A Laity Led Service (Visiting Church #29) The lighting of three candles ceremonially begins today’s service. The pastor is gone and a lay speaker is filling in. She opens with announcements and some updates. Then we sing to organ accompaniment...
I Want to Learn More (Visiting Church #28) Sunday we visit another small church. I expect a traditional, liturgical service. The sanctuary is simple, filled with color and symbolism. Several lit candles mesmerize as incense fills the air. A...
More Youthful Worship (Visiting Church #27) We arrive at church about ten minutes early, and after milling about for a while, we sit down. A mostly youthful praise team assembles on the stage, which is a mere eight inches high; the low ceiling...
Spiritual Boldness (Visiting Church #26) We know nothing about this minority church besides their name, location, and service time. When the service begins, words are displayed overhead while we sing along with recorded music. Many people raise...
Who Needs a Building? (Visiting Church #25) The church for this Sunday meets in a school, just like church #16. Their service time is later than most, starting at eleven, likely to allow time for setup. We arrive at the school and see a temporary...
A Time of Pure Worship (Visiting Church #24) The church we visited on Sunday is a mostly older congregation. The worship team, however, is comprised of teens. What a pleasant surprise. Three play guitars, with one on percussion. Offstage is a...
A Time of Transition (Visiting Church #23) We attend a contemporary service at a Presbyterian church. Their interim minister gives a message on “Listening to God”; today is his first official day on the job. Their former minister of twelve years...
Experiencing True Community (Visiting Church #22) We arrive at the church to a bustle of activity. Only a few people are sitting; most mill about, socializing. Many make a point of introducing themselves, genuinely interested in meeting us. Names...
A Fresh Experience At Church (Visiting Church #21) If you view church in a tradition manner, then we didn’t go this Sunday. However, if church is two or more people gathering in God’s presence, then we had a most significant time. The pastors...
No Language Barrier (Visiting Church #20) There’s a Mandarin service followed by one in English; we attend both. As the worship team leads us. The words, displayed in Mandarin, have the English translation underneath. They sing and I listen to...
