Is that you...or is it me? | Uptown
"Uptown" implies upscale, fashionable or in my impression/definition pretentious.
Nope! The earthy warmth of this community church was like a warm cup of cocoa (which they had for those who were so inclined).
We have friends who have attended for many years, so looked forward to seeing them, but before we could catch their eye, one of the other members of the congregation spotted us from the other side of the room and welcomed us with a warm smile and introductions. This seems like such a simple thing…and yet, we're discovering, apparently rare.
The joy in this space was not the plastic happiness kind...but the deep profound kind you only find amongst once very broken, now redeemed people. People who are finding their way together. There was a princess in a tiara, a father dancing with his toddlers, hot coffee in the "sanctuary" and a lovely gentleman who circulated to collect up everyone's empty cups.
The worship was beautifully simple, a guitar and lovely vocals from people who clearly are worshippers more than they are musicians. Nothing more, nothing less.
When the service took a break to let the kids head off to their Sunday school class, our kids were warmly welcomed to join the teens at a nearby house for their own version of church. To hear my kids...(who have looked like lost puppies for the last six months) facing this journey with discouraged shrugs and “I don’t know’s” and “whatevers”…say "it was fun" and “they were really friendly people” was really nice indeed. It didn’t hurt that Matthew got to meet his hero’s brother either.
The pastor was earthy and passionate, yet theologically profound, a combination as equally rare as the “we’re glad to have you here” welcome. He was humble and honest... and you could tell he was preaching a message that he wanted to hear in his own life as much as he wanted to give it. I learned something new. It made me think, but not so hard it lost me. He was also kind enough to notice visitors amongst the hundred odd people in the room, and to spend some time chatting with us after the service.
The only part that leaves me wondering is this sense that we're searching to serve somewhere...what does that mean, where does it leave us? Does this place tie into our desire to seek out a mission opportunity? How does it fit with our desire to serve our local church and community? I could see this being a place of encouragement to launch either from for sure....am I over thinking this? Is it ok to just BE somewhere and rest for a while?
Tonight we ruled out the churches on our list over 300 people. Just can't do it. That only leaves a couple left to visit. Yet, I'm asking myself "why..."
I don't know if there are rules to this game or if I can be done right now... that will be my question for God this week. Is this Him leading or me wanting warm cocoa and rest for my soul.... I guess I won't know until the coin toss lands...
We have friends who have attended for many years, so looked forward to seeing them, but before we could catch their eye, one of the other members of the congregation spotted us from the other side of the room and welcomed us with a warm smile and introductions. This seems like such a simple thing…and yet, we're discovering, apparently rare.
The joy in this space was not the plastic happiness kind...but the deep profound kind you only find amongst once very broken, now redeemed people. People who are finding their way together. There was a princess in a tiara, a father dancing with his toddlers, hot coffee in the "sanctuary" and a lovely gentleman who circulated to collect up everyone's empty cups.
The worship was beautifully simple, a guitar and lovely vocals from people who clearly are worshippers more than they are musicians. Nothing more, nothing less.
When the service took a break to let the kids head off to their Sunday school class, our kids were warmly welcomed to join the teens at a nearby house for their own version of church. To hear my kids...(who have looked like lost puppies for the last six months) facing this journey with discouraged shrugs and “I don’t know’s” and “whatevers”…say "it was fun" and “they were really friendly people” was really nice indeed. It didn’t hurt that Matthew got to meet his hero’s brother either.
The pastor was earthy and passionate, yet theologically profound, a combination as equally rare as the “we’re glad to have you here” welcome. He was humble and honest... and you could tell he was preaching a message that he wanted to hear in his own life as much as he wanted to give it. I learned something new. It made me think, but not so hard it lost me. He was also kind enough to notice visitors amongst the hundred odd people in the room, and to spend some time chatting with us after the service.
The only part that leaves me wondering is this sense that we're searching to serve somewhere...what does that mean, where does it leave us? Does this place tie into our desire to seek out a mission opportunity? How does it fit with our desire to serve our local church and community? I could see this being a place of encouragement to launch either from for sure....am I over thinking this? Is it ok to just BE somewhere and rest for a while?
Tonight we ruled out the churches on our list over 300 people. Just can't do it. That only leaves a couple left to visit. Yet, I'm asking myself "why..."
I don't know if there are rules to this game or if I can be done right now... that will be my question for God this week. Is this Him leading or me wanting warm cocoa and rest for my soul.... I guess I won't know until the coin toss lands...
Hey Tara,
ReplyDeleteLoved your blog entry. Sounds like it might be a right fit for your family for sure.
I know you will pray through. I found it interesting because it was a similar question I had when I met with Pastor Terry @ Riverside. As we talked, we discussed the loss of community (the only Christian community I had known - which also applies to you) and God's grace for allowing us that grieving time. Part of what endeared him to me was his comment that "it's alright to come here for six months just to hide and heal and then it's time to re-evaluate", which meant re-evaluate how I serve Him or perhaps even WHERE I serve Him.
Beth thinks it's absolutely okay for you to be "just" a church attendee - worshiping and loving God for a while. You've been burned out and I'm sure God wants you to rest and regenerate. Also, with some of these bigger churches, you don't just walk in and start serving - there seems to be a bit more to it, or so it appears to me.
I'll keep praying for everyone searching out a new community to worship.