Church #47. The Riverside Church.

Still in New York, and O Man is this place BIG!!! And when I say big, I am talking Christ City size. (see Church # 27) here are some shoots from the outside.

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.)

*facepalm.

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.

Church #46. First United Methoidist Chruch

Still in the USA. And this would be the second church I have been to while on my journey here. Strangely enough, this was a church I was trying to avoid. Not necessarily because of the church, but because of the walk. The trail that leads from the center, that takes you to the church, happens to go right thru the middle of the dark forest and then the grave-yard. Because that is just the best way to start your Sunday.

So in an attempt to avoid that, I decided to walk the other direction, down the street to Another Methodist church that happened to be near-by. However I could not find any resources online to tell me when the service started. So I went with my default guess. 10 am........ And I was wrong. I approached the church at 9:52 and the singe said services start at 9am. Well Shit. So I went in for the last 10-15 min. The service finished. The minister approached me and told me that he was also ministering at another Methodist church down the road, and that their services started in half an hour, and that he would be happy to give me a ride.

Nice old guy.

So we drove over to the church I was initially avoiding, passing the graveyard as we drove down the road. We arrived at the church, perched at the top of a hilly incline. There were a few people parked around it and filing in. Most in their "Sunday Best", (I soon discovered that there was a baptism going on that day). The church bell sound is a automated recording, that rings out with different tunes on the hour 7-days a week. It is clearly heard from a distance away, but not overly loud when you are inside the actual church. The building appears to be old, but maintained. There is approx 50 people here. More of a family mix, ( I suspect that these numbers are directly influenced by the event going on today).

I must say, I have experience more them my share of  MERICA, since coming here. The town I am currently in, was apparently the location of some major historic battle? And there is some kind of an army army base? Needless to say almost every house in the area dons the star spangled banner, if not some other array of Americana. The church is no exception. It also has and American flag at the front of the room, on a vertical flag pole topped with a gold eagle looking proudly upwards. The date is  June 28.  Only a few days before American Independence Day.

The service started, and one of the first things that was announced, was my presence, what my name was and that I came from "CANADA". I got looked at like I was the most exotic thing these people have seen in a while. Who knew Canadians actually existed?

The service started in song, which was kind of difficult because I think the music peace they picked was a bit too advanced for the average Joe to catch on. The minister then took request for anyone that was in need of prayers. After the names were listed off, He then acknowledged that the July 1st Holiday was coming up

Yes we sang this.

"God Bless America!"
Is a common phrase used in these parts, and I suspect it will be more so as we head towards the holidays,. The church leader said that maybe it is time to re-examine this phrase and think of it differently.First off, yes America is blessed, not the next thing we should look at is "What can we do to bless America and the world?" And secondly, maybe we should spend less time asking God to bless this country more, and reflect, and be thankful, for the blessings we already have.

Personally, I would like to see more of this way of thinking, in the U.S.A.

Quote of the day:
"The healing hand of the great Physician."

There was a baptism that happened today. For a Little 5-7 year old boy? Roughly? I have no idea. This young boys family stood around him at the baptism front as the church, and his family made pledges to show a good example and commit themselves to his spiritual growth. I may have missed this, but at no point did I see the church leader address the little boy, and ask him if he accepts this sacrament. After a long speech, he wet his hands with the water in the font and touched the young boys head 3 times saying the blessing. After it all was over the little boy ran back to his seat, and garbed his hand held gaming device, nearly clueless to the significance of what just happened.

Honestly. I have feeling of compassion right now for people that argue that baptism should be done only to fully grown, comprehensive, adults. I still hold my position that infant baptism is not invalid.

The scripture that was focused on today was from 2 Corinthians 8:7-15...Wait! that's not right......

The church leader totally dropped the ball on this, but the story we learned about today was not in  2 Corinthians 8:7-15. I discovered the actual location of the scripture in Mark 5:21-43.

