Quest Church

January 26, 2025

“Quest Church today is the child of two previous churches. Grace United Methodist Church (UMC) began in 1899 as an outreach effort of First Methodist Episcopal Church of Urbana, while Quest UMC began around 2004 as an outreach effort of New Horizon UMC of Champaign. After several years of sharing ministry space, the two congregations became one in 2016. The new United Methodist congregation was named Quest Church: A Community of Grace (or Quest Church CU for short).”

This is the "our story" blip from the Quest website. I chose that church today because of its early start time, 8:45 for the traditional service. The first thing I appreciated was their numbered doors. Believe it or not, it's been hard to find the best way in to several of the buildings I've visited. Guests are less likely to come in if they have to search to find the correct door, sometimes even to find an unlocked door! Here the door closest to the parking lot was clearly marked #2, so I kept walking around to #1. :-]

A friendly woman further down the row welcomed me as I took off my coat. The service began with singing all the verses of a version of Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Brother Sun. A few announcements followed, then prayer, the Doxology, and another song. A congregant read today's scripture:  Genesis 11:27-30. Listening, I wondered how anyone could pull an interesting message from those scant verses about the travel of Abraham's father Terah. Terry Austria, today's guest preacher from Stone Creek Church, rose to the challenge.

Pastor Terry told us he'd calculated that since 1987 he has driven I-57 between Chicago and Champaign-Urbana about 888 times! In the course of all that, he learned which exit has dependably clean restrooms (308), which has a good inexpensive shoe store (315), and which has a Jimmy John's (322). But he does not choose to linger at these places, nor certainly not at any of the corn or bean fields in between. Terah, however, was only halfway to his destination of Canaan when he stopped at Haran. The busy city had the same name as that of his deceased son, so perhaps it offered some comfort or meaning to him. At any rate, he delayed there several years, and in fact he died there in the comfort and confusion of that halfway city of Haran. Our speaker went on to say more about the power of names and to share related Bible passages. Significantly, he asked, "In what ways are we settling down into comfort when we haven't yet arrived at our land of promise, the place where God has called us?"

After the message and a prayer of confession was the Lord's supper, which is offered here every week as people leave their seats to receive from the officiants up front. About twenty people participated in this first service today in their attractive sanctuary which could seat several times that many. High wooden slat ceilings; a row of stained glass at the walls' very top. Although our instrumentation was an organ, a drum set and guitars were on the stage ready for the second service. As I left, more people were arriving including families with kids who participate in Kids Quest. This church has recently called a new pastor who begins next week.

Webber Street Christian Church

December 29, 2024

Today I visited Webber Street Christian Church, one of the older congregations in Urbana. Like many, this one too has lost a lot of people over the years, but still has its nice big building, decked out this morning in pine branches and Christmas lights. Whereas some churches have been forced to downsize, Webber Street has formed a mutually beneficial partnership with the much larger CU Church which meets Sundays in the I Hotel. As I understand it, the Webber Street people swap out office space in their roomy building in exchange for one of the CUC pastors to come each Sunday to give the message. The building is home to a second local congregation too. It’s wonderful that the space is well used.

People entered shaking the rain off themselves this week. The service began on the dot of time with the cheerful song “How Can I Keep from Singing,” accompanied by keyboard, guitar and drums. A leader reported that $14,000 had been collected and given to four needy families in the area for Christmas. Another gave God thanks for that and prayed for sick people in the congregation, elders, and a troubled soul.

After that, a greeting time lasted longer than I’ve experienced before (maybe ten minutes?) as people meandered about catching up with each other. I didn’t try to circulate since I didn’t know anyone, but a half dozen came to welcome me.

Today’s sermon was delivered by Hank Sanford. First he showed a short video in which a doctor claimed that tightening one’s fist can help the brain recall facts: left fist for right brain and right fist for left. Hmm. Hank then told a couple of jokes and said we were a tough audience when they didn’t get enough laughs. Hank is a lively speaker though, and he included a lot of stories with his message, Leave It. He explained that as we enter the new year, there are things from the old that we need to let go of and leave behind. His illustrations ranged from the “leave it” dog training command to the Apostle Paul’s effort to forget those things which are behind--leave it (Philippians 3.13). Hank had examples from Tiger Woods' golf, Pigpen’s dust cloud, his mom’s faithful service to the church (“No day off now; I have all heaven to rest!”), getting punched in the eye by a girl in fifth grade, running a half marathon, and Barney Fife’s single bullet. Whew! Good points made and then he disappeared out the back door.

