Church-buddies... and Distractions

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?