²¹ When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. ²² Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. ²³ He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. ²⁵ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
³⁰ At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
³¹ “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
³² But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. ³³ Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. ³⁴ He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
³⁵ While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”
³⁶ Overhearing^[c] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
³⁷ He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. ³⁹ He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). ⁴² Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. ⁴³ He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.


There was discussion about the woman that suffered from internal bleeding. This condition would have been a really ugly situation in this time and place, due to the lack of medical advancement. And compounded on the fact that the old Leviticus laws state, that a woman who is "bleeding" can not be touched. Therefore she would have been rejected and secluded. This is where I Cant help but admire Gods love for us, show thru Christs example. Jesus find the people that there is no hope for, and gives them a new life. 

The Church leader spoke about how she had visited may doctors that had taken her money and left her no better off.  He related this to the endless medical lawsuits against malpractice that occur here in the states.

Something I think people forget about sometimes, is not only, the spiritual revolution of salvation that Christ started, but the Social salvation work he also did. After the woman was healed, she was likely just hoping she could sneak away. Jesus instead called her out, and she feel to the ground, and told everyone what just happened. This almost seams confusing at first. This woman's condition was embarrassing! Why would he single her out and announce it to the world, that she had been healed of this? Why make a Public Service Announcement? Answer: So she can start over. To lift the social stigma. She is clean again. Safe to touch, to go shopping, to go meet with friends, to have a job, get married, to be free. And it is not just on the truthful authority of her word, but the word of God. Christ forced people to socially to rethink their ways and norms. Jesus really changes everything.  

Side Note: This is only time that Jesus uses the word "daughter" in the bible to refer to someone.

I was able to speak to the church leader after the service, and I took a moment to ask about the other flag at the front of the room that I did not recognize. He lifted it up and told me that it was the "Christian Flag"...... hold on......what?

Yes apparently this is a real thing. Christians have a Flag! Fallow the link to learn more.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Flag

What really got me is when he said "This flag (Christian Flag) supersedes the other(American Flag)."  WOW. I must say this guy has impressed me. He has also given me hope that maybe people like him, can influence some of the more arrogant and self-righteous citizens, to take a step back and examine themselves.  

So I left the church passing by a big black truck with "Vietnam War Vet" stickers on the back of it and headed home.

Thru the grave yard......

It was funny, but until now I had never truly gasped the temptation of the "forbidden fruit" so fully until I saw this bush.

This grape bush/tree/vine was one of the most beautiful and healthy I have seen in my time here (wild grape vine grows everywhere around here). Most grow out of reach. Not this one. And it had fruit! Plenty of it! Looks good huh?

Until I realized that these lovely tasty grapes, were well fertilized on the ground of dead bodies loaded with toxic embalming chemicals that have seeped into the ground from old cracked graves. Things suddenly got a whole less appetizing.....

And it ends up the walk was not that bad, I just kind of powered thru it!

And then finished my way home thru the creepy forest.....

 .....And they all lived Happy Ever After!







for now...... *que dramatic music.

Church #45 Stony Point Presbyteran Church.

 MERICA!

God Save Me! *facepalm. 

Yes it is official! I am south of the border in New York State for the summer, doing an interfaith program at a retreat center. I am lucky in the fact that there are a lot of churches near-by. (I often hear the church that chimes the hour, when I am working outside.) One of the coolest parts about all this would have to be, the fact that I now have access to certain denominations that would normally be much more difficult to find back home.

Before I even left for the service, I was informed that that church "might not have any service at all". Apparently the church was going to, was going thru a period of "upheaval". I decided Not to ask or get into details. I suspected another case of "dieing church" syndrome. There were only 12 people at this service, mostly seniors.

This place literally looks like a little stone castle from the outside. Which is cool.  When you first enter  you immediate you see the ropes the connect to the church bells. Personally I find it cool that they still have it set up that way, most churches have a system that rings their bells automatically.

