New City Church

July 14, 2024

This morning I hiked toward the Shoppes of Knollwood in south Champaign in search of New City Church. One of its site pages said start time was 10 and another page listed services at both 9 and 11. Since it’s really hot today, I decided to hope the 9 was correct. On my first pass of the Google-maps-indicated location there was no sign of a church, nor any collection of cars. I wandered about the buildings and parking lot for a few minutes before a couple of guys came out a door and put up a welcome sign. I’ve been in enough churches with rented locations to realize that this was probably the spot. Bingo. But where were all the cars? Turns out the double service times are for during the school year, not summer. I was an hour early.

An engaging young man offered me water and showed me to the main room where I sat down to wait. Rather than leave me there, he struck up a conversation. When I asked his story, this Midwest Baptist seminary student was happy to pull up a chair and share it in enough detail that took us right up to start time.

In the meeting room, a large cross hangs behind a stage up front. Under the open ceiling are rows of cushioned chairs with QR codes on the back of each so that visitors can get more information, an innovation not surprising in a youthful church. Soundboard and coffee are in the back. Keyboard and guitar players and the lovely singer were getting set up and practiced a few songs. About half way into the hour of waiting, the pastor called his team to a huddle in the back in preparation for the morning’s event. He asked the speaker what today’s sermon would be. I could tell from what I overheard that it might be a difficult day because something tragic had just happened.

The service began with a couple of songs as people filtered in. The crowd of maybe 50 or 60 people was fairly young with only a few looking retirement age. Kids were down the hall in Sunday School. Pastor Nick came to the podium and told the group that one of their own had unexpectedly died last night. Soft sounds of grief were heard as we went into a time of prayer for this wife and children. The deceased man is worshiping in person with the Father today, Nick said, and he would want us to carry on even in sorrow. The pastor and others would be available after the service and all afternoon for anyone who wanted to process their pain and questions. “Whatever you’ve got, bring it.”

There followed about five minutes for people to greet and connect with each other. I made the acquaintance of a woman sitting behind me. We then sang the nineteenth-century hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus and couple of contemporary songs. One man raised a hand. At two stations set up in the front, we went to dip bread in juice in remembrance of the sacrifice of the cross.

Everyone seemed to be familiar with the speaker, Josh. We stood for the reading of the Word, II Peter 2, a timely warning against false prophets. Here are a few of the points. False teachers deny that God’s judgment is real. There aren’t so many prophets today (hmm). We are more vulnerable now however. In the first century a person pretty much had to be within earshot to hear someone’s message. Today we can speed through multiple conflicting messages with a click. Who do we trust for information? How do we know what is true? Look to the Bible and to Jesus, the God-man. Spend more time there. 

Pastor Nick took the stage again and reminded everyone of the annual Mission Trip to Campus which the church does when university students return in late summer. He closed with gratitude that the people of God can continue to sing songs of praise and hope even after such a sobering event as the church community is now experiencing. The benediction was from Hebrews 13.

Church of Scotland, Geneva

 June 9, 2024

June’s visit is at The Church of Scotland in Geneva, Switzerland. Wow! Steve and I were on a Reformation Tour, checking out various historical sites with a group from Urbana Theological Seminary. This church ministers to “English speaking people who wish to worship in the Reformed tradition.” Just before 11 a.m. our group was warmly welcomed along with other worshipers through the Gothic stone arch entrance. The Auditoire de Calvin (reformer John Calvin’s lecture theater) has a high arched ceiling trimmed in stone. The décor is fairly simple, however, as compared to the huge glittering cathedrals we’d been shown.

One hundred or so wooden chairs in two columns pretty well fill the floor space of this historic auditorium. When we arrived, the room was full enough that our group of fifteen had to separate to find seats. The formal order of service was printed in the bulletin: prelude, then introit, then welcome and edict before the call to worship. There followed various readings and prayers. Prayers for others included Ukraine and Gaza. Doxology. Three-fold amen. There was a brief talk for children who were then dismissed to their Sunday School classes. Collection of offerings. Some announcements. All this was interspersed with hymns. We stood up and sat back down five or six times. A musical piece was performed on bassoon, horn, and viola.  

