Week 16 - First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Edmond

First let me say that John asked me to Google my blog name and see if it popped up. I was very humbled to discover that it did pop up, at the end of a long list of other blog sites and web sites of people who have done the exact same thing we are doing. So much for my inspired, unique idea. If you’re reading this and enjoying it, you might want to also Google “52 churches.” Some of them are very well written and very interesting. Their lists of churches they visited are overwhelming. You could really do this for years and never run out of places to visit. At first I was discouraged because they were so well written and went into such detail (sometimes positive and negative) about the places they visited. I think maybe God used Google to encourage me to look a little deeper each week and put a little more effort into my blog. I am, however, still committed to staying positive and just trying to paint a picture of the experience and what I learned, rather than offering a critique of the church. Now, on to this week’s visit.

We visited First Christian Church on 2nd and Boulevard in Edmond. We have sat in front of this church for the last couple of 4th of July parades. They pass out free hot dogs, popsicles and other goodies to the crowd. We decided to check out this place that is so hospitable on that day. They also serve breakfast and a sack lunch to those in need 5 days a week and are host to a huge community Thanksgiving dinner every year. It is a beautiful community church, involved in the community and filled with members of all ages. Today was Children’s Sunday. We didn’t know that until we got inside and were seated. At first, I thought this was not the best time to attend here, but by the time service was over, I knew it was exactly where we were supposed to be. After a few weeks of contemporary services, I was in the mood for something more traditional so we opted for the traditional service over the contemporary service and we got it with a capitol “T”! We sang hymns accompanied by an organ and although I am sure the service was not representative of their normal service, it was very touching. Through these sweet children, who conducted all parts of the service, including communion, I was reminded of some basic principles. While the speaking part of prayer is an important element of our faith, equally important is the listening part. And, when God speaks our response is and should always be “Here I am Lord.” I was moved to tears by “Who did, who did, who did, who did, who did swallow Jo Jo Jonah?” and inspired by the 3rd-5th grade choir singing “We Give You Glory.” Who would have thought I would ever be nostalgic about mini-worship. When our kids were that age, we worked so hard in the church that I regret to say we probably did not enjoy or appreciate the innocence and unconditional faith of our own children. I almost (and I emphasize “almost”) felt myself longing for grandchildren. We sat behind two very sweet elderly ladies who were very welcoming and went to the trouble to let us know we were welcome to participate in communion—no questions asked—and we did. The morning was topped off with an audience participation version, hand signs and all, of Pharoh, Pharoh, oh baby, let my people go. It was a good morning.

Week 15 - North Church

This week we visited North Church in Oklahoma City. We have passed by it for years on our way to church. We decided to visit the churches that mail us invitations and this was one of those. We don’t know anyone there and didn’t know much about it except for what we read on their website. One thing I learned this week is that I am thankful for technology and that churches have jumped on board. Looking over the website before we visit a church helps remove some of the anxiety about not knowing what to expect. North Church has a smaller auditorium than some of the other similar style churches we’ve visited, but they do have 3 services. They also have what appears to be a very large classroom area and children’s ministry areas. The idea that came to both me and John this morning was we seem to be ending up at several of what we will call the “non-denominational denomination” churches. While they all have their differences, their similarities are that they don’t look anything like a traditional church, they are very technology oriented, and they have fabulous worship bands. They worship very enthusiastically from the heart. These people are sincere, not afraid to display emotion and are passionate about their worship and love of the Lord. There are so many of these places and they are growing. There seems to be a real hunger and appreciation for this style of church. Being middle-aged, at first we feel a little out of place expecting these types of churches to be filled with young people. They are not. All ages seem well represented. Whatever the non-denominational churches are doing, they are getting something right. This church was going to have 11 baptisms today. No matter where we end up when this is over, it is exciting to see and know this kind of enthusiasm for God is going on all over our city.

Week14 - Quail Springs Church of Christ

This Easter Sunday we chose to attend the church we attended for 20 years. In spite of everything that led to our decision to leave there, it is a place filled with good memories, precious friends whom we love, our baptism and the baptism of our kids, familiar hymns sung accapella and a number of things that just made it the place we wanted to spend Easter. Gary Bruce and his worship team, as always, led a meaningful worship time with great selections for the occasion. Quail has a new minister (Steve Dye) and we also were very interested in hearing him preach. We are very happy for them that God sent someone to step into this role and that he was willing to be that someone. He was comfortable, relaxed, interesting and drew us into a new way of looking at a familiar event. The title of the sermon was The God of New Beginnings. Quail is certainly there right now. We pray for only the best for them. For us every Sunday is a new beginning of sorts. We are reminded of the strength God provides as he walks with us along our journey. We have been landing safely about every other Sunday in a church we’ve either been to or had friends meeting us at. We will be setting out the rest of this year to attend mostly unfamiliar churches. Today I was reminded of the peace and security of familiar people, places and routines. I understand the appeal of those things. This is not our year for that, but that’s ok. Maybe we’re being prepared for something else that’s out of our routine. God only knows.