As soon as I sat down I was greeted by some of the church members and leader ship. Including one middle aged fellow that came over to shake my hand. As we started talking , and I told him about my project. He said "we are small, but we are different."

I definitely got some interesting facts out of today. 

"The book of John was written in the year 100 AD".
I checked into my study bible on this, apparently everyone has their own idea when The gospel of John was written. My study Bible says 80-95AD however other scholars argue that it could be as early as 50-70AD.

"Up to the year 300 Christians and Jews worshiped together."
 This is a piece of information that I have also had confirmed a few times. Including once since I have been here on my interfaith program. I have learned a lot about Jewish belief, worship and ritual since coming here. And in all honesty I can see how that could work, as odd as it might be.

We got a speech on some of the history behind the practice of  holly communion.

Fun fact! The first food and drink that was ever consumed on the moons service, was an astronaut saying a prayer and taking communion, that was prepared for his trip.   

"Everyone is on an equal playing field, everyone takes communion together. Everyone rich or poor are welcome in Christ." 

Taking communion it's self at this church was very interesting. The female minister brought out a very large loaf of  braided bread, broke it. Then, instead of hand delivering the wine and bread to each individual, She encouraged each one of us, to come up, individually, and drink the wine, and take a piece of bread. She stepped aside and left the table leaving the front of the church empty and open for anyone who wished to come up. There was a great hesitation. No one wanted to move too quickly, and the room sat silent for some time. Eventually the people in the room started moving slowly, one by one to the front of the church. They approached the table, carefully tore a modest sized piece of bread and then dunking it in the wine before consuming it, and quickly returning to their seats.

I think this experience was very powerful and more "real" in a lot of ways then what I have experienced prior. I have taken communion many times before, but this was different. I have only seen a pastor actually rip a large loaf of bread in half once before, and this was definitely the first time we had ever been asked to go and tare a piece of bread off for ourselves.

And it all honesty. It was hard. Really hard.

I think I know why some people went so slow, (including myself). Because when you went up to the front of the room, you were not just a number in a line up, that faces the priest/pastor for a quick moment to be hand fed. No, you had to go up alone to the table, look upon the rest of the room that is baring witness to your action, and  then if you are willing and able, accept the body and blood of Christ. I witnesses many people literately freeze in mid action, while reaching for the bread. It was like they had never put so much thought into process even though they had done so many times before.

That was pressure. I can only imagine the weight that the disciples felt. Living under Roman oppression, being abused, living in danger, wanted men, hated by the government, on the run, and then having their leader announce that he was going to murdered,by one of their own, and that they needed to carry on without him.

Now take the bread and wine.
Could you do it?

Today was one of those days where I cried a lot...again. I had a stranger come up and hug and kiss me. Just another day on the job I guess.

I was able to talk to one of the fellows that first introduced himself  to me, and we talked for some time. I told him about the recent turn of power in Alberta, and the end of the 44 year rule of the PC government.  He told me that he can relate, and believes him, and many other young people felt just as hopeful when Kennedy got elected in US. Back In the day.

As we were leaving he mentioned that another group was coming in after them. I asked if it was a different church congregation? He said no. It was actually a group of Zoroastrians.

WTF?

Ok, explanation time. The Three Wise Men were believed to be Zoroastrians, because of their commitment to reading the stars and seeing the singe that God sent them. From what I can understand this faith has strongly affected the development of the Abrahamic faiths and pre-dates Christianity and Islam.  I have a link to a F&Q page for those that want to know more.

Zoroastrians Q&A

Until next time. 
Peace. Shabbat. Shalom. 

Church #44 St. Paul's United Church

Not the first time that I have been to this church. I was here for the prayer service for John Calvin's situation , which sad to say, is not going so well. See the link.
John Calvin Gets notice of Deportation. 