The gist of the story of the Bible, said Minister Laurence Twaddle in his ten-minute message, is God’s passion for relationship with us. A key question from Genesis is “where are you?“ Revelation responds: God’s dwelling place is among his people. This is the aim. God wants to be more to us than creator, designer, law-giver, provider. God wants to be with us. He took the risk of giving humanity freedom, freedom to run far away, to slam the door, even though we’re made in God’s own image. We have been given potential for love and for disaster. God deeply desires our love. “Being with us is so worth the trouble that he goes to the trouble.” Christ went to hell and back. And we, with our heady freedom, with our independence and our stubborn hearts, will we open the door to him? God asks every single one of us, “Where are you?”

I found it really interesting that in this bastion of Calvinism which attests to God’s absolute sovereignty, this message focused on our freedom of choice. Hmm

All were invited to refreshments up a narrow winding stair, but our group decided to move on to our next stop, the far more imposing and grand St Peter’s Cathedral right next door.

St. John Lutheran Church

May 19, 2024

Two things struck me as I entered the sanctuary of St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign:  cold air and angelic children’s voices singing Come, Holy Spirit. But where were the kids? Ah, look up and behind--a loft. A multi-page bulletin given by a greeter helped me track where we were during the seventeen parts of the service, standing and sitting multiple times.

First, everyone stood and turned to the back entrance. The robed pastor came in with a large crucifix on an extended post and carried it well above our heads as he walked up the aisle during the Processional Hymn. Today’s service was to honor the feast of Pentecost, he told us in a radio voice (except for singing, the only voice heard in the service) .

First, a baptism. Following the script of the Lutheran service book, a baby girl received “the sign of the holy cross both upon [her] forehead and upon [her] heart to mark [her] as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.” The book explains that when a candidate is unable to speak, the sponsors may answer. So, this eight-month-old child promised through the words of her parents to renounce the devil and all his works. Through her representatives, she further testified to belief in the trinity and her desire to be baptized. And so it was gently done, and she was forgiven of all her sins. Her parents and two men who stood with them accepted responsibility for this little one’s spiritual oversight as she grows, no small commitment as outlined.

After prayer we moved through other parts of the service, some of the names of which are unfamiliar to me: Introit, Kyrie, Salutation and Collect. There were readings from both testaments and another processional, this time with the pastor going down the aisle and back with a Bible held high over his head. We sang a hymn or two, accompanied by some out-of-sight horns at times and bells at others. Lovely music.

Although the entire service was ninety minutes, the sermon lasted fewer than fifteen. Rev. Caithamer shared thoughts on Peter’s preaching at Pentecost. Ushers passed offering plates back the twenty rows of pews. The pastor then prayed again, including the names of several dozen people of concern.

Next began the Service of the Sacrament. It took the time of three or four hymns for all present members in this first service, maybe a hundred people of all ages, to be released to the altar. The body of Christ given for you. But the bulletin informs guests that ”it is in [our] best interest that [this church] practice closed communion,” so I did not partake. The Alleluia Ringers, still out of sight, played a closing song and the crucifix was taken from the front, back down the aisle and out.

Community Church of Christ on UI campus

 April 21, 2024

This past Sunday I visited the Community Church of Christ on campus. It had been recommended to
me as a bastion of liberality! The first entrance I tried was locked; the second one I came to, locked as well. The third door—bingo!—let me in. I was two minutes early, but there was no one in sight and no indication of which way to go to find people. Tentatively I started up a hall, soon able to follow the sound of voices. Ah!

The classic grand sanctuary had tall ceilings, a wall of warm paneling up front, and a pulpit on each side of the stage. About fifty attendees were scattered throughout. I was given a multi-page order of service and after several minutes, the pastor gave a call to worship. The day’s focus was on moving out of bondage, from brokenness and addiction to freedom in Christ.

Soon the room was filled with beautiful song from the choir:             “When all is lost our hearts are warmed,                                                 Our hope restored, our lives transformed. Alleluia!”                     There followed a fairly normal progression of responsive reading, hymn, passing the peace, and a children’s message. Several young teens were in the audience, but I didn’t notice evidence of a separate kids’ program.

From their New Century Hymnal we sang together a 1906s favorite This Is the Day the Lord Has Made. This song book has a mix of classic and new music, including some from other languages. Cool! It strives for gender neutrality which I noticed as well when we recited the Lord’s Prayer beginning “Our Creator, Who art in heaven.”