Next a big man in bib overalls got up to share follow-up thoughts before leading us in taking communion. We’ve got to have our Ephesians 6 armor on, he said. “We are on the threshold of the rest of our lives.”

All prayers were closed with “and everyone said . . .” to which the congregation agreed “amen!”

I went back out into the windy wet day but hadn’t walked far when the Webber Street van pulled up and offered me a ride. Gratefully accepted!

CU Bridge Church

November 17, 2024

Looking for something else, I came across Champaign-Urbana's Bridge Church on Google maps and decided to give it a try this morning. The congregation meets in a side room of a nearby gym called The Refinery. Coming in I noticed kids gathered in a big play room through one door and weight-lifting equipment through another. Door number three led into a room the right size for the forty straight-back chairs set up there in front of three young adult singers, one of whom had a guitar. Announcements of upcoming events scrolled on a big screen to one side.

At ten-thirty the pastor welcomed us and held the mic down to a little girl who did a nice job reading from Romans 8. Like creation, we groan because we know this world is not our home, the pastor said.

Several worship songs followed. I appreciated the low-key sincerity of the music, no hype or need for ear plugs. The pastor next gave updates on several people the church family was concerned about. He then praised the unique work of Salt and Light Ministries and introduced Gwenna, the Vocational Program Coordinator there. For a couple of minutes Gwenna shared her hope and mission. Salt’s goal is to work with people more than for them. Immanuel:  God with us. Our leader then led in prayer for Salt and for the people previously mentioned.

As he prepared to speak, Pastor Ed got a laugh commenting that he had turned his mic on when he thought he’d turned it off which meant that those listening on the internet had heard him singing, “a terrifying thought!” He apologized, hoping he hadn’t ruined their Lord’s Day. :-]

The day’s message continues from where they had left off last week, he said, and read a lengthy passage, Isaiah 10:16 through 11:16. We are distracted and discouraged, but God’s enemies will be defeated and his people will be purified. Our worst problem is not outside ourselves but in our own hearts. Let’s be aware of those safe little religious games. If my faith is mostly played out inside the church or if it’s primarily advanced through political agendas, I must recognize this and repent. Into the world of bullies, God did not send a warrior to Rome, but a child to Nazareth. The idyllic passage about the lion eating straw like an ox can be seen as metaphor for our own change of appetite.

At one point, the sweet sound of kids singing Away in a Manger could be heard in the distance as the pastor preached. It was easy to listen to this exceptionally well delivered message. Several friendly people introduced themselves to me after we were dismissed with prayer.

By checking the website, I later learned that CU Bridge is affiliated with the National Association of Free Will Baptists based in Nashville. Oddly, I couldn’t find the pastor’s name anywhere on the website nor the church Facebook page. Neither was there given any history of this local congregation.  

Although small, it seems to be a fairly active, multi-generational group. I was happy to visit them.

St. Peter's United Church of Christ

October 13, 2024

After listening to a podcast* about the Church of Christ this week, I visited a nearby congregation. Sadly, like the worship halls of many mainline denominations, the grand sanctuary of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ had only a smattering of attendees. I was warmly welcomed and given the day’s multipage bulletin. An older gentleman sitting two rows back introduced himself and told me which of the hymnals we’d be using.

The organ began a prelude right on time: My Lord, What a Morning! The pastor welcomed us in a strong booming voice which belied his age and physical condition. He made reference to the day’s Bears game and a recent Space-X accomplishment. Another guy announced an informational meeting on the budget and some proposed change to the church constitution. From the floor came notice about participation in the CROP Hunger Walk and word that people could now bring their own labeled cups to store in the church library, thus avoiding the use of Styrofoam. Kudos and kudos! Joys and Concerns time brought news that a tragic death had befallen the family of one of their food pantry partners.

This congregation is apparently quite active despite the small number in attendance today. Besides the endeavors mentioned above, their calendar lists regular sessions for a Scout troop, hand bell choir, and quilters. This past summer they hosted a Geothermal-Solar Celebration and a music theater camp. The church is “open, affirming, and accessible to all.” The Doxology is modified to this: "Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost." Monthly communion is open.