There were 60 people mostly seniors.
This service, was a service of song. It was the 6th annual "How can we keep from Singing!?" event.  There were multiple visiting choirs, with all kinds of performances, everything from traditional worship music to skat singing, to African rhythms. One of my favorite quotes of the day has to be ;"All good things start with a cowbell!"

There was a speaker that came up and gave us some information about a group she leads, called the "Braille Tones" which is a local choir for people with disabilities. 

We also had another fellow come up and tell about his experiences in Africa. He recalls a day when him and his African group members went on a all-day church trip, to be involved with a fund-raising effort, done as an auction. He said that they auctioned off some of the most unusual things he had ever seen. Everything form a glass of cold water, all the way up to a live turkey! He said "Where they found a live turkey in West Africa? I will never know!"

I remember that music is a good way to get thing off your chest. Quote of the day; "So if someone steals your wallet, go home and belt out some Etta James!"

Fact of the day; If you take the word "paradise" and break it down into root words. It translates to "open garden".

But even from the first time I was here, I was intreaged by some of the panels in the window, including a mystery panel.

So as you can imagine you have all of your regulars.
Most of these guys are Apostles, some are Patron Satins.The objects displayed around them give you clues and indications to the stories of their lives.

A panel devoted to a memory of a person that passed away.

But like a lot of stain glass panels, they often have fine details that make you take a second look. And in this panel there is a tiny Orthodox style church in the far back setting.

I asked the pastor why this was and she simply said that "people dont always stay in the places they start out in". But I guess they wanted to recognize some of this persons spiritual past in this piece of art, which I think is cool.

This piece got my attention. I knew who these two women were, and the story behind them. Well before I even read it in my bible. Ruth and her mother in law, Naomi. And how I knew about all this was from an article that I read. Meet one of my favorite online resources for wedding planning! Off-Beat-Bride. com! has everything and anything a person could need who wants to do  their wedding against the norm, or just make it fun!  This is the story of two women that got marred in a christian church, with a christian focus and didn't have to sacrifice love for faith. The scripture that they centered their vows around was this bible passage;

"Ruth said to Naomi, 'Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die — there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you" 

Here is more of their story. 
Allie & Megan's traditional Christian wedding goes queer

Another good image of Jesus rocking the boat and freaking out the disciples. He sames to be good at that :P

And then the mystery panel.I didn't get a close enough picture but if you can see, there is a scroll with gold writing and gold flakes that have fallen onto the floor? Anyone has an idea what this symbolizes? Give me a shout out!

The United Church is famous for being excepting and kind to all including LGBT community members. Another interesting aspect of inclusion I found was multi-language prayers in the back of one of their books.

Sometimes as privileged white North Americans, we need to stop and think of the others around us, and maybe use our power to help the rest of the world feel included more often. Just saying.

Go in Peace. And happy trails!

Church #43. McLure United Church.

And were back Ladies and Gentlemen! Sorry for the delay! I have been a busy lady in the last few weeks, getting ready for my interfaith program in NYC.

Since being featured in the Edmonton Journal, I have received a verity of invites from friends, family, and total strangers to come visit their churches. One of those people, was my friend Charles. The comical, swanky, cane-strutting fellow that believes that purple is the only colour a person really needs in their wardrobe.

Normally I have to plot out my travels on public transit, but I was lucky enough to get a free ride today, courtesy of  Charles's sister. I took my spot in the back seat of the car, and my friend turns to me and says "So are we the first church to bribe you with food?!".  For the record yes, yes you are. He suggeststed that I come this particular Sunday, because it was soup and sandwich day. After picking up another friend and winding out way around the city, we finally ended up at McLure United church on the north end of the city.

I was fairly typical of what I have seen of most United churches. This one is definitely a seniors club. And well attended too. My rough count is about 150-200 seniors ( however this is not likely the norm as the pastor did note that this was larger then normal.) there were maybe half a dozen kids their with their parents, but beyond that this place is 65+ zone.

