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.

Week 13 - Henderson Hills Baptist Church

Today we visited Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond. You could feel the energy of this place when you walk through the door. The foyer is inviting and actually is the kind of place I could hang out in all day. With a bookstore and a coffee lounge, who would want to leave? We attended the 2nd service and it was packed. Worship was led by a full band and choir. Preparing for Easter, the message was about atonement. A familiar topic, but with new insights. As is often the case, God frequently gives new perspectives on the same scripture each time we read it. What God showed me today is that whether it’s from the Old Testament or the New Testament, whether it’s an unfamiliar passage or an old favorite, or for that matter whether it’s in a church I’ve attended for 20 years or a new one each week, He’s always there with something new to show me. I just have to pay attention.

Week12 - New Covenant United Methodist Edmond

This week we visited New Covenant United Methodist Church in Edmond. This is a church we’ve been to many times. It was Danae’s church throughout high school and is attended by many people who are special to us. It is a “mid-sized” church compared to others we’ve visited. Normally conducting two services every Sunday, today was filled for a combined service due to our first day of spring snowstorm. Today’s worship was led by a fabulous praise band, complete with horn section accompanied by a choir composed of church members. They did a nice job of leading the worship without overpowering it. The pastor, Adrian Cole, always makes you feel like you’re in the living room of an old friend and today was no exception. The title of the sermon was “The Blindside.” Tying it to the movie, the sermon focused on Peter’s experience of denying Christ three times before the rooster crowed just as He predicted. Peter was blindsided by the realization of his betrayal. What occurred to me is that sometimes the surprise, or blindside, is something that happens to us and sometimes it’s our own behavior. We are blindsided by life regularly. However, God is never blindsided. He knows what’s coming and never leaves us. He’s not surprised by anything we do or anything that happens to us, but if we could look into his eyes afterwards, what we would see is His unconditional love. That thought, to me, is simultaneously convicting and comforting. I think Peter would agree.

Week 11 - Victory Church

Victory Church in Oklahoma City was our choice for this Sunday morning. God provides on some Sunday mornings, dear, longtime friends (Angie Klutts) to sit alongside us in this journey. This was one of those weeks and it was really a blessing. Familiar faces and routine have definitely not been in our vocabulary this year. Sometimes we miss that. But, as always, God stands in the gap for those things missing in our lives. And did I mention we went to church with Angie. I’m sure getting mentioned in the blog wasn’t the only reason she came ;-). I suspect this was really out of her comfort zone and cannot express how much we appreciate her being there. Danae was home for spring break and was with us also. It is always a blessing to hear her perspective and just have her there.
Victory is a large congregation with three Sunday morning services. The worship incorporates a powerful, full volume worship band/praise team, high tech sound and lighting and meaningful videos. In addition to being televised on local TV, the sermon is broadcast to multiple worship locations and as far away as Afghanistan. They are also very involved in the arts and in the community. Everyone was invited to participate in communion, which was somewhat self-directed. For us, the most outstanding part of the morning was the sermon. I’ve listened to Mark Crowe on TV and actually know the family through the school our kids used to go to. I expected to hear a meaningful, well-delivered sermon and I wasn’t disappointed. Mark was inspirational, humble and convicting. The topic was miracles and while everyone’s definition of a miracle is different, the lesson was applicable on many fronts. His main points were 1) expect God to do something great every day; 2) participate in God’s plan; and 3) show appreciation to God for His work in your life. He made more good points than I could keep up with in my notes. I will be revisiting this sermon on their website. I specifically walked away with a new appreciation for my family. Sometimes God’s miracles are right in front of us. Thanks God!

Week 10 - Edmond Church of Christ

Sometimes we spend a good amount of time deciding which church to attend each Sunday and sometimes it’s decided for us when our kids are involved. This week Danae and the college students she’s going to Africa with were down for the weekend. Edmond Church of Christ is the home church for one of those kids, so we went with them this morning. It’s just a blessing to be around these young people and watch their faith in action. Edmond is a fairly large, very traditional Church of Christ. We were blessed with traditional hymns and communion that we don’t always have the opportunity to participate in. What stood out to me more than the sermon topic, was the “pre-sermon” discussion leading up to communion. The leader of that segment asked the question “can there be love without sacrifice.” The obvious scripture that was pointed out was “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son…” Great love equals great sacrifice. He discussed the sacrifices we make for our kids, our family, etc. What I believe God was saying to me specifically is “do you lead a sacrificial life.” Are my interactions with my kids selfish or self-serving? Do my dealings with co-workers emphasize serving or being served? If Christ himself said that he came not to serve but to be served, then I can certainly do no less. I must confess, I’m not always in a servant frame of mind. But, if the way people know I am a follower of God is by the way I love others, then it has to start at putting myself out of the center and putting others first. I don’t always have to have my way. I don’t always have to be right (even if I am!). I need frequent reminders that I am not the center of the universe. In a society that emphasizes the philosophy of “taking care of #1” God calls us to put other’s feelings and needs ahead of our own. These college students that came down this weekend are a perfect example of serving others ahead of themselves. They are giving up their summer to serve others in Africa in a town where there is poverty, disease, sketchy electricity, and most importantly very little cell phone and internet access. If that’s not sacrificial for a teenager I don’t know what is! Sometimes teenagers teach you more than you teach them.