I regret not getting a better photo of this. But the front of the church had revolving doors, except the panels were literately made out of old church doors. So we walked inside to find everything in a gray stone finish, with a very modern stainless steal and glass topped snack bar right in the middle of everything. The direction of the main hall was not instantly apparent. But after moving down a few hallways, we found it. While we were walking, I noticed that there was more then just one hall in this cathedral. I was able to pick out others, including a very cute mini chapel (which I am sure is used for many weddings.)
Random Fact! Did you know that traditionally, the length of the train on a wedding dress, was dictated by what size of church the bride was getting married in? Train sizes are often named as descriptions of different church sizes.
We arrived at the main hall, and found a place to sit. It was BIG. And quiet elaborately decorated. There were bells ringing. Real ones. Approx 350 people of mixed race, with mostly middle-aged and senior people. But what really confuses me, is the denomination of the church? From what I understand they are a hybrid between the American Baptist Church and The United Church of Christ. But I was unable to distinguish the building or the service, from the Anglican services that I have seen in the past. (see All Saints Anglican Cathedral) Seriously. I couldn't tell the difference.
As you all know i am a big fan of stain-glass. There was a lot of it at this church, but it was very fine and the images were very small. One panel I was sitting close to actually had image of Johannes Gutenberg and his invention and use of the printing press. I think this was being depicted in a church because of Gutenberg's attempt mass-producing the Bible to make it affordable and accessible to everyone.
http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/press.html
The body of the church was beautiful, and the front of it, I am sure, would have been phenomenal, if it were not for the fact that it was covered for construction. Hopefully one day I will be able to witness the finished project.
This church has gone all out. They have an amazing lady that leads the worship with an opera voice that makes me feel guilty for walking in the door without paying for the show. On the far left-hand side of the room, there is also a singe language translator that dose a fantastic job of interpreting the sermon and the music. All of the ushers, and male volunteering members of the church, were dressed in full black suits with white carnation corsages.
The sermon itself was definitely impressive. It reflected on Independence day, and what it means to be christian in the USA in this day and age. He explored the meaning of "E Pluribus Unum" which is one of two of the United States motto's. It generally translates out to "One from many"or, "Out of many,One". The state of Pluribus being small and divided, and Unum, as being united as one. He made the point, that now "We seam to have a lot more 'Pluribus' then 'Unum' these days." And honestly I think he is right. Especially in the United States.
This speech was loaded with great points;
-We need to watch what we say
-Don't sugarcoat
-Don't beat around the bush.
-Don't be harsh
He also declared that we can not judge all Muslims based on the terrible actions of a few violent extremists that claim to be acting in the name of Islam. And that we should "stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim friends." in their struggles.
"Tell the truth in Love".
One of the best things I heard today is that we need to; "Not just Tolerate but Respect others."
( He also noted that the Westboro Baptist Church, is a clear example of people failing to do this.)
As a Canadian I have gained some interesting insight into this American "Pluribus" situation. America is strange in the fact that it is in very few ways a "UNITED" nation. All the different states insists on having a lot of independent choice in their laws and actions, and many states want nothing to do with others. It is understandable how It is very difficult to make any unified progress in America, when so much of the country is extremely divided and not willing to find a middle ground with others. A lot of "My way or the Highway" attitude here. America has powers to dictate on issues of the death penalty, abortion, gay rights, gun laws, State by State. Canada is a very different story. We are a united nation (*Quebec is complicated). We may not all like each other a times (one province and another). But we are not Putting up guns and pitchforks to fight the other off. Canada is a family that doesn't always like each-other, but we never let it get out of hand, because we live in the idea that we are ONE. And when we deal with big issues, we do it on a federal level.We address it once, get everything out in the open, come to a decision of the issue, that decision becomes law across the entire nation, and we are DONE.
That is just how we roll.
Communion was given today and I noticed something very surprising about it. Just before the congregation started moving towards the front the church, the leaders made it clear that taking communion was something that was accessible and acceptable to all. Not just Christians, not just people that have been baptized under a certain denomination. Everyone.(At the same time I am not too surprised by this considering the church service was also being led by people of different genders, different ethnic backgrounds, and ordained members of the LGBTQ community.) Which is a new and radical idea even to my mind. Should non-Christians take communion? And even if offered, would they do it? Well I can tell you at minimum that I know one practicing Muslim who has accepted communion. And her feedback on it was interesting. For those of you that are less familiar with Muslim practices, the month of Ramadan is a wholly Islamic month in which Muslims focus their efforts on charity, prayer,community sharing, studying their wholly text, and fasting. At the end of their daily fast, they break their fast by consuming a date
To Muslims this is a spiritually significant act and is often done slowly and silently.
The person i know who shared this knowledge with me said "Hey! I am have taken communion before!" she expressed that the feeling of it was very similar to "taking a date". I think we both found the commonality very interesting.
Maybe we are not so different after all.
The service its self was very Unique. It was extremely liberal and progressive, but still very timed and structured. Personally I thought the heavy structure took away from some of it for me. But some people really like a structured service. All matters on your personality I guess.
And as soon as the service was over, once again, I saw something I didn't expect
.
I am still baffled on why I see the most profound things, at the most odd times.
I looked over to my right to observe the room for some good photo ops as the service progressed to an end. That is which I did find, check out the giant flying gold Jesus.
Then I saw something that really struck me. A young family. There was African American man and woman in their mid to late 20's. The man was wearing a white t-shirt with a grey hoody over-top of it. Except he cut the sleeves off the grey goody. You could faintly see the black print of the tattoos down his arm, somewhat blended into his chocolate complexion. The woman was wearing a red shirt with jean jacket covered in rips ( done strictly for fashon). They were holding a small 1-2 year old child. You could see in their eyes how much they carried. How worried they were, that their child will hopefully not make some of the poor life decisions they made. Or maybe, they are pondering how to give their child a better and safer home then what they had. They may also be in fear that they dont have all the knowledge or skills to create this better environment. Regardless, it was clear from their eyes that they care. A lot. And maybe instead of speculation what should be focused on here is hope. Hope for the better, that comes with the renewal that Christ brings. I pray that the eternal hope, love, redemption and kindness of God reaches the hearts and minds of this young family and helps they make them into a safe family with a bright future.
Amen.
