More than three years ago, when we gave in to visiting churches and writing about our experiences as first-time visitors, this was the first church we wrote about.
I remember feeling a bit lost at our last visit, but today one of the numerous people who greeted us (and then sat with us in worship) pointed out the rest rooms, where to get coffee, etc. We were warmly greeted, and also appreciated the sign from the parking area as to the location of the Sanctuary.
It is a great Sanctuary with an open layout and an outstanding cross. I couldn’t help but wonder if it could be backlit. The pastor joined the praise team as lead guitar and vocalist and then joined with the choir. Made it feel to me like a good country church.
As soon as I heard the violin I knew I had enjoyed it before, and it was a pleasant addition to worship. I noticed most of the choir turned to face the screen to sing, and was impressed as this is a sticking point within many choirs. The enthusiasm of the praise team and choir came across well.
It was encouraging to hear the emphasis of prayer in worship and the offer of personal prayer sessions. The church seems to have a high level of mission involvement, including an incremental introduction to mission for youth.
The sermon, “True Imitators,” was developed from Ephesians 5:1-14. The message was presented well with reference back to the Scripture and using local news of Hines Ward’s reason for retirement.
It must be difficult to rebuild the membership after a change of affiliation, but it seems like the tools are in place and I believe God will honor a church that has a heart for mission and encourages prayer.
We visited this church once before, and as we pulled in to park some of the memories returned.
Everything is very well-kept inside and out and we were greeted by several people within a few steps of entering. The moment I saw it I certainly recalled the spectacular wall tapestry hanging immediately inside.
The entry into the Sanctuary is open and spacious and the chairs are arranged to provide ample leg room. The Sanctuary architecture is striking, especially the gorgeous, huge cross in front: it boasts a wooden frame and cut glass and is truly stunning.
One of the women who greeted us sat with us as well, just so we would feel welcome.
This is truly a blended service, with praise and traditional music as well as liturgical elements from both worship styles. The choir and praise band both sounded excellent, and the pastor participated in both and was actually the lead vocalist in the praise band.
I recalled prayer being an important part of the life of this congregation, and apparently it has only become more so as several opportunities and events were advertised and offered that centered on prayer. Mission also seemed predominant, and we got to hear a Minute for Mission by a couple whose Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) work is supported by this congregation.
The Scripture Lesson was Ephesians 5:1-14 which was the basis for the Sermon, “True Imitators,” part of a series on Ephesians entitled “Fully Alive in Christ.”
He pointed out that if all we are attempting to do is “manage sin,” external motivators do not work. In order to imitate Christ, the change must come from within…we need the “expulsive power of a new affection.” He used a perfect analogy for this idea: Hines Wards’ decision to retire as a Steeler because his love for Steeler Nation was stronger than his love of playing football.
God’s love is personal and passionate, generous, and true; and because of this, we are called to give what we have, and we can offer ourselves because of what God gave us, i.e., Himself.
The pastor’s points were all well put.
1 comment:
I'm glad you had a more positive experience on your second visit. I remember well the day you visited, since the missionaries were there. A side note: the cross usually is back lit, it is turned off during lent, which is when you visited. Come again!
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