Howdy!
I'm still frustrated from spending several hours trying to get a video editing program to work the way I want. (Or rather... it ain't.) That, and I can't say that my church "experiences" were entirely helpful.
I have to say, I thought that going with other people would make this easier. Y'know, someone to talk to, maybe someone to make introductions. Uh... no.
First stop on (what's becoming a weekly event) my Sunday double header, Woodinville Community Church. Why? Because my brother and his family go there. Which is both a pro and a con. With the addition of communion and a nicer building, it is essentially the church that I grew up in. Same difficulty getting microphones and sound to work. Same kids playing with little activities, same people in church crying at a beloved member moving away. All things that I'm used to. But it also means that there's the same demographic. Elder-age folks, and families. And that's about it. With all due respect, that's why I'm taking a break from my church. To mingle among those my own age. Sigh. A perfectly nice service, what I'm used to, but I'm lookinng for different these days. Again, if I want that sort of thing, I'll just go back to my homebase. I like my home base.
Up front, I have to admit that the people I went with made a huge impact on the effect the surroundings had on me. Actually, it was the people that made all the impressions. Picture if you will, a 4 year old (her birthday's next month, I'm rounding) sitting to my left, and my sister-in-law and 1 year old niece (ditto the birthday) next to me on the right. I had never gone to any service with this family before. Wow. First off, when the church stands to sing, understandably the munchkin wants to sing. So I slung her up and held her by my "hip" for a song. then after the church says good bye to this person and prays for that mission group, we decide to sing another three songs. Which means I'm holding this 4 year old for 3 more songs. (Yes, I know I didn't "have" to, but even I have a macho side. Uncle-responsibilites. Etc.) Even after the service, my arms were still quivering. But I survived it, darnit! Oh, and about 1/3 into the sermon, she decided she was tired and needed a nap. On me. Apparently there's a precise way I should arrange my arms and lap to maximize her comfort. It is true, she made sure I knew it. How you parents can capture the entire service while taking care of two kids? How single parents can survive at all? Beyond me. I may sub as an uncle here and there, but I'm a bachelor, darnit! Whole new world for me.
Capitol Hill is not my world either. So when I struck up a conversation with a coworker Saturday night, I was surprised to find out that she had been raised Episcopalian. As I was talking about churches that I planned to visit, she made comment about us going to Compline service up at St. Mark's Cathedral. A Google search later, and we had plans to hit that 9:30 service.
The building? The intended atmosphere? Love it. The old building, The complete utter lack of computers or LCD projectors? Adore it. (Even the fact that they have their speakers on wobbly little moveable stands!) My kinda style. Keep 'er old, and keep 'er simple. Then there were the people.... oy. Look, I am all for relaxed. I wore jeans and flannel. I appreciate that people can bring blankets and sit/lay around the floor. I'm sure my grandparents would be horrified, but I don't think God minds you being comfy. You want a service that's half of a LASER show? St. Mark's. Including the cellular phones...
Oh. My. Word!
What is wrong with you people? It's not that I have two guys gossiping behind me throwing out works like "fucking" and "duschebag" while in church. I'll let it pass that you're throwing out phrases like, "Do you know what 'these people' believe?" No, your pew-pals get to send TEXT MESSAGES! IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERVICE!!!! What is wrong with you people!?!?!?! Are you so completely self-centered and stuck on your technology that you can't get your heads out of your butts and TURN OFF YOUR PHONE IN CHURCH!?!? Ridiculous. Unacceptable. I about grabbed that dang thing and snapped it in half. But that wouldn't have been the best testament to my Quaker beliefs. Sigh. Okay, here's the thing. I can't judge. (Well, I can... but when has that done anyone any good?) But that's not how I was raised you behave in church. At least not if you're over 12 years old. And these folks were in their 20's. And I think all people should be allowed in church service. Prisoners of war, light skin, dark skin, native american, reformed nazis, jews, homosexuals, tax collectors, homeless, drinkers, burpers, yuppies... everybody. God came for everybody, so let everybody worship. And you can't know where people are in their walk with God. So I think anyone who has event a slightest tug to go to church should go and be welcomed. It's not who you are as a person that I dislike, it's what you're doing. And what you're doing with your phone just might drive me slowly insane.... Rude!
