Today I chose to visit an Episcopal Church. I chose this church for two reasons. First, it was number one on Google maps. And second, I just happened to be stopped at the red light in front of it the other day and I took that as a sign.
The associate priest was very friendly upon entry, as were the greeters. Some people are under the assumption that all greeters are friendly but newsflash: people know when you're faking it! Anyway the church was beautiful inside. The stained glass windows were gorgeous as was the wood detail around the altar and the balcony of the church. The pews were consistent of any older church of the time period, having doors at the end of the pews.
They must take some serious pride in the music at this church because it was awesome. Not only was there a choir, there were people on the clarinet, flute and violin. Having played the violin throughout elementary school and high school, I had a great appreciation for that type of ensemble.
Things continued pretty much as I was used too with a little more ceremony thrown in. Since my dad's Fathers family is Catholic, I am very familiar with their traditions and the Episcopal service was very similar. Although singing of Psalms took a lot longer than I recalled.
To my surprise, the pastor giving the message was visiting us from Florida. I liked him instantaneously. The message was on gratitude and tithing. Usually I dislike listening to anything that mixes church and money, but this one I enjoyed. He told the story of when his mother-in-law liquidated some assets and gave each child $10,000. The first thing his wife said to him was, "Where should we give our 10 percent tithe?" His response was, "What? We already give every week!" It was actually nice to hear that even men of God get a lesson now and then.
A few days later, an earthquake hit Haiti and the pastor and his wife sent their tithe. They were able to buy shelter for many Haitians. In the past, I always looked at tithing in reference to paying church bills etc. Occasionally you would even hear of crooked leaders running off with boatloads of innocent church goer’s money. That didn't exactly entice me to open my already limited pocketbook.
In reality, however, tithing is about saying thank you for all that you are blessed with in life. For some reason, that realization made me feel much better. It’s not about putting money in the pastor’s pocket, it’s about giving back. I have been tithing all this time and didn’t even know it! Note: The offering is still important. Churches can't maintain themselves!
So in conclusion, I will attend the Episcopal Church again next Sunday for their Celtic service and will continue tryouts with a new church in the am.
After all, this week was a visiting pastor. I have to see how the real one measures up!
History Lesson: Personally, I find the history of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church (or Church of England) very interesting. The Anglican Church began from Henry VIII of England's desire to divorce his first wife to marry another. Since the Catholic religion did not believe in divorce, Henry started his own church. He changed little in terms of tradition and ritual, thus why the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches hold many similarities. After his death, many of King Henry's successors implemented more protestant reforms in the church. During the Revolutionary War, churches began adopting more American republican ideologies. Anglican churches in American soon became the American Episcopal Church.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Community Church/Church of the Nazarene
The next contestant was a Community Church in the area. After some questions about affiliation I found that they were Church of the Nazarene. Since I had never actually heard of this church, I googled some info and I would go.
I realized that this church was going to be a little out of my comfort zone when a friend said, "No need to dress up. Most people wear jeans." I believe my response was something like, "ummm....yeah...I cant do that."
As I mentioned, I grew up in a traditional, more conservative church. That being said, some people occasionally wear jeans to my home church. The Callen's are not those people!! Once, while in High School, my sister drove herself to church and showed up in Adidas sandals. We will just say, that move didn't go over too well. She has since learned that you shouldn't mess with my parents on the church attire!
I have to admit that I was very nervous once I pulled up and the parking attended motioned me to the right. As I walked, one of the pastors was holding the door open. She could tell right away that I was new (wonder if it was my deer in headlights expression?) and she welcomed me to the church. She then directed me to the donut table...I liked this place! Once inside I perused around the book store and coffee shop before heading into the service.
There was a huge stage and two giant projection screens. We sang for awhile, the band played and we prayed. It was almost like a concert. The woman who greeted me at the door was leading the songs and worship. After about 20 minutes, her husband came on stage to do the sermon which I thoroughly enjoyed.
However, even though I enjoyed the message, I didn't feel like I had gone to 'church.' My friend said that it took her a little time to get used to so I thought I would go again. But, when she was out of town the next week, I learned the sermon could be found on a podcast. A podcast that I could listen to on my computer, in my pajamas at home. That saved all the hassle of actually getting dressed and driving to church!
After awhile, things came up and I stopped listening to the podcast and the experience fizzled out. It just wasn't meant to be.
On to the next experience...
I realized that this church was going to be a little out of my comfort zone when a friend said, "No need to dress up. Most people wear jeans." I believe my response was something like, "ummm....yeah...I cant do that."
As I mentioned, I grew up in a traditional, more conservative church. That being said, some people occasionally wear jeans to my home church. The Callen's are not those people!! Once, while in High School, my sister drove herself to church and showed up in Adidas sandals. We will just say, that move didn't go over too well. She has since learned that you shouldn't mess with my parents on the church attire!
