Week 22 - First Presbyterian

This week we attended the contemporary service at First Presbyterian in Edmond. It’s a very beautiful older building that really looks like a church, stained glass windows and all. Added to that were the very contemporary elements of a praise band, audio/visual enhancements. There was no communion at this service, but a collection was passed by both men and women. They included a segment for the children up on the stage that was a nice way to make them feel included and an important part of the worship time. The title of the sermon was “Trading Places: The Prince and the Pauper (He endured our shame that we might share His glory).” In his sermon he discussed the elements of guilt and shame which I had honestly never thought about before as being different, but they are. Jesus didn’t just take on our guilt at the cross, he also bore our shame. Like salt in the wound so to speak. The preacher mentioned that he was from a Muslim family and was kicked out of the family when he announced he had become a Christian. That was impressive to me. I can’t imagine having the strength to endure something so traumatic as being disowned by your family. Shame was felt on both sides in that family for different reasons and I imagine it was intense. Even so, it pales in comparison to the undeserved shame Christ bore for us. That thought gives me a much needed attitude adjustment this week.

Week 20 - Spring Creek Assembly of God

We attended Spring Creek Assembly of God in Edmond this morning. Spring Creek is a medium sized more traditional church. They had a worship band that included two older gentlemen. It was sweet seeing them with their gray hair and suits playing the guitar and worshipping, alongside the younger group members. I liked the multi-generational idea. We were warmly greeted by several members who were interested in why we were visiting and encouraged us to return. The youth minister delivered a message this morning to their graduating seniors. The sermon focused on the story of the rich young ruler in the book of Mark. He encouraged the youth to live a life that was a legacy rather than a legend. A life that is not just a collection of stories, but lessons passed down. A life that is not just worth telling about but worth imitating. Something we could all strive for no matter what our age.

Week 19 - Church of the Harvest in Edmond

We attended the Edmond location of Church of the Harvest this week. Danae has a friend who recommended this church so she joined us also. It is similar to Life Church in that there are several locations with one “on site” preacher and the other locations receive televised sermons. Church of the Harvest is non-denominational and very similar in style to the others we have visited: a stage with a great worship band, dimly lit, good multi-media presentations, and seating with chairs rather than pews. Rows were roped off so we were “encouraged” to move to the front. It was probably the smallest congregation we have visited so far which was a little intimidating since we really stood out as visitors. However, we were greeted warmly and made to feel at home right away. To top it all off, it was mother’s day and I got a flower and candy. The sermon was a timely lesson on servant leadership, leading like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Being in a new role at work, the message was particularly helpful to me. There were a wide variety of people there who were enthusiastically participating in worship. After the service we had a great conversation with the local ministers of that location who were genuine and caring people. They got a plus in our book for being OSU fans and incidentally Stillwater is one of their satellite locations. It’s interesting to think that many congregations all over the state are worshipping together with the same sermon. It’s an arrangement that seems to be working well for some churches. There’s no end to the use of technology today, even in church.

Week 18 - The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist

This Sunday we landed in The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist in Edmond. St. John’s is a beautiful church with beautiful grounds. Everything about it is inviting and feels like community. The service was inspiring and the singing (especially the gentleman that sang a solo in Spanish) was fabulous. The service followed a pattern of worship and responses that everyone there seemed to know and was very comfortable with. This created a sense of unity among them. As a non-Catholic, I did occasionally feel like everyone was looking at me and thinking “well she certainly isn’t Catholic.” I doubt that was the case, but the rituals, the closed communion and routine responses can make an outsider really feel like an outsider. At the same time, I found all of those things somewhat charming and comforting. I have an affection for order, routine, tradition and feeling a sense of belonging. I understand how those practices give you all of those things including a sense of security and comfort, of knowing what to expect. I get why this is appealing to people. It is a sharp contrast from the emotional spontaneity of some of the other churches we have visited. The message was about loving one another as God loved us, focusing on the idea that people will know we are Christians by the way we love one another. I have really been questioning my ability to love people I disagree with this week. Questioning how I love without judgment, how to love without agreeing with the behavior, how to love while being persecuted. Once again, God provided a timely message. I think I’m finally starting to get that God has so much to say to me, that it doesn’t matter where I worship, He’s going to show me something. It brings a whole new sense of purpose to getting up on Sunday morning.

Week 17 - Survivor Tree Sunrise Service

We wondered how church would fit in this week since John was volunteering at the OKC Memorial Marathon and I was participating (only in the 5K walk just FYI—I will never be able to run a marathon!). When I saw the “Sunrise Service at the Survivor Tree” on the schedule, I knew that was where we should go. Sunrise was a bit of a false advertisement. It was very dark, and very cold, and very windy. We missed the first few minutes due to being trapped at the wonderful train on 10th Street for at least 10 minutes. It was frustrating and I began to wonder if this was a good idea. We walked up to the Survivor Tree at about the middle of the message and just stood with the others who had gathered thinking “I should not have worn shorts! I have seen something from God every week wherever we’ve attended and expected to see something here too. But I think I saw God more in the run/walk than the service. The prayer, singing and message were moving and solemn. It was a solemn occasion. However, the run was “inspiring.” People from all ages, races, social status and dare I say athletic abilities were there. They were standing and waiting huddled together in the cold and the wind both for a common purpose and some very likely a personal purpose. And we paid money to do this! Enthusiasm was high, lively conversation was everywhere and everyone felt somehow connected. No one cared what religion you were, what church you attended or anything about your personal life. Everyone was there for one reason: to remember those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever. Life is a marathon of sorts. Some people walk the short distance. Some people do it “relay style” with the help of friends. Some are strong and have great endurance to run the entire distance. We can be united under one common purpose regardless of our differences. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could carry that same spirit of unity into our life of faith, united only under the common purpose of Jesus Christ.