Ahem. Cellular rant, over. The service was only about 30 minutes long. A surprising length to me for such a traditional building. (I figure, the older the building; the longer the talking. Hey, it's how Catholics do it.) But then my cohort told me it's supposed to be done everyday. Plus, I have to freely admit to not being able to understand what the sam hill they were singing over there. Kinda like interpreting Celtic singing on the first try. Made a nice sound though.... Didn't feel God moving me, but I'm okay with not having that experience everytime.
So yes, the environment? The architecture? The intended mood? Fantastic. A nice throwback to -worshipping- God. Just check your me-centric 'tude at the door.
Again, not entirely God-centered Sunday. Quite distracting in parts. But entirely educational. Learning is never a bad thing. Just means these two ain't quite for me. So.... what is?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Visitor to Another World (The Quest for Mars?)
Week two, and I still decided to try out two services in one day. Maybe I figure the sooner I figure this out, the better off I'll be? Still, one service started @ 9, and the second @ 11, and they were both in Ballard. Not much for time "chatting with the elders", but I don't think I'd ever really do that on a first impression trip. If I'm intrigued, I'll come back. They'll get their shot!
First up on the 9am docket was Mars Hill. Now, I like myself the "smaller" services. I grew up in a church of 40-100 people, depending on the time. Churches like Mars Hill can seat that in one section. I know everybody in my church, and they know me (or so I let them think! ;) Heh.) My interest in this church wasn't really in any sort of membership interest. I'd talked to a friend who'd done an article on their sound. Then there was a coworker who regularly attends.
I was there about 15 minutes early and sat down, looking at all these little chairs around me. (Apparently mine is the only church that stew uses pews). A nice enough lady came by and asked me how I was doing, but once I responded with a cheery, "fine, thanks!", she was already on her way to the next group. A nice gesture, certainly. And while I understand you've gotta make the rounds, it seemed like quite the surface salutation. I do the same every day I work the coffee shop, so my grounds for picking on her are pretty thin. I should mention that the church did not feel like one. Building-wise, at least. Not even an angled roof, this building was located between the docks and the business district. Complete with a grey, square perimeter. Someone knew what they were doing because they put curtains up to bounce the sound around. Communion tables were placed around the room, but the most noticeable items were 3 LCD projectors, lighting up a main screen behind the podium; along with two screens on the sides at about 20 degree angles. Later on I would discover that the walls were lit with different colored gels. More on that...
I'll give 'em this, they know how to put on a show. Everything in that room was very presentation oriented. I'll be honest, it felt like I was at a Microsoft retreat, and we were all about to syngerize our efforts towards the implementation of new and exciting corporate policies. : Not my idea of church. But I told myself if this is how they get people's attention, that's fine. A man walked out and immediately his image was picked up by the camera which was non-discreetly located in the middle of one of the aisles. He had on his black shirt and jeans, then he and his band started rocking out to G-O-D. (It's a SAVED! reference, don't worry about it) The music was loud, but heartfelt. I enjoyed it, I wouldn't change that radio station.
After about 3 songs, another man came out and took his spot at the podium. When asked how we were doing, he received cheers and cat calls. ??? Yeah, not my usual greeting to my pastor, but okay... A congenial enough fellow, he stlll had that edge of "I've done this before, but I'm still workin' on it". He introduced himself as one of the "happy news" pastors, and told us he was probably going to burst that image. He started off preaching on Jonah, talking about how he probably wouldn't qualify for great missionary potential. What with wanting the people he was sent to help to die and suffer... I think we all pretty much agreed on that.
Somewhere in the one hour sermon (about half-an-hour more than I'm used to), he somehow ended up on idolatry. Still not quite sure how he made that leap.... Anyhoo, he went on to tell us that he used to be quite the outdoorsy type. Hiking, climbing, the works. Good ol' REI/NWer. Got into a snow incident, didn't have his gear on him, slid his butt down a cliff/drop. Injured himself, had to have rescue crews pull him out, etc. Now, because he got in an accident after being foolhardy and ditching the tools that would have helped him, he took it as a sign that God was trying to humble him, and that he shouldn't hike anymore. I'm not really a fan of judging what God tells another perosn, or how they hear it, so I figured, "Odd. But o-kaaaaaaaay. I guess."
