#33 St. Mattress on the Mountain

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
I had been longing to visit St Mattress on the Mountain for some time now.  This Sunday it just fit perfectly.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
St. Mattress is located on the top of Shumont Mountain near Bat Cave and Lake Lure.  Just follow the signs to Park's Peak.  There is ample parking in the circular drive but beware, a sensor will alert the parishioners with a motion sensor doorbell if  you arrive late or unannounced.  Being secluded on the peak, dress is optional, but flannel tends to be a trend by the fire on cold mornings.

REFLECTIONS ON "WORSHIP"

MOOD

Deliciously lazy is one way to describe my time with St. Mattress.  But the discussion over a pot of coffee and the newspaper was also very stimulating.

MUSIC

Music was provided by WDAV.  Their selections of Bach and Mozart on Sunday morning was the perfect backdrop to enjoying the architecture of St. Mattress during the sunrise.  Later it was a the perfect accompaniment to The Observer on line and brunch.

MESSAGE

The text for the day was Genesis 2:2 "...and He rested on the seventh day from all the work He had done."  I believe a respite is needed within all projects.  This Sunday, Dave and I enjoyed a lazy morning, brunch and the beauty of the mountain view.  God can definitely be found in the sunrise between the lacy branches outside our bedroom window and as it bounces with pinks and oranges against  the blue mountain vista beyond our back deck.  Reading the paper together with a pot of coffee and a roaring fire provided ample topics for discussion from what is the best way to use tax dollars for incentives to economic development to combating racism and how should representatives most effectively talk to their constituents.  We outlined at least two topics for potential letters to the editor!  Then we moved from the loft to the unfinished basement exchanging ideas for renovations.  All in all a productively lazy morning!

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• I am proud that I've come  over 3/5's of the way through this project without using a "day off".  With Lent starting this week, I should have some extra opportunities for worship.
• I met a very atypical Baptist pastor at Sierra Nevada Brewery and we discussed my project over a beer!  (Was this my outreach?)
• With only 17 churches left in my "50 churches" I need to revisit my lists and prioritize the ones I have not yet visited.
• I'm beginning to think of "next steps" after I finish my challenge of visiting 50 churches.  Where will I "land"?  What have I learned? How will it change how I live out my faith?
• One thing is for certain:  I'm paying attention more in church than I ever did!!
• What will be my next project?

THIS WEEK'S EXTRAS (Do you really need more?  LOL)

These two church signs had my number this week!

#32 SHOUTIN' FOR JOY FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS!

The golden black angels have always fascinated me

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
The United House of Prayer for All People has always fascinated me.  Their houses of worship are very architecturally interesting and I knew that they hosted Shout Bands of trombones, bass horns, drums and other instruments.  The one nearest me by Panthers Stadium does not have Sunday worship during the football season, so I had been delaying my visit.  Today was the day.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
The United House of Prayer for all People is located at 1019 S. Mint Street a block away from Panther's Stadium, just outside I-277. Parking was plentiful with no game in progress. The front door is only open for their Bishop and you must enter from a side door.  The service started at 11 am and was still going when I left at 1:30!  Women must wear dresses or skirts.  Men must wear ties.  They serve a hot meal before and after (and maybe during) the worship.  My friend Elaine and I have eaten there several times during the week.  Its a "meat and 3" type of place with great food.  A full meal is only $8.

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD

The mood went from awkward to exuberant in a flash!  When I arrived about 10:55 the Sanctuary was locked and I went down to the cafeteria to ask if there would be a service at 11.  I met the pastor on the stairs and he escorted me in and said that the service was about to start.  I briefly told him about my project.  For the first 15 minutes it was just me and this nice young man at a microphone, reading scripture, praying and singing.  Then after about 15 minutes folks began to come in.  The singing and clapping began and soon 2 Shout Bands were gathered one to the right and another to the left of the Chancel.  Their exuberance was infectious and one couldn't help but feel the rhythm and smile.  Several of the women would work themselves into a frenzy and "speak in tongues".  Other women would come around them and keep them from falling and escort them back to their seats.  