I have to admit that I was very nervous once I pulled up and the parking attended motioned me to the right. As I walked, one of the pastors was holding the door open. She could tell right away that I was new (wonder if it was my deer in headlights expression?) and she welcomed me to the church. She then directed me to the donut table...I liked this place! Once inside I perused around the book store and coffee shop before heading into the service.
There was a huge stage and two giant projection screens. We sang for awhile, the band played and we prayed. It was almost like a concert. The woman who greeted me at the door was leading the songs and worship. After about 20 minutes, her husband came on stage to do the sermon which I thoroughly enjoyed.
However, even though I enjoyed the message, I didn't feel like I had gone to 'church.' My friend said that it took her a little time to get used to so I thought I would go again. But, when she was out of town the next week, I learned the sermon could be found on a podcast. A podcast that I could listen to on my computer, in my pajamas at home. That saved all the hassle of actually getting dressed and driving to church!
After awhile, things came up and I stopped listening to the podcast and the experience fizzled out. It just wasn't meant to be.
On to the next experience...
Traditional Presbyterian
Now, by 'Traditional Presbyterian" I mean the church has literally been around since the dawn of time, or at least the dawn of this country. Growing up in a traditional Congregational church, I thought this might be a good fit. After all, I highly doubt that the structure of either service has changed in the past 250 years. For some reason I like my church that way.
At the risk of boring you with historical references, the Congregational church was started by the Pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower. Essentially, they wanted every local church to be governed by the congregation, hence the name. American Presbyterians were highly influenced by early Congregationalists, so their services and church appearances are very similar. White with off white trim was apparently the IT color scheme of the day! Actually, Protestant churches were painted cream or white because the emphasis was supposed to be on the message and not on ornate decoration.
However, despite the similarities in service structure and rectory decor, it wasnt working for me. I went back to this particular Presbyterian church a few times, because gosh darn I wanted it to fit. But I always go with my gut and my gut says "You didn't make the team." My gut is rarely wrong so I decided it was time to send in the next applicant.
At the risk of boring you with historical references, the Congregational church was started by the Pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower. Essentially, they wanted every local church to be governed by the congregation, hence the name. American Presbyterians were highly influenced by early Congregationalists, so their services and church appearances are very similar. White with off white trim was apparently the IT color scheme of the day! Actually, Protestant churches were painted cream or white because the emphasis was supposed to be on the message and not on ornate decoration.
However, despite the similarities in service structure and rectory decor, it wasnt working for me. I went back to this particular Presbyterian church a few times, because gosh darn I wanted it to fit. But I always go with my gut and my gut says "You didn't make the team." My gut is rarely wrong so I decided it was time to send in the next applicant.
Tryout Rules and Regulations
Like many college students, once I left for school I also left behind the "Church on Sunday" mentality. Sunday was now for sleeping in, watching football and nursing whatever ailed you. My Church was back at home, conveniently 4 hours away, and therefore I could only attend services on holiday breaks or summer vacations.
When I moved to another state after college, I tried finding a new My Church but that mission was abandoned after one week. Mission Find My Church.was less about want and more about feeling a sense of obligation, ensuring failure from the beginning.
Over the past year I have been working on making myself a truly happy person. That may seem like an easy task but let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, it isnt. Though I have made many strides in my life, I have struggled with the Faith aspect. In theory, we totally understand and respect one another. In reality, Faith only makes it so far until my incessant need to plan gives Faith the boot. When my plan blows up in my face, as it inevitably does, I seek out my old friend Faith. We share a drink and try things again.
In my blog, quartercenturydown.blogspot.com, I write about my journey towards being happy and content. Since Faith has been a recurring issue, I figured why not get a little help from the man upstairs.
First, I googled churches in my area.
Second, I started going to them in order.
Tryouts will be held every Sunday at Scheduled times. Results will be posted here weekly.
Thank You
When I moved to another state after college, I tried finding a new My Church but that mission was abandoned after one week. Mission Find My Church.was less about want and more about feeling a sense of obligation, ensuring failure from the beginning.
Over the past year I have been working on making myself a truly happy person. That may seem like an easy task but let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, it isnt. Though I have made many strides in my life, I have struggled with the Faith aspect. In theory, we totally understand and respect one another. In reality, Faith only makes it so far until my incessant need to plan gives Faith the boot. When my plan blows up in my face, as it inevitably does, I seek out my old friend Faith. We share a drink and try things again.
In my blog, quartercenturydown.blogspot.com, I write about my journey towards being happy and content. Since Faith has been a recurring issue, I figured why not get a little help from the man upstairs.
First, I googled churches in my area.
Second, I started going to them in order.
Tryouts will be held every Sunday at Scheduled times. Results will be posted here weekly.
Thank You
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