Let's just say that he and I disagree. I think that God enables everyone to have different interests and passions. That we can use those interests to serve him, and that we can relate to others and become closer to God through those activities and shared interests. That God is happiest when his children are at play. And yes, I see his point. I understand that it is very easy to let something in your life become more important than God. That you can work on Sundays and skip church, that you can care more about your new sports car than reading your bible. I get it. I understand temptation and interests overshadowing God. But I feel like he was telling us that we should be monks 24 hours a day, everyday. That all we should ever do is focus solely on God. I offer, if you do it right? You can take God along with you and see God in your activities and your social life. Go to chuch, read your bible; sure. Be sure to add to that friends, social life, and activities that you feel God has called you to persue. Again, my opinion, I'm not here to say what's right and what ain't. Just what feels truer to my gut for my life.
Of course, he called us to repent. To take communion. To kneel. Nope. Pass. Am I against humbling myself? Well, I don't love it, but I do it. If God wants me humbled, God humbles me (and quickly. And effectively). So unless I feel a churning in my gut to do something, I stay put. No churnings. So no kneeling. Didn't ask for God to forgive me. I asked God to help keep me in check. I felt at peace with that.
The lights on the walls were probably the thing that freaked me out the most. When he was going off about us all being idol worshippers, the lights turned the walls red. !!! Fire and brimstone much? I don't need light cues to see into my soul, thanks. Oh, and all the doors were shut, with no windows. Curtains in front of the doors. There was no "subtle exit." They know how to keep a room. ;)
After that, I figured I'd go for something a bit more relaxing, and I headed up to the 11am service at Quest Church. I was there last Sunday and rather liked it. Wasn't thrilled that they seem to cherish communion so much, but I can not-quibble about one element of a service. Unless of course the pastor throws it into the spotlight.
Sigh. The sermon was supposed to be on Acts. Paul and another apostle are off visiting friends when they are called away to confront some guy who's claiming to be Jesus pt. II. The guy's a magician, and he serves this government guy. The government fellow asks to see the apostles, so of course the magician tags along and raises the apostles ire. They codemn the false one, and the governor is impressed. He wants to hear mroe from the apostles. False men are bad. Follow the true Jesus. That was the sermon I was expecting.
Nope.
I was looking foward to the pastor from the previous week. She was pleasant, funny, and seemed highly intelligent. The pastor that I heard the sermon from this week was a very different person. My only guess is that it is in her presentation style. She's very... hmmm... controlled. She says things with a sort of direction/order tone to them. Like she's trying to instill proper procedures into us, and if we mess up, the power plant will go belly up, and the city will be plunged into darkness. We should cling on to her every word because she is the boss. I like to think it wasn't intentional, but I'm a communications guy. I've taken speech classes. Her presntation style and mine are essentially polar opposites.
First off, let me say that the songs at Quest on Sunday were fantastic. I've never felt the urge to close my eyes and lift my hands, palm out, in front of me before. But I was grooving on the music, and I felt a pull on my thumbs. So I closed my eyes and lifted my hands. Felt good. Felt non-fake/non-planned. The woman who was singing (seemed quite pregnant) had quite the voice on her, and the church sounded fabulous. Big fan of the singing here, even if the techies do stumble with their powerpoints. (Truth be told, on most every song)
Then came the sermon. Somehow my introduction on Acts started off with the four cornerstones of their church. (I can only guess she was addressing newcomers?) She told us the four elements were prayer, worship, communion, and community. 3 out of 4 of those, I got no problem with. The 3rd one I think is voluntary. She clearly disagrees. About 5 minutes was spent telling us how we were there to take communion. How the most important part of us being assembled was to eat the body of Christ, and to drink of his blood. That was what really matters, and, I quote, "that is what this entire service is made around."
Look, I commune with God. I do. Why do you think I like jobs where I can sit around and not talk or have anyone talk to me? I go to that still, small voice, and I listen to what it has to say. In Quaker worship, we have at least 10 minutes of quiet time (okay, if we're in a hurry, it's 5. But we always have it!) where we listen to what God has to say. Pretty much the only way you can break the "rules" is to come in with something to say and feel you have to. Nope. You only say what God gives you to say. If you can feel closer to God by eating food, more power to ya. I won't tell you how to get to God. And yes, I realize he told his apostles to do it. But I figure that can be argued as a one time thing. I take the more mental approach to that closeness, and I spend concentrated time figuring out what I need to hear from God.