The choir had only three singers this morning, yet they were able to pull off the varied melodic escapades of A Servant in Your Heavenly House. Beautiful. Next was the call to worship, another hymn, a prayer, and passing of the peace before we sat down for the morning message as dappled sunlight flickered through the high multicolored windows.

Rev. Mark Jacobs took the pulpit for a few minutes again. We all love our church, he said, our home here on earth where we find God and peace and a place where we prepare for our final journey. Love, trust, faith are gifts we offer to God; love, grace, and compassion are what God gives to us. It’s simple. Love is the greatest commandment.

Ushers collected offerings and after another song and prayer and the postlude we were finished. (Having learned from last month’s Episcopal visit, I stayed seated this time until the music ended.) The whole service had taken forty-five minutes. Rev. Jacobs was escorted down the aisle to shake hands with people as they went out. I left feeling like I had been to church.

April 2, 2026 NOTE: I came back here for Maundy Thursday service. A small group met in the chapel for scripture, hymns, and communion. Very good.

* The website Ready to Harvest is quite good at sharing the history and beliefs of various church denominations. I recommend it.   https://readytoharvest.com/welcome/

Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church

September 8, 2024

Beautiful sanctuary of woodwork, archways, and stained glass. A crucifix hanging high over two columns of twenty rows of wooden pews. Up front a choir of a dozen, robed in white with red trim, line a path to the altar glowing with candles and blooming with flowers. A US flag and the Christian flag stand one to each side. 

"Be thoughtful, be silent, be reverent, 

for you are in the House of the Lord. 

Before the service, speak to the Lord.

During the service, let the Lord speak to you.

After the service, speak to one another."

The priest was singing an opening prayer as I was handed a multi-page leaflet containing the day's liturgy. I much appreciate this attempt to clarify the process, but it was still a little hard to follow for one unfamiliar with the format. The service is divided into The Word of God and Holy Communion. Its various aspects involve some standing, some sitting, and some kneeling on benches built into the pews. 

Our first scripture reading was from Isaiah, followed by music, then a reading from James and another hymn. The final reading involved a procession in which our priest today, Associate Marisa Vogel, was escorted by four other robed officiants halfway down the aisle. Here they stopped and one of the four held the Bible so that the priest could read the day's passage from The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Everyone in the room turned toward the center to see and hear this reading for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

A ten-minute sermon followed. Unfortunately, I failed to grab my notes when I left, but from what I do remember we were encouraged to trust God for our rescue as he had provided a rescue in the Isaiah passage. Next came recitation of the Nicene Creed. 

Prayers of the People included mention of President Joseph, Governor JB, the archbishop and others in the church hierarchy, and then a list of first names which I guessed to be people in the congregation in different kinds of need. Prayer confessing sin was next. At this point, it being the first week of September, all students, teachers, and school administrators were called up for a special blessing of the new school year. As those returned to their seats we had a minute of people greeting each other with peace.

The Doxology and another beautiful anthem led into the Eucharist. After the choir and other robed persons up front were served, the congregation of about forty people stepped into the aisle to move forward. It seemed a special privilege to be invited onto the stage with the choir and candles. People knelt as they reached the altar rail and one of the officiants, a lovely lady with silver hair, went back and forth along the row putting round, paper-thin wafers into outstretched hands and offering the cup as each new group arrived. Watching for the custom of this particular church, I saw the second person from me actually sip from the cup which the officiant then wiped with a cloth. The woman next to me however, offered her wafer back to the server who dipped it in the wine and put it to my neighbor's mouth. This is the method I chose. And yes, it was actually wine, not evangelical grape juice. :-]

The service was then soon ended with another brief word and prayer, blessing, dismissal, processional hymn. Here's where I missed a cue. We had been dismissed and I saw someone leave, so I grabbed my bag and headed out. But apparently it wasn't really quite the end yet, as most people remained seated to hear a final piece from the organist, Prelude and Fugue in D Major. 

Seventh Day Adventist Prophecy Seminar

August 20 (and 24)

A flier addressed to Resident arrived in our mailbox last week, invitation to a free nine-session Bible Prophecy Seminar at the Champaign Seventh Day Adventist Church. Who am I, with my church curiosity, to turn down such an opportunity? This is a  bonus post, as the meeting wasn’t a regular worship service. There was no singing or offering or general announcements, and the church's pastor didn't take the stage. The only person to speak was the guest teacher, Carlis Clinton as noted on the flier.

