So I went and tested out that new church I mentioned a few days ago with my girlfriend this morning. She's Catholic and thinks it's novel that the church offers nursery care. I'm WASPy Protestant and think the modernness of the building and service just might be too much for me to cope with. The music was of course contemporary with a band and drums and all that jazz. Which I liked. I love a traditional choir too, though. They were very good though and they played several songs that I know are on the (Christian) radio currently. So that was nice. But I hugely disliked the sermon. First of all, it was about Satan. Which is fine I guess, but both the program and the backdrop of the stage (I don't think I can call this an alter- stage seems more fitting) had this black face with these creepy yellow eyes. I go to church to be uplifted, not freaked out by the program front cover art. And overall, the sermon was just waaaay too rah rah hate in the name of Jesus. But with a smile. And I believe I was the only person there in a dress. It was like a Catholic church with everyone in jeans, up and walking about, and leaving early. That is just so distracting to me. I get the concept of "come as you are," but I really didn't think the message said that too and I honestly just feel more comfortable dressing up for church. I'm sorry but I like men to be in a sports coat and sitting still in a pew on Sunday mornings. Personal preference.
I am not likely to go back for a Sunday service, as it really just wasn't my cup of tea overall. But I still might join a women's bible study through them because I've yet to get into one and I think it might be fun. It wasn't horrible or anything, just not the right fit for my needs and personality. I can see why families like it as they offer so many neat extras like mission trips and support groups and kiddie programs and such. I just think I need something more traditional with choir robes and stained glass windows and hymnals. Less "they're so bad" and more "God is good" coming from a proper pulpit without teleprompters.
So the Sunday Church Hop continues. My perfectly fitting little white church glove is out there somewhere...
7 comments:
I know how you feel. I'm Cumberland Presbyterian, which is just basically Presbyterian with some Episcopal undertones. I like choir robes, stained glass, traditional hymns with lady worshippers in dresses, skirts, nice pants and gentlemen in suits or dress pants/sport coats. When I go to the modern churches where they put a lot of emphasis on evil, I tend to be offended. I like to feel good when I leave church. I have a friend that grew up in a church like that. She visited our church with her husband, who's a member. As she left, she said it was the first time in her life that she felt good when she left church. Now she's a member. Sorry for the long post.
I'm a Presby too, Tammy. Not that I need to stick to any particular name brand. But I am just more comfortable in a traditional church environment with a choir and shaking the pastor's hand as you exit orderly. Having people up and down and moving about and looking at a big tv screen to see the preacher was just so distracting for me. Not to mention, I didn't click with the pastor's message or style. Onward and upward...
You should definitely find a place where you click with the way the message is delivered. My church is bigger, not huge. Modern building with the band. However I always leave feeling uplifted--I think about the sermon all week and it really resonates with me. So my prayers are with you that you find your place!
fyi, I grew up in a very traditional Catholic church and go to a Methodist church now.
I go to catholic mass because contemporary services freak me out. I like things boring and unpredictable.
We attend a good ole fashion Episcopalian church. Thechoirwear robes and the candlabras are sterling i Everyone dresses for church and most of the parishioners van be found at the yacht club after the service.
It is perfect for us. Wish we could invite you to join us.
I'm Catholic and I grew up going to a very formal fancy church with shiny tiled floors and gorgeous vaulted ceilings and marble columns and very traditional choirs and the like. It took me a while to find my current church that's smaller and in a more rural area, so it feels more comfortable while still maintaining the formality and structure I'm used to. It's a good fit for me but I understand how hard it is to find the right one and one where you connect with the pastor.
I was relieved to read this post today! My husband and I have been church hopping for a while now, he likes contemporary and I like traditional. Add to that the fact that we were both raised Southern Baptist and it no longer fits us or our lifestyle -- that's quite a lot of church hopping!
I am sure the perfect fit is out there for us, just like it is for you, too!
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