Now I'm concerned whether this church will let me be me. That's what I need. I can't fake being something else, and I won't. I like me. If God wants me to change, that's fine. And I'm content not partaking in a part of a worship service. Worship as you're called to. But if you're going to call me a poor Christian because I don't follow sacratments, if I'm attending "for unjust reasons", then you can take your judgemental ways and file it away. I don't need that kind of Christian relatioinship. Again, I like to think that's not what was being said. And the pastor that's supposedly the boss is still on sabbatical. But if I hear what I think I heard, as opposed to what I want to hear, then I'm gone. I don't need that kind of "friendship".
And so the search continues...
First up on the 9am docket was Mars Hill. Now, I like myself the "smaller" services. I grew up in a church of 40-100 people, depending on the time. Churches like Mars Hill can seat that in one section. I know everybody in my church, and they know me (or so I let them think! ;) Heh.) My interest in this church wasn't really in any sort of membership interest. I'd talked to a friend who'd done an article on their sound. Then there was a coworker who regularly attends.
I was there about 15 minutes early and sat down, looking at all these little chairs around me. (Apparently mine is the only church that stew uses pews). A nice enough lady came by and asked me how I was doing, but once I responded with a cheery, "fine, thanks!", she was already on her way to the next group. A nice gesture, certainly. And while I understand you've gotta make the rounds, it seemed like quite the surface salutation. I do the same every day I work the coffee shop, so my grounds for picking on her are pretty thin. I should mention that the church did not feel like one. Building-wise, at least. Not even an angled roof, this building was located between the docks and the business district. Complete with a grey, square perimeter. Someone knew what they were doing because they put curtains up to bounce the sound around. Communion tables were placed around the room, but the most noticeable items were 3 LCD projectors, lighting up a main screen behind the podium; along with two screens on the sides at about 20 degree angles. Later on I would discover that the walls were lit with different colored gels. More on that...
I'll give 'em this, they know how to put on a show. Everything in that room was very presentation oriented. I'll be honest, it felt like I was at a Microsoft retreat, and we were all about to syngerize our efforts towards the implementation of new and exciting corporate policies. : Not my idea of church. But I told myself if this is how they get people's attention, that's fine. A man walked out and immediately his image was picked up by the camera which was non-discreetly located in the middle of one of the aisles. He had on his black shirt and jeans, then he and his band started rocking out to G-O-D. (It's a SAVED! reference, don't worry about it) The music was loud, but heartfelt. I enjoyed it, I wouldn't change that radio station.
After about 3 songs, another man came out and took his spot at the podium. When asked how we were doing, he received cheers and cat calls. ??? Yeah, not my usual greeting to my pastor, but okay... A congenial enough fellow, he stlll had that edge of "I've done this before, but I'm still workin' on it". He introduced himself as one of the "happy news" pastors, and told us he was probably going to burst that image. He started off preaching on Jonah, talking about how he probably wouldn't qualify for great missionary potential. What with wanting the people he was sent to help to die and suffer... I think we all pretty much agreed on that.
Somewhere in the one hour sermon (about half-an-hour more than I'm used to), he somehow ended up on idolatry. Still not quite sure how he made that leap.... Anyhoo, he went on to tell us that he used to be quite the outdoorsy type. Hiking, climbing, the works. Good ol' REI/NWer. Got into a snow incident, didn't have his gear on him, slid his butt down a cliff/drop. Injured himself, had to have rescue crews pull him out, etc. Now, because he got in an accident after being foolhardy and ditching the tools that would have helped him, he took it as a sign that God was trying to humble him, and that he shouldn't hike anymore. I'm not really a fan of judging what God tells another perosn, or how they hear it, so I figured, "Odd. But o-kaaaaaaaay. I guess."