In her sermon “Testimony to Resurrection:  Freed,” Pastor Julie told a couple of stories of people finding freedom. One was multi-genre singer Jelly Roll, another a New York fire department chaplain. The stories exemplified two kinds of broken:  broken apart and broken open. Bravery is feeling our fear and acting anyway.

A moment of silence, then prayer and response followed the message. Requests which had been sent in were read as the congregation responded to each one, “God, in your mercy, hear our prayers.”

 As they walked back the central aisle a couple of ushers made offering plates available while the enthusiastic music director led all in the offertory song, Rise. Then we sang Amazing Grace and Pastor Leah gave a benediction. “And may the God who created you to be raised up, the Christ who showed you what resurrection looks like, and the Spirit who is transforming your life even now, be with you now and evermore. Amen.”

I did not stay for the after party in the parlor or the following Mental Health 101 workshop although it sounded interesting. A regional youth event is coming up and the bulletin also lists multiple other opportunities like body image and safer sex talks for seniors. CUCC hosts a free dinner for college students and needy people on Monday nights, the Jubilee Cafe. This church is fully affirming and they have Tuesday night LGBTQ and AA groups. Lots going on.

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church

March 18, 2024

St. Patrick's Day, I had the privilege of accompanying a friend to Canaan Church in Urbana, the congregation she has been part of for decades. To my surprise, there was a Covid check as soon as we stepped in the door. Everyone’s temperature was taken; masks were required, and we had to list our vaccination status. In the auditorium, folding chairs were spread out safely distanced and the choir stood behind a glass partition. I don’t know the history of this church’s experience with the virus, but clearly they still take it seriously.

Because I don’t want to get on more mailing lists and am not looking for a church to join, I try to avoid giving contact information on these visits. Some churches don’t ask; at others I politely decline. But as guest of a friend, there was no chance of avoiding it here. Inside the door, along with Covid requests I was given a guest card which asked not only for name, but address, email, and phone number as well. I said I could fill it in after we sat down and figured that would be the end of it, but some minutes later an usher came to our seats and asked for the card. I felt compelled to comply.

We were meeting in the Canaan Academy school which is next door to the 1910 local historic landmark church building, recognized for its Frank-Lloyd-Wright-esque Prairie style architecture. But even though we were in an auditorium with folding chairs rather than in the grand sanctuary, the preferred dress was fairly formal. Certainly a few people were in jeans, but most of the men wore suits and ties; quite a few women wore dresses, several with hats as well, and the choir was coordinated in black and white. Early in the service an offering for missions was collected by ushers in white gloves carrying what looked like golden urns.

Accompanied by talented musicians on guitar, keyboard, piano, and drums, a dynamic five-person choir led all the music. I’m So Blessed, they sang, with the volume bouncing up to 110 decibels.

After the responsive reading, a joyful woman welcomed all to the service and shared a personal story illustrating that “what God brings you to, he’ll get you through.” God heals, whether through medicine or divine intervention. She turned our attention to the two black women featured in the bulletin for Women’s History Month. Then she pulled out the guest cards and asked another visitor and me to stand while we were introduced. (Like last month, so much for being an inconspicuous observer.)

Rev. Tatum, wearing his ecclesial robe, stood to speak from a platform beautifully adorned with purple flowers. The text was Romans 14:7-12. He began by explaining the importance of using the laws of scripture study, specifically, taking each verse in its context. His focus was the lordship of Jesus. We are to belong to Jesus 100%, just as a slave belonged to a master 100%. Jesus should be welcome, not just in living rooms, but in every place in our homes, even the refrigerator! Acknowledging this neglected truth of lordship “will make a soul winner out of you.”

Rev. Tatum said our country is in a moral crisis. He spoke strongly of the need to take personal responsibility, for example not placing blame for crime on a poor childhood or a rage disorder. Maturity takes responsibility for its behavior. He affirmed the Ephesians 5 model of family life, claiming that no woman can resist a man who is responsible to God. “Love your wife!” he exclaimed twice in his gravelly voice, pounding the pulpit. “God has put submission in her.” A marriage needs time, talk, and touch. I appreciated the animated preaching style, leaning in, tilting his head, whispering, shouting, occasionally pumping a fist or kicking out a foot when he made an important point. Throughout his message, the audience called out affirmations.