Ps. And for my dearest mother who can't stand the idea of sitting on anything hard, I am happy to report that they have a large supply of "Butt Pillows" for anyone who needs.

Before the service started we had plenty of time to hang out and chat, while listening to the choir do their warm-ups. Including this song, which I was so tempted to do the action to considering they were drilled into me from 6 years of attending/working at bible camp.

If you dont know Charles, I can tell you atleats one defined thing about him, he is a funny man. Alow me to share some of his humors that he threw out while we were wating for the service to start;

"I had Jesus in my Sole once.....BEST FISH AND CHIPS EVER!!!!!!!" 

Q: " If you had the opportunity to ask Christ just one question, what would you say?" 
A: " Is it just Wine? or do you do other drinks too?" 

The service started with a young girl that was asked to go up and light the Christ candle.  The service was mostly composed of the choir singing, however there was also "Children's time". The pastor sat on the front steps of the stage and asked all the children to come up ( all 5 of them)  including one little boy that decided that he would take his time making his way to the front. The pastor asked the children what they thought of the singing today? All of them politely nodded and smiled, and said it was good. With the exception of the little boy that gave the choir a big "thumbs down". Everyone got a laugh out of that one. Then he was attempting to engage the children in the lesson and asked them what their favorite singers were. They he shared with them that he has a favorite song that he loves to crank up in his car and sing while going down the high-way. He asked them if any of them could guess what that song is? And the little boy piped up and said "THE MONSTER MASH!!!??"

 This kid is pure entertainment without a doubt!

I dont remember the song exactly, but I dont remember at one point the choir sang "I know you are thirsty and will not be denied!" The phrase rang a bell with me,because I have a shirt with a Bible passage on it that is very similar. I had just packed this shirt actually, I intend to bring it to my NYC program, largely because It is the shirt from my first mission trip I did when I was 14 years old.

Also I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place for a mission trip. They can literately use whatever skill you have! I rebuilt a drum-kit, and taught two little boys how to drum. And after that I helped prune and maintain the flowerbeds while working in the orchards. Engineers, medics, mechanics, childcare. sewing cooking, construction, music teachers, graphic designers, firefighters... They can use you! trust me, they are setup for it!

Foundation For His Ministry Baja Location.

There was a lot of music going on that day, but I must say I learned something really cool about and extremely common and popular Christian Hymns. There once was a British fellow back in the 1700's that ran a slave ship and was one of the most harsh and inhumane people on the high seas. He was almost killed in a storm that threatened to sink his ship. He broke down and called to God for mercy and was saved. After that he became a pastor and wrote a little song that we all know as Amazing Grace.

The piece of scripture that was covered today was from the book of Luke, and speaks of the prostitute that washes Christs feet. More on that in the link.

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

There was not a lot that stood out about this place, but the cross defiantly got my attention. I know they are trying to make the suffering and resurrection of Christ realistic, but this cross almost startled me. I put my hand into the photo for sake of comparison.

 If they were going for "realistic" they definitely achieved it!

After the service we went downstairs for the "Lunch by Donation". which was fantastic by the way. Over all a nice little church, simple, functional and accommodating. What more can you ask for really?

"He is not here for he has Risen!"

Church #42. The Studio Church.

Another Sunday, another church. I actually almost didn't get to church, and when I did arrive, I was late. I contribute this to the L.R.T. line was shut down AGAIN. Thanks, City of Edmonton. Thanks. 

While taking my detour root, I got to thinking. A lot of people show up late. So much so that a lot of my numbers I publish in terms of the amount of people that attend the service is most likely off. The average church service will have 10-40% more people it at the end of the service vs. the beginning. I always take my numbers at the start. However there are some pastors out there that have found creative ways to deal with this late-coming issue. RIP Robin Williams. May the Lord rest your soul in your red nosed, clown shooed glory!!

