FOURTH CHURCH VISIT

I visited a church in a sub-rural setting this morning.  Plenty of parking and open space.  

I arrived fifteen minutes early during Sunday School.  The property was nicely kept and the building had a pleasant appeal.  The main entrance was recognizable.  I was greeted by a man as I entered.  He remarked that he didn't know me and gave me his name - also asking for mine.  He escorted me inside to the 'Welcome Center' and turned me over to a woman there who introduced herself and had me fill out a 'Visitor's Form'.  She then gave me a gift bag and some information from the staff as well as the week's information sheet.  

By the way, it was the nicest gift I've received as a newcomer at a church:  a coffee mug, with six pieces of candy, a nice little notebook/pen with the church logo, and a booklet by a Christian author - all in a nice gift bag with tissue paper.  :-)

I entered the auditorium which was nearly empty with ten minutes till worship.  The countdown started at five minutes and worship began on time - even though there were only about seventy of us spread out in a space with over two hundred chairs Twenty minutes later there were nearly one-hundred-twenty present - with 70% sitting in the back six rows and the rest sprinkled around in the front rows.  Many raised their hands during worship and one woman jumped around front and center - apparently really enjoying these moments of praise and worship.  .  

The auditorium had no windows and was capable of being completely darkened.  The young woman who led worship indicated that she and a couple others were substitutes for team members who were on vacation.  She had a crystal clear voice and led humbly and capably.  The team did not draw unnecessary attention to themselves and were quite good!  We sang four worship songs that took up nearly a half-hour.  The PowerPoint was run horribly;  we couldn't sing the first line of each verse/chorus because we didn't get the words in a timely fashion.

Then came a surprise.  After such a wonderful time of preparation, a woman came forward to lead us in prayer and then we heard announcements for ten minutes.  If not surprised enough, then we were told to take a break.  Some, not many, left for a cup of coffee.  A few greeted their neighbors.  Most of us just sat and waited.  The children left for age-level programming at this point.  Those attending were mostly younger with a healthy sprinkling of most generations.  There didn't seem to be many present over the age of seventy.  

CAVEAT

I was seated on an aisle on the right side.  I began to notice a young girl dancing at the front on our side.  She seemed to have a physical disability that made it difficult for her to dance, so she basically twirled to the music.  Then, her Mom arrived and danced with her - which I thought was precious!  Gradually, Mom guided her further to the side so as not to be a distraction.  Later, I realized that her father was the lay-speaker for Father's Day.

I was also greeted by a man (before worship) who gave me a 'Father's Day' gift - a coupon for $5 off at a nearby meat market!   Very nice!  Later, during the break, his wife also came and greeted me!   

When the meeting resumed, this younger man came forward to speak using a laptop as his source.  He was well prepared and brought a straightforward message from the scripture about the value of our words.  He began by pointing out that 'words of affirmation' is one of Gary Chapman's Love Languages.  Then he referred to the loving words of encouragement spoken by a maid/nanny to the little girl constantly berated by her mother in the movie, THE HELP:  "You is kind.  You is smart.  You is important."

He then played a video of him and his precious little girl when she was a bit younger.  He was repeating a similar mantra with her and she was providing the last word of each sentence.  He referenced key scriptures from the gospels, James and Proverbs that reinforced his point.  It was a very good Father's Day message that applied to everyone present!  I was impressed!  

At the end of his message he led us in prayer and the service was over.  It was a very abrupt ending that seemed to surprise us all.  No more singing and no call for a response.  The service was simply over.  

I lingered for a few moments and then left.  Many stayed in the auditorium and others visited in the foyer.  

I had reviewed the church's webpage before attending and it was very well done and user-friendly.  

This church is nicely located in the Columbiana area and is doing many things right.  The building and location are excellent.  Their mission is clearly stated.  

In my opinion, their effectiveness could be improved by giving some thought to their order of worship and the 'flow' of their worship-hour.  The service began at 10:30 and I was in my car by 11:40 AM, heading home.