Church II- I googled it.

To be honest, I have been mulling this blogging idea for a while. But perhaps I jumped in without considering some of the logistics of visiting 52 churches in a year. For example; which churches should I pick to get a good cross section, and how do I pick them? Will taking someone with me ruin the "visitor effect." Who has the time to really dig in and do the research to find out all of this stuff. So I decided this week to do as a person truly searching for a church would do.

I went to the church down the street of my house in Dallas. Well, more like I passed it as I had about a hundred times. However, since I have begun my quest I have a keener sense of just how many churches there are out there, because every time I pass one it is going in the "potential visit" file. Its the same thing when your crush has a red honda...you all of a sudden see them everywhere.

I flipped a U- turn on this Sunday afternoon, and wanted to check out this new inquiry. I took note of the impeccably manicured plants, and sparkling sidewalks of the building that seats up to 300. I noticed the marquee said "we missed you last week, hope to see you this Sunday." I thought to myself, "So you shall clever marquee, so you shall." I swung by the door in search of a service time to see when my visit should be made. -Nothing. Maybe the marquee said a time? No go. Sigh, I would have to go inside. I got out and tried the door, locked. I considered leaving a note, but due to the heat, and my lack of will to think of something less then scathing to say, I refrained. On my way out of the parking lot I considered why they may not think it necessary to post service times. Maybe because everyone who goes there knows what time it starts...why would anyone else need to know? Disheartening.

I turned to my trusty friend Google. He always knows what to do. I quickly found, to my dismay, how difficult it is to find a church, particularly with a service on a Sunday night. Finally, with a little luck and a lot of fanagling I got one!

This church has a tree name. (Last week it was based on geographical location.) After converting the map to my photographic memory I set off to church number 2. It started at an odd time: 6:15. This worried me, ceratinly something was happening before the service that prevented it from being on the hour...or the half. Maybe it was somwthing I wanted to do, but they didnt give me the option.
I got a bit turned around enroute, but quickly recovered. As I approached the parking lot I noticed that there were many different cars, good sign! I gathered my purse and notebook and spied a greeter guy spy me in return through the glass door then turn back. He was watching me; this always makes you walk different, more with purpose. I heard lively music, score! As I approached he opened the door and smiled widely with his gold tooth, albeit strained as if I had disrupted him. When the door opened I heard that they were singing a familiar song in spanish. "O como rio di aqua viva..."  He told me, I think you go over there. Ohhhhh 2 services. What, I don't look like I speak spanish?!?

I entered the second door and noted what looked like an ash tray, and saw to my left the sanctuary, and the signs, which I couldnt get a good picture of that said: "Turn off phone " and a few welcome pamphlets. As I was late I didnt want to distrub. Before I could make a quiet entrance a lovely lady came out to greet me sweetly and usher me in. I learned later that she was the pastors wife, she reminded me of a certain movie star...but I couldn't place her name.

Although there had been no singing I noticed that there was both a shining new drum set and quite archaic organ in their respective corners. I wanted to hear what ensemble these would produce together, but such is life. There was also a "Jesus being baptized" mural atop the baptismal. Whenever I see these my mind invariable wonders to who did it, how long it took, and do they still shine with pride every time they see it, or perhaps lament an imperceptible mistake that only they know of? I always place my chips on the latter.

The Pastor welcomed me briefly from the pulpit and got on with the Bible study. He was very well versed and spoke clearly without a microphone. He even threw in the law of first mention; a classic pastoral tool. Love it. The text was based in Psalms and focused on the prophetic placement of scriptures within the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th chapters. It was very enthralling and the 25 minutes flew by.  After a brief Q & A session which revealed a comfortable rapport amongst the congregation of 11 older couples, the Pastor dismissed and the church cleared very quickly.

Pastors wife came over after service to connect with me and was very genuinelty nice, she inquired to how I found them and was delighted to find that I had googled it! She introduced the gentleman in charge of the website and he was happy to hear that news also. Pastor joined us and I inquired about the church. He was happy to share with me their robust outreach program. They feed almost 200 families every Tuesday and have basketball and skate ministries for youth.


Over all I would probably return to this church, and I am sure they have plenty of space for church involvement, genuine heart, and strong teaching. So happy to find such a sweet congregation on google. Google for the win!

As for next week I am going to try a mega church! Maybe then I will connect to someone within 25 years of my own age. Can't wait!