Let's just say that he and I disagree. I think that God enables everyone to have different interests and passions. That we can use those interests to serve him, and that we can relate to others and become closer to God through those activities and shared interests. That God is happiest when his children are at play. And yes, I see his point. I understand that it is very easy to let something in your life become more important than God. That you can work on Sundays and skip church, that you can care more about your new sports car than reading your bible. I get it. I understand temptation and interests overshadowing God. But I feel like he was telling us that we should be monks 24 hours a day, everyday. That all we should ever do is focus solely on God. I offer, if you do it right? You can take God along with you and see God in your activities and your social life. Go to chuch, read your bible; sure. Be sure to add to that friends, social life, and activities that you feel God has called you to persue. Again, my opinion, I'm not here to say what's right and what ain't. Just what feels truer to my gut for my life.
Of course, he called us to repent. To take communion. To kneel. Nope. Pass. Am I against humbling myself? Well, I don't love it, but I do it. If God wants me humbled, God humbles me (and quickly. And effectively). So unless I feel a churning in my gut to do something, I stay put. No churnings. So no kneeling. Didn't ask for God to forgive me. I asked God to help keep me in check. I felt at peace with that.
The lights on the walls were probably the thing that freaked me out the most. When he was going off about us all being idol worshippers, the lights turned the walls red. !!! Fire and brimstone much? I don't need light cues to see into my soul, thanks. Oh, and all the doors were shut, with no windows. Curtains in front of the doors. There was no "subtle exit." They know how to keep a room. ;)
After that, I figured I'd go for something a bit more relaxing, and I headed up to the 11am service at Quest Church. I was there last Sunday and rather liked it. Wasn't thrilled that they seem to cherish communion so much, but I can not-quibble about one element of a service. Unless of course the pastor throws it into the spotlight.
Sigh. The sermon was supposed to be on Acts. Paul and another apostle are off visiting friends when they are called away to confront some guy who's claiming to be Jesus pt. II. The guy's a magician, and he serves this government guy. The government fellow asks to see the apostles, so of course the magician tags along and raises the apostles ire. They codemn the false one, and the governor is impressed. He wants to hear mroe from the apostles. False men are bad. Follow the true Jesus. That was the sermon I was expecting.
Nope.
I was looking foward to the pastor from the previous week. She was pleasant, funny, and seemed highly intelligent. The pastor that I heard the sermon from this week was a very different person. My only guess is that it is in her presentation style. She's very... hmmm... controlled. She says things with a sort of direction/order tone to them. Like she's trying to instill proper procedures into us, and if we mess up, the power plant will go belly up, and the city will be plunged into darkness. We should cling on to her every word because she is the boss. I like to think it wasn't intentional, but I'm a communications guy. I've taken speech classes. Her presntation style and mine are essentially polar opposites.
First off, let me say that the songs at Quest on Sunday were fantastic. I've never felt the urge to close my eyes and lift my hands, palm out, in front of me before. But I was grooving on the music, and I felt a pull on my thumbs. So I closed my eyes and lifted my hands. Felt good. Felt non-fake/non-planned. The woman who was singing (seemed quite pregnant) had quite the voice on her, and the church sounded fabulous. Big fan of the singing here, even if the techies do stumble with their powerpoints. (Truth be told, on most every song)
Then came the sermon. Somehow my introduction on Acts started off with the four cornerstones of their church. (I can only guess she was addressing newcomers?) She told us the four elements were prayer, worship, communion, and community. 3 out of 4 of those, I got no problem with. The 3rd one I think is voluntary. She clearly disagrees. About 5 minutes was spent telling us how we were there to take communion. How the most important part of us being assembled was to eat the body of Christ, and to drink of his blood. That was what really matters, and, I quote, "that is what this entire service is made around."
Look, I commune with God. I do. Why do you think I like jobs where I can sit around and not talk or have anyone talk to me? I go to that still, small voice, and I listen to what it has to say. In Quaker worship, we have at least 10 minutes of quiet time (okay, if we're in a hurry, it's 5. But we always have it!) where we listen to what God has to say. Pretty much the only way you can break the "rules" is to come in with something to say and feel you have to. Nope. You only say what God gives you to say. If you can feel closer to God by eating food, more power to ya. I won't tell you how to get to God. And yes, I realize he told his apostles to do it. But I figure that can be argued as a one time thing. I take the more mental approach to that closeness, and I spend concentrated time figuring out what I need to hear from God.
