Probably "I missed this stuff" when said to the preacher directly after a church service doesn't convey the impression that one has been regularly attending church since she was born. It probably says that one is returning after a long absence, at the very least.
Which is funny.
Anyway, I checked out the "contemporary" service--which has a name: "The Water's Edge"--at First UMC today. It was good, again in a way that I didn't expect. I've gone to two different contemporary services regularly in the last three years or so--plus visits to friends' churches--and I think this may be the best yet.
It's a shame I'll only be able to go like three or four times.
So the service. It reminds me of Sunday nights at Northside, with a band and better media. Or of worship at summer camp at Leesburg, without the teenage-ed-ness. It's a sweet blend of tradition and the modern.
For the record, that's what I've missed.
Anyway. There are songs, which today were bluegrass throwbacks to the 70's (I guess, I wasn't around), because--I think--someone in the band's dad was there and he (the dad) plays the banjo. So we sang "Do Lord" (!!!) and "This Little Light of Mine" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "Spring Up, O Well"--all of which I know and love, and it transported me to Sunday nights at Main Street, when it was just my mom and her guitar and the Cokesbury hymnal and the Bible and the preacher.
Then prayer--like congregational, intercessory prayer. The congregation voices their prayer requests aloud, then prays... Like Sunday nights again.
There were two Scripture readings--actual readings! by actual readers!--one from Acts and one from John, today. Ha! I forgot that they are all scheduled, anyway. That's funny. It's been a really long time since I've been somewhere that the preacher didn't choose his text for the week. I guess either way has its pros and cons.
Then the preacher preached. She's good. When she was through speaking, there was a response--"talkback"--time, for thoughts from the congregation. I thought that was cool, and Sunday night Bible study-ish. Again.
And Communion. Every week. I love--love--that. I wish more Protestant churches placed more of an emphasis on Communion.
Anyway, I liked it. I wish I had started going there sooner, which may be the best compliment I have. If I'd known about that service the first time I checked out First Church (like a year and a half ago), I probably would have stayed. It's homey.
Aaannndd I still think it's fabulous and hilarious that the pastor's hair is exactly like Shannon's except brown. Maybe it will be a huge trend among young women ministers to have short spiky hair. I would encourage it.
little changes
14 years ago
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