowing the children to come to the front pew.  I liked how he personalized the call of the congregation to support the child with the children, giving the children examples of ways to support Gentry by helping him in Sunday School, making him feel welcome etc.
• I seldom comment on the flowers, but it was hard to miss that the altar flowers were orchids.  Not something I typically see.

• The severe weather ribbon that WSOC broadcast during an anthem was completely unnecessary and was very annoying.  They were broadcasting a full news and weather report less than 10 minutes later.
• With no bulletin, and the broadcast not including announcements, it is hard to comment on outreach.  The website highlights Room in the Inn,  volunteering at Westerly Hills School, Loaves and Fishes, and Habitat.
• While watching a service on TV is a comfortable substitute for being there, it is not the same.  Besides missing the personal interaction with other parishioners, I also missed music and announcements. I was also a little chagrined to see a few of my neighbors braving the cold in the congregation. 
• One of the advantages of attending a church that is broadcast, is that it starts on time and ends on time... not so here... While it began on time, the broadcast just stopped at 11:55 (during the offertory) and concluded with a pre-taped  message from the pastor about the video ministry.

THIS WEEK'S FUNNY:

I enjoyed this Lutheran quiz on Facebook this week.  I got 100%... bet  many of you will too!

https://www.women.com/marlene/quiz-if-you-can-get-a-10-slash-15-on-this-hymnal-quiz-you-must-be-lutheran

#23 From Christmas to Easter in One Week!

WHERE I WENT AND WHY:
New Year's Day found me at our newly named mountain house, Park's Peak.  Dozens of small clapboard Baptist churches dot the NC mountains.  I have always been curious about them.This one, Bald Mountain Baptist Church is about a mile from our house. Bald Mountain is the closest peak we view from Shumont Mountain (aka Park's Peak).

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:
Bald Mountain Baptist does not have a web site (not to be confused with the Bald Head Mountain Baptist in West Jefferson who does), so I had to rely on the sign out front that promised worship on Sunday at 11 am.  It is located on Bald Head Mountain Road, but is visible from Shumont Road off Highway 9 near Bat Cave (and is the closest church to Park's Peak!)  Parking was very plentiful and while dress was casual, all of the women (except me!) had on skirts.  No one said anything, and I hope I didn't offend anyone.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD:
The mood of this church was its biggest asset. With only 15 folks attending today (including 4 children), I met everyone!  As the service continued, it became obvious that while small this is a very caring community, quick to recognize parishioners efforts and pray and care for each other.  There was no bulletin, only a prayer list on about every other pew.  Obviously, the community contains many more folks.

Prayer list

After an opening prayer, the pastor recognized that Eli, a 5 year old sitting in front of me was present and he said, "I know its no longer Christmas and Advent, but Eli did not get a chance to light the candles.  Eli, would you like to come up and light them?"  He was then encouraged to sing, "May the Circle be Unbroken" and "Zachaeus".    During the prayers (opening, offertory, and ending), the pastor would ask for concerns and then ask parishioners to offer up their own prayers, which they willingly did.  This is obviously a common practice and was a indication to me of their genuine concern and caring for each other in their faith community.   They also decided not to hold hands during prayer as is their custom, because too many folks had potential colds.

MUSIC:
Two hymns were sung a Capella.  We were led by Louise, the Pastor's wife.  There was a piano present and 2 large speakers, so there is accompaniment sometime.  The first was unfamiliar to me, but used an easy to sing old melody.  We ended the service with "Blest Be the Tie that Binds", a song very fitting to the community. 

MESSAGE:

Pastor Paul Rape delivered his sermon from braille notes which sometimes gave him a halting delivery, though it was evident he had command of the material.  I was surprised by the text:  Luke 24: 1-12, the women finding the empty tomb.  It was as if we had jumped from Christmas to Easter in just one week!   But Christians should celebrate Christmas and Easter everyday!  The congregation was obviously in a sermon series on Luke and this was the next text for study!  (They are doing Joel next).  As he went through the text he brought it alive to the congregation by looking at the events from various points of view.  The one I liked best was his musing about what the angels were doing and thinking as they waited for someone (the women) to show up.  Being from Heaven, were they curious about tombs and death?  But the nugget that I took away was from the very beginning when he talked about how the women knew that there would be obstacles at the tomb (rolling the heavy stone away, etc.) but they went anyway with determination to do what they felt like they had to do.  He charged us all to be like that.  So often we get a little pebble in our way and back off, rather than let God help us remove the obstacle.  We need the women's determination and faith.

Rev. Rape's colloquialisms were often charming.  Once he suggested that had we been in the Apostles' position we would be "lost as a goose in a hail storm."  And another time when talking about the Apostles resistance to believe the women he equated it to teenagers rebelling and said, "How many of had to be hit over the head with a 2 by 4, before we came to our senses?!"

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

My neighbors on Park's Peak or Shumont Mountain

• No formal programs of outreach were highlighted in the announcements, but the way they talked about folks in the congregation, helping the sick, thanking those who had served at Christmas was so sincere, I felt their "outreach" was in caring for each other.
• In introducing myself I mentioned our vacation house a mile away.  They said they often refer to us as "summer people", but gave me credit for being there in January!  
• My preconceived notion of a very conservative, "fire and brimstone" atmosphere was mostly ill conceived.  While I think it is a very conservative community, I was very welcome, and impressed with their gentle, caring nature.  I encountered no "fire and brimstone"... in fact just the opposite.
• I did encounter one curious point of theology.  The pastor said in passing that the women were not "adorned by the Holy Spirit" when it came.  That is not exactly my understanding, but it made me think, and I'll have to study more on that. (addendum:  I asked my pastor-friend Nancy about it, pointing out that even in Joel, whom Peter refers to at Pentecost,  the Spirit is predicted to come to slaves, men and women. And your "sons and daughters shall prophesy." Her reply was how about Mary, the mother of Jesus?  You don't get much more "adorned" than that! Either I'm researching different passages or we'll have to agree to disagree on this one!)
• Two brothers sat in front of me with their children, one (Andrew?) said he could see my front porch from his house and I kept disagreeing with him.  We can't see any houses from our front porch.  Later at home I realized that he is seeing our "back" deck, which is where our mountain view is, and from his perspective would look like a front porch.  Its all in your point of view (and having leaves off the trees!)

THIS WEEK'S FUNNY:

Speaking of the Angels' point of view....

No bulletin this week...