Now I'm concerned whether this church will let me be me. That's what I need. I can't fake being something else, and I won't. I like me. If God wants me to change, that's fine. And I'm content not partaking in a part of a worship service. Worship as you're called to. But if you're going to call me a poor Christian because I don't follow sacratments, if I'm attending "for unjust reasons", then you can take your judgemental ways and file it away. I don't need that kind of Christian relatioinship. Again, I like to think that's not what was being said. And the pastor that's supposedly the boss is still on sabbatical. But if I hear what I think I heard, as opposed to what I want to hear, then I'm gone. I don't need that kind of "friendship".
And so the search continues...
Monday, August 11, 2008
A-Questing goes a Quaker
Howdy!
There were numerous churches offered/suggested to me when I started this little search. (And by "little" I mean, "what in the world do I do now?") Suggestions were mentally cataloged, websites were looked up, and my first church to visit was decided upon.
I like the look of Quest's jib.
Check out that website. It's friendly, without dumbing it down. They're God-centered, but not on a high-horse. They emphasize having all sorts of people in their congregation. And, wouldn't you know it, they could use help with their sound/powerpoint. (It's true. Sometimes we'd get through a verse before the next slide was advanced. When it worked, the singing was great. Guitars, piano, a little drum, nice voices. When the slides were off? Confusing, irksome, stress-inducing for someone who's been doing it for 14 years)
The church itself is in Interbay. Right near the golf course between Ballard Bridge and Denny Way. City-located, but not city feeling. I (due to my inability to turn at the right time) was a few minutes late, but so was the service. Not sure if tbey employ greeters or not, but I found a program, found my seat, and they started soon after.
The room just felt nice. Yeah, I'm not a fan of candles, but they only had 2 or 3, so que sera, sera. There was a youthful feel to the room, but not overly trendy. (Y'know, light brown and auburn colors spread around. Offset well by stained glass here and there.)
The speaker? (Leah, that day) She was delightful. Made little side jokes here and there, but mainly impressed me with having a keen intellect. She refused to give a "quick fix" or "checklist" to make us appreciate justice better. (The sermon was on Herod of Agrippa being killed and eaten by worms for not defusing claims that he spoke as a god.) She merely stated that she was human, that sometimes she wanted bad things to happen to bad people. That we should look around and take care of others kindly and justly. If you wrong some one, make amends face to face. Be kind to homeless people and help out with hunger. (Which led into a plug for a garage sale to feed the homeless. But they're actually helping people! Plug away in that sense.)
And I'm not going to lie to you. There were youth there. It was about half youth, half elderly. Some were couples, some were alone (in both groups). And no, I didn't partake in communion. I still believe that as a Quaker I can commune with God all day long, listening to what God has to say, without the symbolism of bread and wine/grapejuice. For me? I'll pass on the symbolism in this instance. I just don't need it.
Oh, and if you look on their website? They have an outdoor ministry! They think you can experience God just by being outside and being surrounded by God's creation. !!!! I just happen to believe that very thing. ;)
Yes, Quest is recommended. Much. I shall return. The 9:15 service was sparse, but there were plenty of people my age, and a crowd was gathering at 10:20 for the 11:00 service. I was impressed all around.
Then I went straight to my church. It was a 10 minute drive away, I had 20 minutes, and I figured I'd help start my journey where the last one had ended.
It was fine. Nothing really struck a chord with me. I ran microphones (was able to fix a high-pitched squeal), ran powerpoint (well, someone had the remote. But I turned it off!), and not much happened. More of the same. And I was tired from my morning/jog/cooking/one service already. I'm not sure I recommend trying to be alert for 3-4 hours of church in a row.
But where to next week?
Toodles
-PC, visitor (a label which takes much getting used to)
There were numerous churches offered/suggested to me when I started this little search. (And by "little" I mean, "what in the world do I do now?") Suggestions were mentally cataloged, websites were looked up, and my first church to visit was decided upon.
I like the look of Quest's jib.
Check out that website. It's friendly, without dumbing it down. They're God-centered, but not on a high-horse. They emphasize having all sorts of people in their congregation. And, wouldn't you know it, they could use help with their sound/powerpoint. (It's true. Sometimes we'd get through a verse before the next slide was advanced. When it worked, the singing was great. Guitars, piano, a little drum, nice voices. When the slides were off? Confusing, irksome, stress-inducing for someone who's been doing it for 14 years)
The church itself is in Interbay. Right near the golf course between Ballard Bridge and Denny Way. City-located, but not city feeling. I (due to my inability to turn at the right time) was a few minutes late, but so was the service. Not sure if tbey employ greeters or not, but I found a program, found my seat, and they started soon after.
