Yeah, it's muggy as all get out (welcome to Ohio!) which makes going to a small church all the more fun (they usually can't afford A/C) but as they say, no guts no glory! And sweat. Lots of sweat.
I'm still sticking to small, nearby churches so this morning I went to the Church on the Boulevard (no points for a creative name). This is a new church in an old building down on Kenmore's main drag, Kenmore Boulevard. The church that was there before it closed up shop and for a while, it was a coffee shop of sorts (I never went). After that closed up, a new church started up there and has been there for a few years.
I like old churches. I like that they have unpadded wooden pews, that they have stained glass windows, and that they actually use the front door of the church. Yeah, I know, a building is just a building and it doesn't count for anything if there's no spirit there, but I still like them. Must be something with my Catholic roots. . .
I walked in the front door (even had cool, old doors!) and took a seat in the old, wooden pews (okay, I'm done). Kind of an odd room - it's a square room, very tall, with the stage taking up one corner and the pews taking up the rest. There were what looked like old loge seats that were behind the regular pews. Yeah, very odd, but it was comfortable and it worked.
A couple of very nice gentlemen greeted me and asked me where I was from and all the standard questions. Nice but not pushy (I say that a lot, but it's true).
A few cool things off the bat. First, they seem to cater to the deaf community in some ways. There seemed to be quite a few of them there and there was a person signing on stage for the whole service. Second, lots of teens! And there were four on stage helping with the worship. Awesome! Going to a church with no kids is oh so very depressing. The kids just bring a certain life and to me, it shows where that the church has a priority in growing their kids.
Worship started up and it was very good. They sang a mix of old and new but all with the full band. The kids sang well and the band was well practiced. I dug it.
I seem to have a knack for doing this - their regular preacher was on vacation this week. Doh! This is probably 4th or 5th time that I have seen this. Am I cursed or something? Yeah, it probably has to do with the fact that it's summer, but still.
Luckily, the guy that stood in for him was pretty good. He spoke well, told some good stories, and kept me interested. His message was from Acts 6-28-40, that is, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Strangely enough, this is the 2nd time in the last week that I've had a eunuch brought up in conversation. . . weird. Anyway, he spoke about how we need to be ready to be moved by God and to do His will. Very good stuff to hear after a long week!
Next up they took the offering, while the rest of the congregation sang and let me tell you, any sleepers were snapped to attention! Instead of bringing the band back up they busted out the organ! Honestly, I don't think I have ever been to a church that actually used an organ. My old church had one when I was a kid but they never used and it was gone by the time I got older. Yeah, the organ was a little underwhelming. It was just loud.
I have to say - good church. They spoke about quite a few outreach programs they have and other services they do in the community. A very good mix of young and old and good worship. Yeah, the organ was bleh, but really a minor complaint for all the other good stuff they have going on.
Bonus! I heard that Kenmore Church of Christ is voting on becoming a church plant today. Lord! Please hear this boys prayer and let them get a restart! K-Town needs it!
Revvin' and revvin',
Rev.
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