MUSIC

This worship experience is definitely built around the music.  I had heard about the Shout Bands and had seen them marching in a few parades, so I expected the trombones and bass horns and drums.  I had no idea of the intensity of the music.  The pews were literally vibrating and the gospel/jazz was amazing.  Think about the bands you hear on the Square after events at Blumenthal and then multiply this by at least 10!  Each band would have about 8 trombones circled around a drummer with a few bass horns or baritones, and tambourines for good measure.  And there were 2 of them!  There were about 30 people in the congregation and at least that many or more musicians.  There were times when I felt like the drummers were the bravest folks there, for I couldn't see how the trombones avoided "goosing them" with their slides!  These pictures are not of the service I attended, but are similar to my experience and I think the YouTube video is in Charlotte but at another church.  It will give you a feel of the experience!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIs11RK_dAE&list=PL-jlEfiCUk23_eLzYadczPOuY7Chz_hRP&index=4

MESSAGE

While most of the message was in the joy of the music, Apostle Reid preached on Acts 6:1-7.  He had a "reader" who would read a verse, and then he would repeat it and expound upon it and then he would shout "READ" and the reader would read another verse and so on.  The cadence was mesmerizing.  The title was "You can receive results listening to God."  In this passage 7 disciples led by Stephen are selected to do the work of the church so that the apostles can continue to devote themselves to prayer and serving the word.  The preacher equated this to the organization of the church.  He spoke at length about their Bishop, Precious Daddy Bailey and how he was chosen by God to lead them.  He is their mediator between the people and God, "wrapped in Jesus". (I read that they believe in a succession of leaders and that there is only one leader at a time, and they claim a direct line from Moses to Daddy Bailey.)  The whole message had a Prosperity Gospel tone with phrases like" If I listen, everything will be all right."  And, "Anybody here need a blessing? If you do right by God, God will do right by you. Just listen and there is no struggle between right and wrong."  

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• In this church the offering is a march, with folks lining up at the back of the church, coming forward with their offerings and tithes  to place them in plates at the front while the bands played.  This happened once for tithes and later they took up another offering, a "love gift march" to Daddy Bailey' birthday. Only a few people marched and I must admit, I gave my offering to a teenager sitting in front of me and asked her to march it up front.
• One thing emphasized was that none of the United House of Prayer buildings have a mortgage and that the money is collected before it is built.
• The service began with "Testimonial Services".  While the band played several people including children, got up and shared what they were thankful for.
• There was a large white leather chair, wrapped in plastic in the center of the chancel on a podium.  I think it was a special place for the Bishop when he visits.  There were also 2 pulpits, one in the the center, used by the preacher and another larger white one closer to the white chair, again I am thinking for the Bishop, should he come and preach.
• Most of the announcements were about an upcoming "Whirlwind Revival" called by the Bishop (2 letters read from him) that would be happening all the following week.  The emphasis was on the "grave danger the world is in, no matter what the president says. And to help us to get along."
• Every time the name of the Bishop "Precious Daddy Bailey" was invoked, the people would clap and say "Amen".
• I understand that there is a convocation in the summer with a "battle of the bands" on Beatties Ford Road.  I would like to hear that.
• There is no way to convey the exuberance of this congregation in writing.  It is all very experiential. 
• I've often said I want one of the New Orleans Jazz/Funeral bands at my funeral... the Shout Bands are better!
• I try not to compare churches here and let each experience stand on its own.  But it was hard not to think about the contrast between the silence of the Quakers last week with the LOUD Shout Band this week.  To me this just says that in our country, folks are encouraged to find the way to worship that speaks to them the best.  There are many paths to God and I'm grateful to be experiencing this many faceted quilt.
• There were no hymn books and no printed materials.

THIS WEEK'S EXTRA:

Believe me!  No one was going to sleep this week, even after 2 1/2 hours!

#31 SILENCE WITH SOME SPICES

To regular readers:  I'm posting twice this week.  This is the second post.  I also visited a mosque on Friday.  See #30.

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
Having visited a mosque on Friday, my Sunday was "free".  I decided to visit my old neighborhood out near the University and experience a Quaker or Friends' meeting.  It also made it easy to meet my Advent friends for lunch afterward!

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
The Charlotte Friends' Meeting is at 570 West Rocky River Road in the Newell Community of Charlotte, near UNCC.  Dress was church casual and there was plenty of parking.  The meeting starts at 10 am and there is a forum at 11:45.  (I did not stay for the forum.)

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD

The mood was very welcoming.  I was warmly greeted upon entering by a woman named Charlotte.  She noticed I was new and asked me why I chose to come.  I told her briefly about my project and later during announcements, she and another woman sitting beside me encouraged me to tell the whole group about my 50 churches project.

