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.