While on my alternative transportation route, I found I was not the only person heading to this church. I ended up walking with a young fellow that told me he was from Belize. Having a lot of international friends, I know a pressing issue at the moment is visas, since the Harper government changed the law recently. He told me that he has been in Canada for 1 year and 7 months now. He said he would like to stay but he has no choice but to go home to Belize.

I was pretty excited to see the inside of this place #1. Because it is the Alberta Film Studios building. #2 What would a church look like set up inside such a place? I am happy to say I have many pictures! 

So besides all the pictures of old movie stars, this is what greets you when you enter the door. 

This is what the seating area for the service looks like. With a full set up for the worship team band drums, guitars and the whole nine yards. All made up of young people in their 20's. Ps. The triangles actually have nothing to do with the trinity. The designers just thought they looked cool. 

Like a lot of modern services, the practice has change from just taking one piece of scripture  and breaking it down, to taking a Concept and going thru the bible and understanding more about it! Examples of these concepts would be things such as Love, Forgiveness, Hope, Healing, etc. 

The pastor was a middle aged man with what I am assuming to be some kind of American accent?  Regardless guy had some great quotes. No shortage of entrainment here. 

"We do not need to get our brownie points in on Sunday to be forgiven. Jesus has done that for us."

"Put my vision in-front and I will give you everything else that is behind you."

 -he spoke of how we get so focused on our own live that we put gods vision on the back burner, and say we don't have time for it. He said don't be afraid to put god in-front, the rest of your life will still fallow, and  be just as good, if not better then you envisioned.

"You belong here with the same right to the name 'christian' as anyone!"

"He wants us to celebrate, dance, and shout!"

 * no the church did not get up and dance and shout, as awesome as that would have been.

Book of Ephesians 2:20-22.

This was one part of the scripture looked at today. 

there was a talk on how Christ may be the head of the church, but we are his body and all of us serve a function, down to the smallest, but equally vital need.  From the eyes and ears to the small toe.We can not have just Christ as the head.

"A body needs every part to function."

"No one is going to just walk around with a decapitated head!!" 

"Christ needs us to be the body!".  

"We are special, we are Dynamite! Every single one of us!"  

 

This one is for you Aunty. 

"They are to train us to do Christs work!"

 - It was explained to us that walking in the way of Christ  and glorifying god on earth is not just for the pastor. Simply put, it is not a one man job. The actually function of a church leader is to train his congregation on how to continue acting to complete Christ's vision of a better world here on earth.

"god wants us to gown to know the whole truth in love!" 

"Our hatred of god has been forgiven!" 

"If we keep to ourselves lives will not be changed."

"Some people don't wanna take action."

List of reasons why people don't want to take action. 

1#. They are too afraid.

2#. they feel insignificant

3#. They feel they are not qualified. 

4#. They are afraid of interacting with peoples lives. 

5#. They don't think they are really able to change someones life. 

The pastor made it clear that theses are not real excuses and very easy to surpass and overcome. I believe this is a matter of stop looking at the problem, and start looking at the solution. Another one of my favorite Robin Williams scenes.

Allow me to testify my experience. 

I am a woman of may gifts. However most of them have no value towards sustaining employ-ability. So I do them for fun. And a lot of that is sewing fun, funky, and odd clothing for myself. 70% of those clothes I make myself  I decide against keeping. To recoup my costs, I sell of the bulk of them at a local shop. I figure that if I don't love it, there is still likely someone else out there that will.  

My products sell, but I have rarely met or heard from anyone who has bought them. Until a month ago. Everything changed.

I  received a phone call from a lady who had quite the story for me. She was walking down 124st, and something intrigued her mind to enter one of the little shops she passed. She was looking for clothes. Which was not as much of a fun and casual experience as it sounds. This lady in her 50's had undergone some extensive surgery, and had just recovered. However, some of you may know, some of the the effects of surgery, and staying in a bed of an extended period of time, is weight gain. And worse so,  this weight normally shows up in unusual parts of the body. So you can only Imagine this woman's dismay, to finally get out of the operation, recover, get home, only to find out that NONE of her wardrobe fits anymore. Ouch. If that doesn't put a damper on your spirit, I don't know what will. 