MUSIC

Though there was a piano in the corner and songbooks (I think) on a shelf, there was no music at this meeting.

MESSAGE

I had read about Quaker or Friends Meetings and knew that there would be no organized message.  The custom is to meet in silent reflection with members speaking or reading something as they feel inclined to do so. This was very similar to the Baha'i tradition except with more silence and no singing.  Plus everything was in English.  When I entered the square room set up in 3 concentric squares of chairs about 14 folks were present, and their numbers grew to about 30.  Charlotte was quick to point out that footstools were available for short folks, and I noticed that several afghan type blankets were stacked on the extra chairs for participants to use.  The wooded setting and large windows made full use of the natural setting.  Young children were dismissed after about 15 minutes to a children's program.  I had also read that the spiritual time would be over when a designated member rose and shook hand with those nearby. I must admit I looked around several times and speculated on who that might be!  

During the 45-50 minutes of silence, three members rose to speak for about 5 minutes each.  Many in the group had joined the Moral March in Raleigh the day before and as they contemplated  this experience, they rose to share.  One spoke about how Dr. Barber had given a shout out to the Quakers about their support during abolitionist  times.  She combined this with Byron Stevenson's drawing of slavery, Jim Crow, and now mass incarceration (some say this is the modern day Jim Crow) in his film Thirteen.  She wondered aloud if she had the "grit" her Quaker ancestors had.  

Another talked about the "Quaker process" at work in the world as he had been given the charge to draw up a contract to use with the Church of God to jointly share their building.  He talked about how his original document went through many good changes as his Quaker and the Church of God friends reviewed it.  Crafting together they came up with something much better than the original  He then brought this to the Moral March:  "none of us have to have all of the answers by ourselves.  Each can contribute."

Another person rose and talked about how large and small the 80,000 person group felt yesterday.  Large to gather with many like-minded folks; and small and overwhelming knowing that many in power. and in our communities, disagreed with their stands.  But she was encouraged that by doing something, even small things, they were showing commitment to change.

• The "After Thoughts and/or Announcements" even had a spiritual bend.  One woman, a yoga instructor talked about  taking care of ourselves so that we have enough to share.  Two others stood and expressed joy at being there or help in their spiritual journey.

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• The Quaker Testimonies above outline their principles with the anagram "SPICES":  Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship.
• During announcements several meeting were highlighted, and folks asked for the sick to be lifted up.
• As the announcements were starting the children returned with a riot of balloon sculptures that had been made for them during Sunday School.  It brought a bright levity to the room!
• They are doing Room in the Inn and volunteers were solicited.
• The Newsletter and Friends Journal were highlighted to "get you out of your comfort zone" and find ways to participate in peaceful opportunities.
• After the meeting, the community was going to meet a second time for a Forum.  Today's speakers were on the topic "Stop Torture" and were going to speak about NC's role in CIA torture and how accountability and transparency could be achieved.
• One of my former co-workers and supervisor had been a member of the Friends Meeting and I always admired her comfort with silence and how she sought consensus with our team, though I will admit as a "straight-line-get-it-done" type of person, I sometimes found it frustrating too!! LOL
• When I began to travel during the last 10 years of my career, one of the things I learned (after 50 years!) was how to be alone and how to be comfortable with silence.  I have found that a real gift.
• Though I will admit to feeling a little fidgety with the prolonged silences.  I think I could get used to them, and would probably become more mindful of my spirituality.  However the liturgical tradition is so ingrained in me, that I know that is how I need to practice my faith.  But I admire the Friends' simplicity and call to live out their desire for Peace.

THIS WEEK'S EXTRAS

Given the joy expressed with the children I think (hope!) that the Friends can appreciate 2 of the Quaker cartoons I found on Google.  I know that my friend  must have often felt that our staff meetings were like "herding cats"... and the other described a few of my fidgety feelings this morning.

