One of the outstanding features of this church is the massive dark wood beams of the ceiling, but what really stuck out to me was the large suspended cross. Maybe it was because of the churches we visited where I couldn’t find a cross, but it was a big help to me.
We were warmly welcomed and met up with a few people we knew.
The choir sang the gathering song while seated and gave an indication of what the sound would be for the anthem. The Junior Choir was easy to understand and hear, and I enjoyed seeing them sing with their mouths open. The Senior Choir also sang out with passion and in worship.
The women seemed to outnumber the men 2-to-1, but there were a lot of children present.
The sermon wove around the importance of touch in ministry and related how much of Christ’s healing was via touch. Where He has used me in healing, touch has been important. Another aspect of our Christian acts for others is touching for Christ in however we help.
Communion was served silently, but I believe the pastor spoke the elements when she served the Elders, and the pastor was served by an Elder.
The best indication I saw of the health of the church was the quantity of people who stayed for the social time after worship. Some of the best ministry of the church happens during fellowship, and for that many people to stay speaks volumes.
Jan’s thoughts:
This is a lovely community church smack dab in a residential neighborhood.
Our last visit here was in May of 2009, and many changes have taken place since then. This congregation has had a difficult time but is recovering well under the capable leadership of the current interim.
We were warmly greeted even before entering the building, and since we knew some folks, I’m sure it was obvious we were not strangers. We had the opportunity visit with several friends, including someone with whom I traveled to Malawi, Africa, in 2003.
The Sanctuary boasts ornate stained glass and powerful architecture. I was a little surprised to realize that there is no projection screen, but I’m at a loss as to where they would put it and I’d hate to see the beauty of the Chancel hidden or marred in any way.
The bulletin is user-friendly, nicely laid out, and easy to read.
We got to enjoy an anthem by the Junior Choir and I was impressed that I could hear and understand the words.
We were privileged to participate in the Sacrament of Communion.
The Rev. Jean Henderson presented the sermon “Have You Heard the One About the Mother-in-Law Who…” The message was based upon Mark 1:29-39 which tells of Jesus’ healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. She pointed out that this act was performed in silence, which I had never noticed before. The point was that the miracle of healing happens by touch, that Jesus touched everyone, that Jesus still touches and heals, and that when we touch others, we give ourselves to them just as Jesus did.
So many recent news stories revolve around inappropriate touching that it was encouraging to hear a reminder of the importance of appropriate touching. Appropriate touching is truly a gift from God and can be as healing as inappropriate touching can be damaging. And the touch of Jesus can heal even those wounds.
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