So when I get this call form this woman, she is overwhelmed with joy. She explains to me that my dresses (which I personally consider my sewing room rejects) , have made her so happy! Because for the first time since her surgery, she has clothes that finally fit her! Not only that, she describes how she has never had garments that fit her so well, and the fun colours and designs, remind her of child hood years in the 1960's/1970's. She pretty much told me that I lifted her depression, and she wants me to make her more! LOL. She also mentioned that her daughter, who has a nutritiously snooty fashon sense, might actually approve of these garments. I wont argue, in my mind this is all a Win Win. 

Your not as useless as you think. Trust me. 

Ps. this is also a church were you can give your offering via debit machine.

"lets have a SUPERNATURAL week! " 

And post-service right behind you you will find this lovely cafe set-up.

Over to your left hand side you will find Chef and his creation of the day. $7 a piece for these sandwiches. Pricy, yes, worth it? TOTALLY!!!! even on my budget the smell alone sold me. That was a piece of GODS LOVE ON A BUN!  Hats off to you Chef!

There were a verity of different seating options. Including a large array of leather sofas?

And if you prefer an actual table they have those too. I highly enjoyed the fresh tulips adorning them.

But in-total this place just works real hard to make everyone comfy. there is a little bit of everything here. Including a hipster hang out corner. I kid you not. They even have a plaque.

Ad for the musically creative types there is also a piano at the disposal of anyone who wishes to play it. 

Plus a old style free standing popcorn machine, and deer antlers, and Christmas lights just every other odd thing you could imagine! Just a really cool environment!

I hoped to have a word with the actual pastor however he was a busy man, so I ended up taking with one of there pastors-in-training. A charming 20 year old man named Rock. No that is not a typo. That is actually the guys name.

Since I had the opportunity I thought I would ask him a very specific question. Men, especially of his general age group and noticeably absent when it comes to church. So I asked him what his thoughts were on why this is ?

In the end there was 4 clear points we determined.

1#. Men have a lot of pride. 
-I personally think this to be true. 

2#. Men think they can figure it out on their own.
- All i can visualize right now is the guy assembling something, and throwing the instruction manual in the garbage, only to have a BBQ that falls to shambles after he opens the lid for the fist time.  

3# Content is not relevant. 
-I can strongly agree with this.I have seen first hand that There is little to no relative content in most church services for young people. Rock tells me that he believes that this can be answered by having separate "Youth church" services that are tailored to the needs and understanding of teens/20somethings.

4# Don't want to look weak.
 As Rock stated "Christianity is a religion of surrender" Which sounds less then appealing to a lot of men. As far as I can perceive, the big thing they are missing is that when you surrender to God, he in tern, puts the world in your hands. The few young christian men I know and They are some of the most free and powerful people I know! They tend to be optimistic, confident, emotionally confident and over all empowered to do anything and everything they want, and live life to the fullest!

Who Wouldn't want that? Common now!

The best thing I like abou this place is that it is a "No guilt kind of Church" environment. I had an old boss who once told me that he had a very pour view of church. He spent his youth attend a Catholic church where the priest spent an excessive amount of time warning people about all of the thing that they would be sent to hell for. The bright side of this story is that now latter in his adult years, he has casually attended some modern services, of no defined denomination, He told me that he now sees thing in a different light and is now slowly being drawn back.

This a great church, approx 50 people at this service. This place is like a spice wrack, there is literately a little bit of everything here, all with its own unique flavor. I highly recommend this place, good for young people, old people, families, people cultural diversity. Love this place! Highly recommended! main service is at 10:30 am on Sundays.

5305 Allard Way NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5X8

Phone: (780) 777-7778)

 BE THERE!!!!