#30 VISITING A MOSQUE

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
After a false start last week, I was determined to try and visit a mosque for this journey.  Last week I tried to visit the Majid Ash-Shaheed, for the Solidarity in Prayer service that was highlighted in the paper.  When I got there I was told the paper had the time wrong and to come back at 2:30 pm.  When I came back, the regular service was over and no one knew about a 2:30 service.  Obviously there was miss communication.  So today I decided to visit the English Baiyan Friday Jummah prayers at the Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte at 1:30 pm on Friday afternoon.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
The Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte is at 7025 The Plaza a few blocks north of Milton Road. It is one of about a half dozen mosques or majids in Charlotte.   Parking was plentiful.  Women enter on the side of the building and must wear pants or a long skirts, long sleeves and cover their heads.  There is a place to leave your shoes upon entering. Their website has a good q&a about visiting the mosque.  See it at http://isgcharlotte.com/contact-us/visiting-isgc/visiting-a-mosque/  

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD

When I arrived I noticed that the women were entering by a side door so I followed them.  About 10 women were in a room with ornate carpeting.  Their numbers grew to about 30 before the end of the service.  Some were in lines praying and other were seated in chairs either pulled into the lines or along the back.  I whispered to the woman sitting beside me that this was my first time to a mosque and she was very welcoming and gave me direction several times. 

MUSIC

There was no music except for a Cantor (?) who sang a few of the prayers.

MESSAGE

After about 10 minutes during which the women offered silent prayers of their own either kneeling or with beads similar to a Rosary, the Iman came on the TV screen in front and offered a lecture in English.  He recognized that these are dangerous times and there are legitimate safety concerns in the community due to a lack of trust.  He exhorted the community not to worry for Allah is with them.  He said in times of difficulty and panic, we should not rely on our own strength. While we should lock our doors and be prudent, protection and security ultimately comes from Allah. He reminded the community that Muslims have survived and prospered for 1400 years.  We should be mindful of Allah.  To be mindful means that seek His protection, and to be aware of what makes Him happy and live our lives accordingly.  In good times we are grateful and in bad times we are patient. (I really liked that last sentence.)

Then common prayers were said/sung by the cantor and the women participated corporately, bowing and kneeling in unison and repeating some of the prayer in Arabic.

The final prayers were a mixture English and Arabic and included a corporate confession, prayers for the sick (make it easy for them), and help us to be good role models for our children.

OUTREACH AND OBSERVATIONS

• Above is some general information about Islam that was on the website of the Islamic Center.  I apologize that it is small, but it was as good as this program and my ability to "copy and paste" could do.  You can also see it at http://isgcharlotte.com 
• I definitely felt like a "fish out of water" and hope that I remained respectful.  I had made several email inquiries asking for a "worship buddy" with no success.  That would have been helpful.  I was glad that I had attended a Sunday School class at Advent Lutheran a few months ago where an Iman explained Muslim prayers and basic tenants.
• The prayers were all in Arabic and a few of the women had Quarans with them.  The rituals were beautiful and reminded me a little of the Catholic Rosary in that the prayers are memorized and said in a certain way and with prescribed body postures.
• The separation of the sexes didn't bother this feminist as much as I thought it would.  Having been a teenager, taught young people, and parented 2 of them, I know how distracting having the sexes together can be.  However, I was more curious.  I wanted to know what the men were doing and be able to listen and join their discussions afterward.  I would be curious to know what, if any, voice women have in the operation of the mosque.
• During the announcements a Family night was highlighted when separate sessions would be held simultaneously for young men, young girls  and grown women.  Topics ranged from setting cultural limits for the young men, building character for the girls and being mindful of Allah for the women.
• Members were encouraged to buy food and contribute to the mosque and to a fundraiser for Syrian refugees, though I did not see where to contribute.  I was able to contribute on line on their website.
• Submissions to a Muslim film festival were being accepted.
• At the smaller majid last week there was a bazaar type atmosphere with folks selling smoked chicken and baseball caps in the parking lot and more tables set up in the first room of the center.

THIS WEEK'S EXTRA

You've heard me talk in the space often about On Being with Krista Tippett on NPR.  She is coming to Charlotte on April 2 at First Presbyterian Church.  There are only about 100 tickets left as of this writing.  Get yours quickly if you want to join me.  They are $10.    Reserve them here:  http://www.firstpres-charlotte.org/first-presbyterian-church-charlotte-1.php

Some friends of mine on a "Wild Women's Weekend at Lutheridge, the Lutheran retreat center just posted this on Facebook.  Obviously, I am both Lutheran and Catholic!! LOL

To access the test go to https://www.women.com/alex/quiz-if-you-can-get-a-10-slash-10-on-this-gospel-quiz-you-must-be-catholic?utm_source=wdc_fb&utm_medium=FBsharerbutton&utm_campaign=20170211