The room just felt nice. Yeah, I'm not a fan of candles, but they only had 2 or 3, so que sera, sera. There was a youthful feel to the room, but not overly trendy. (Y'know, light brown and auburn colors spread around. Offset well by stained glass here and there.)
The speaker? (Leah, that day) She was delightful. Made little side jokes here and there, but mainly impressed me with having a keen intellect. She refused to give a "quick fix" or "checklist" to make us appreciate justice better. (The sermon was on Herod of Agrippa being killed and eaten by worms for not defusing claims that he spoke as a god.) She merely stated that she was human, that sometimes she wanted bad things to happen to bad people. That we should look around and take care of others kindly and justly. If you wrong some one, make amends face to face. Be kind to homeless people and help out with hunger. (Which led into a plug for a garage sale to feed the homeless. But they're actually helping people! Plug away in that sense.)
And I'm not going to lie to you. There were youth there. It was about half youth, half elderly. Some were couples, some were alone (in both groups). And no, I didn't partake in communion. I still believe that as a Quaker I can commune with God all day long, listening to what God has to say, without the symbolism of bread and wine/grapejuice. For me? I'll pass on the symbolism in this instance. I just don't need it.
Oh, and if you look on their website? They have an outdoor ministry! They think you can experience God just by being outside and being surrounded by God's creation. !!!! I just happen to believe that very thing. ;)
Yes, Quest is recommended. Much. I shall return. The 9:15 service was sparse, but there were plenty of people my age, and a crowd was gathering at 10:20 for the 11:00 service. I was impressed all around.
Then I went straight to my church. It was a 10 minute drive away, I had 20 minutes, and I figured I'd help start my journey where the last one had ended.
It was fine. Nothing really struck a chord with me. I ran microphones (was able to fix a high-pitched squeal), ran powerpoint (well, someone had the remote. But I turned it off!), and not much happened. More of the same. And I was tired from my morning/jog/cooking/one service already. I'm not sure I recommend trying to be alert for 3-4 hours of church in a row.
But where to next week?
Toodles
-PC, visitor (a label which takes much getting used to)
What the sam hill? (An intro)
Howdy!
Not too long ago, I found myself sitting in church, wishing there were more people my age. Or even, some. In the span of 20-35, it's pretty much just me as a regular attender. (I'm currently 28. We call that a "barren wasteland" in societal terms.) I e-mailed my pastor, told her I was going on hiatus, and received numerous words of encouragement from my church and family. (Which if you really want, are all available to read in this blog.)
Now that gives you the general idea of what this is all about. But to be more specific?
Not too long ago, I found myself sitting in church, wishing there were more people my age. Or even, some. In the span of 20-35, it's pretty much just me as a regular attender. (I'm currently 28. We call that a "barren wasteland" in societal terms.) I e-mailed my pastor, told her I was going on hiatus, and received numerous words of encouragement from my church and family. (Which if you really want, are all available to read in this blog.)
Now that gives you the general idea of what this is all about. But to be more specific?
- It's about a 20's something guy who has no trouble making friends, but is in Seattle, the 2nd-least Christian/religion seeking city (Hey, I could always be in Portland)
- It's about a guy who's been single for quite a while, and has tried numerous methods (eHarmony is just silly, and Equally Yoked? Snicker-enducing.) of meeting Christian poeple.
- It's about different churches, different styles, different buildings, but hopefully the same goal. (I.e, People+church=God time. Care for one another. Jesus is the way to salvation.)
- And of course, it's about the things that go on in those churches that are amusing, silly, fun, inspirational, or just provoke a good yarn.
What can I say, where Church and my curiousity combine; I get Churchiosity. (Soon to be patent pending! Not that anyone else will use that phrase. Ever.)
Toss in some comments, send thoughts my way, recommend some churches, and lemme know what ya think.
Toodles
-PC, really likes typing. Especially on quests where he has absolutely no idea what he's doing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