A greeter opened the door for me and indicated registration just ahead. Apparently, even though the seminar was free, the speaker wanted to know who was there. As said before, I’m not interested in being on the mailing list of all the churches I visit, so I slipped in a side door to the event avoiding the sign-in tables. I hoped no one would notice, but after a minute a gentleman approached to give me a raffle ticket which, to his surprise, I politely turned down. Thankfully, he didn’t ask me to go back out and register.

Our speaker was already on the stage and engaging the audience. He drew for the raffle and announced the winner's name. If I understood correctly, this winner as well as the person who brings the most guests on another night will receive a Strong’s Bible Concordance, no light-weight gift!

About sixty people half filled this attractive sanctuary. An American flag was up front on the left and the Christian flag with two others on the right. Rev. Clinton briefly reviewed the previous four sessions of the series and previewed the four yet to come. Friday he will talk about conspiracy, he told us, which will leave everyone with questions he will answer on Saturday morning. (Remember that Saturday is primary worship day of the Adventists.) Clinton said the man of lawlessness will deceive the majority of Christians but that those who attend these anchored-in-scripture lectures will know more than most pastors. 

He told a joke that was pretty funny and began tonight’s talk, which he called the most technical of the nine lectures. For the next hour, he went into detailed explanation of numbers and dates and events and years from various prophecies in Daniel, Revelation, Hebrews, and other scriptures. He took issue with the writings of Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey—see 2) on the card.

We are living in judgement now, he said, and our good works cannot get us to heaven. Cosmic conflict between good and evil is coming soon, but the door of mercy is still open.

As we were simply dismissed, this response card was distributed, the third opportunity/request for our names. On the way out, I was handed an end-times diagram and a list of supporting scriptures which related to tonight's message.

Harvest Church

August 4, 2024 

A friend suggested a visit to this church. The nice big building is only about 25 years old and sits on scenic acres east of Urbana. I was greeted at the door and offered communion elements and a printed outline for message notes. The sanctuary is a good-sized room with a high ceiling and a stage flanked by the US and the Christian flags. There were way more empty seats than those filled by the fifty people in the room. Kids were elsewhere in the building. Music from the worship band had just begun. None of the melodic songs were familiar to me.

Communion was first. All Christians are welcome to participate said Pastor Jon Callahan. He took the hand of the young woman who delivered his cup and prayed a special blessing over her before moving to wider concerns after we had taken the wafer and juice. “When President Trump was shot, Lord, and he stood up and he said ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’ I believe, Lord, that that was a prophetic word from you to your church.”

A woman (indicated later as Jon’s wife, Pastor Debbie) stepped forward from playing keyboard to invite people to fill out prayer request cards. She prayed for a woman fighting cancer and told a story of her own healing some years ago when she took her toddler’s hand to agree with her in prayer.

The offering plate was passed and those joining by internet were welcomed. 

“Keep praying for Israel,” Callahan advised. “This thing is getting serious. Pray that the demonic forces of the earth would not be able to usher in the antichrist.” He then went into a lengthy introduction of Psalm 150 and read through it in animated fashion, singing and shouting as indicated. He encouraged listeners to shout and dance. “Your shout has power!”

Today’s sermon was a brief retelling of Joshua 6.12-19 with excursions into health and politics. Our bodies are like that Ark of the Covenant; they carry the Holy Spirit. We should keep them holy and clean. Some of us are struggling in body, we were told, a big area of discouragement. The devil wants you weak, defeated, and in a brain fog. “You’ve gotta shake it off, people.” Press in. Keep fighting. One aspect of Callahan’s own good health has been the elimination of sugar from his diet. (Not a bad idea.) He took a few minutes to talk about this. 

Another point in regard to health: it’s important to not be constantly focusing on the negative. If you have pain, depression, "weird stuff in your head," start praising God. "Shout it out!"

Then we got Jon Callahan’s political opinion. It's not his candidate who is the weird one, he said, but Pete Buttigieg. There’s no need to worry about offending people “of the other persuasion” in saying that because Callahan is “just telling you truth.” Truth heals and restores. Desiring to see this nation be great again, "that's not weird." 

There followed a short prayer and the service ended simply with a dismissal. No one spoke to me as I went out.