THERE WAS NO BULLETIN OR PRINTED MATERIALS

#29 FINDING BEAUTY IN MUSIC, ART, AND LITERATURE

WHERE I WENT AND WHY
After a false start on Friday (see a future blog, #30?), I decided to go to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte.  I had read about their leader, Jay Leach and knew the building by its preschool, Open Door.  Open Door was one of Charlotte's first integrated preschools and has a reputation in town of being a place where young children are allowed to blossom through play.  I had consulted with them through CPCC and when I worked in inclusion of children with special needs.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte is at 234 North Sharon Amity Rd.  just east of the intersection of Sharon Amity and Randolph Rd. in Cotswold.  Enter their parking lot via Hardwick and Gaynor Roads.  Parking was an issue, with many folks parking on the adjacent neighborhood streets.  I took advantage of "visitor parking."  Dress was church casual.  I arrived about 5 minutes before the service, but was asked to enter quietly from the rear as the prelude (a Native American Flute Duet) had already begun.  

REFLECTIONS ON WORSHIP

MOOD

The flutists set a very quiet and reverential tone which continued throughout the service.  Music, art, and periods of quiet were used to set the mood.  During announcements visitors were asked to raise their hands and a visitors table and "meet and greet" were held after the service.  Young children were dismissed after a children's choir offering and large print bulletins and hearing devices were available.  

Art was also used to set the mood of the service with 18 works by Canadian artist Emily Carr projected on the large screen.  They were titled in the "Service Notes" of the bulletin.  Here are two I pulled from Wikipedia:

MUSIC

Music was an integral part of the service.  The hymns were unfamiliar to me, but the tunes were either familiar or easy to follow.  Accompaniment was with a grand piano.  Several "musical offerings" were included including 2 Native American pieces on flute and drum and a beautiful Native American song sung with terrific harmony and quiet finesse by the children's choir.  Later a duet by Rachmaninoff was expertly played by the pianist and a violinist. A drummer accompanied the flutists and was an undertone during 2 of the readings. 

MESSAGE

The message was delivered through 2 readings, personal reflection, and a homily.  The theme of the service was "The Other Way to Listen", and the first reading (The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall) chronicled an old man teaching a younger man to listen to nature.  Most of the imagery was from nature such as corn growing, cactus blooming in the dark and hearing the hills sing.  .I laughed to myself about the corn growing analogy, as my brother in law, a frustrated lawyer who wanted to be a farmer, used to show us videos of his corn growing, and I'm sure he HEARD it!  And I experienced night blooming cactii in Arizona and the  hummingbird-like moths that pollinate them are one of the most exquisite sights I've seen.  In the second reading, "The Silence of the Stars" from Traveling Light  chronicled native people helping Vanderpost "hear" stars.  In the homily Rev. Jay Leach spoke of Robinson Jeffers (American poet, 1887-1962) who disgruntled with the politics of the day wrote in solitude on the California coast.  He comes to appreciate the "the divinely superfluous beauty" of the hills and oceans. It will endure after our voices are gone.  Rev. Leach encouraged us to listen beyond the cacophony of the world and to have faith to enact that to which we can give our whole hearts.  He encouraged us to post beautiful things (#DefiantBeauty) on Facebook to counteract the divisiveness that abounds there. 

After the homily and during the Offertory (a beautiful piano piece by George Winston)  parishioners came forward to light a candle of "celebration, concern or remembrance".   During this time we were encouraged to hold the music with silent respect, much as we did the message.  This seemed almost like Communion to me with the reverent procession of people and the unspoken prayers or concerns.

OBSERVATIONS AND OUTREACH

• Above is a summary from their national website of their 7 Principles.  I must admit that I know very little about Unitarian Universalists except that they have a reputation  similar to Baha'i for being inclusive of many religious traditions and are generally active in social justice causes.
• This service was carefully crafted to blend the mood, music and message to provide earnest reflection for the congregants.  And while I was moved by the message, I realized that there were no spoken prayers or mention of God.
• During "Concerns of the Congregation" a stewardship campaign was highlighted that included conversations with members to challenge them to deepen their spiritual awareness and how "we might do more" .
• The community is sponsoring a speaker series called "The Common Good:  Community Voices" on Thursday nights.  The next speaker is Laura Americo, a trans woman recognized for her activism.  She will replicate her TED Talk.

THIS WEEK'S "EXTRA"..

I put "Unitarian Universalist cartoon" in google... here are 2 images that popped up.  One is what I remember true about their preschool and the other speaks for itself and is (I think!) appropriate for this week's news.

The Bulletin