“It’s time to land this plane,” said Rev. Tatum after a while and the musicians began again. An invitation to follow Jesus or to join this church family was given. Ushers came to the front and walked by all with their urns again, and a man dedicated the offering received with heart-felt prayer. After that though, the pastor brought up a need for funds to cover the tax bill due on the 15^th. He said the church was struggling to recover after Covid, and so, ushers were sent out again, and for the third time the golden urns passed. “Give and it will come back to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” sang the choir.

We ended with everyone praising God in the doxology. Rev. Tatum allowed me to take this picture afterwards.

The Church in Urbana

February 25, 2024 

On an Urbana street with plenty of mature trees, near the University of Illinois campus sits a three-story stone house which has a sign out front proclaiming it Meeting Place of the Church in Urbana. When passing by, I’ve long been curious about it. 

Website of The Church in Urbana lists three 45-minute sessions for Sunday mornings:  Lord’s Table Meeting, Devotional/Prophesying Meeting, and Worship and Ministry Meeting. I decided to check out the last one. Walking up to the front door a few minutes before that service was scheduled to begin, I stepped into a tiny entryway. The door to get inside, however, was locked.

Rather than walk around the building, I tapped lightly. Within seconds, a young woman answered and invited me in. She apologized as she explained that their final session was canceled for today because all the university students were away at a conference. (From the website I’d noted that the church seems to have a strong university connection.) Still curious though, I decided to quietly enter to catch the last few minutes of the second session.

To my surprise, as it turns out, those final minutes became focused on me! Inside a parlor-like room, fifteen people sat in chairs configured in a square, facing inward, and all were well aware that a newcomer had arrived. Of course, they were curious too. A man—perhaps the pastor—asked me to introduce myself, so I said my first name and that I was happy to visit this morning. That wasn’t enough of an answer. “Can you tell us a little more about yourself?” he prodded. Feeling awkward at being made the center of attention, I told Steve’s and my professions and that we’d lived in town for about twenty-five years and usually went to the Vineyard Church. The man then gave more information about their congregation, that they believe the Bible and that they encourage people to use their gifting to build up the church. He ended with a prayer and the meeting concluded.

When everyone stood to leave I spoke with a couple of the women for a few minutes. It appeared to be an international group, so I asked about the service being in English. Yes, they said. Several of the first languages are from India, Korea, and China. The church had begun in 1999. Children were elsewhere in the building. The back door being by the parking lot, a friendly woman explained, is the one they commonly use, not the street door where I'd come in. I was most welcome to return. 

So after fewer than fifteen minutes, this my shortest venture into a different church was over. I liked it.

Elevation Church, Scottsburg, IN

 January 28, 2024

My husband and I attended this service as guests of family who really like this church and its pastor. Arriving early we followed them to seats up front. It is not a large sanctuary and was fairly full for the first of two services. This Elevation, we learned, has nothing to do with the famed Elevation Worship from North Carolina, and in fact, these Hoosiers had the name first!

Expressive worship began with a long set including the lovely song “We Are Lovers of Your Presence.” Sometimes words gave way to praying in the spirit. A big man next to me was loud and vocal in his praise. Several from the congregation came to the front to give admonitions as the music ended. “Don’t fall into checklist Christianity.”

The morning’s sermon was entitled “The Principle of Multiplication” with text from Luke 9’s narrative of Jesus multiplying bread and fish to feed a hungry crowd. Enthusiastic Pastor Greg Satterly did a good job relating the story. His message was that Christians too must be willing to give. Resources have to be given away before they can multiply, he said. Release them and see what happens.

Proverbs 3:9-10 appeared on the big screen. "Honor the Lord with your wealth . . . then your barns will be filled to overflowing." The first of one’s income should go to God, not to paying bills. The mortgage company and the light company do not have the power to bless your finances, Satterly eagerly explained. God is blessing the bee keeping business of one couple in the church who always give their first fruits. “If you eat their honey, you’ll be healthy!”

The next example was personal. He and his wife go to God first in everything they do, particularly in purchases. At one point he was convicted, Satterly told us, that their mortgage payment should not be twice the money they give to God. So he doubled their tithe for two years and amazing financial blessings followed despite $120,000 in cancer bills. The church continued his salary while he was sick and he received a free piano, reduced cost for a van, and an amazingly low price on a house he'd thought they couldn't afford. God wants to bless.

Ministry time followed with people coming up for prayer.