Stand Up, Sit Down, Fight, Fight, Fight!

So a friend of mine and I went to visit the Presbyterians a couple of weeks ago. Then my wife and I went to the First Church of the Soccermom the following week. Interesting contrast between the two, but at the same time there were some striking similarities.

Upon arrival at the Presbyterian church my friend and I found ourselves running a bit late. Interestingly, no matter what time I leave I have not been on time to church yet. There is always something that comes up. As we arrived we followed some people into the building, it seems there are a lot of people that are late! So, the door we entered was on the side of the building thus prompting my friend to ask, "Is this the right entrance?"

We found our way to the sanctuary, passing the choir getting ready for the processional. I thought about jumping in line, but it seemed a bit inappropriate! Besides, my friend had brought his daughter and we had to find out what was available for her during the service - there was nothing. However, they were kind enough to provide pens in the pews for the children to draw.

Once we found our seat, we realized that all the information needed for the service could be found in the bulletin - 11x14 with small print. There was a short list of weekly activities and events - most of which were on Sunday (except for 2 Bible studies and the 2 choir practices). The rest of the bulletin/program was dedicated to the hour and fifteen minute worship service. All the scripture, the readings and hymn numbers were found here. We were able to follow along quite easily once my friend was able to finally figure out how to juggle his daughter with the bulletin - I could sense his frustration as we had to stand up for a reading that was in the bulletin. All the contents fell out onto the concrete floor and gently floated up to the next row. After getting on his knees to gather the materials he stood up to join in the last sentence of the scripture reading.

We were never told to stand or to sit (all the information was in the bulletin) and nor were we told which hymn to turn to (printed in the bulletin). There was one exception to this, at the end of the service we were told which verses to sing since the sermon had gone a bit long and we had to finish on time. We had one of those grin & greet times where we met one of the elders - nice guy. But for the most part we just stood there as all the regulars greeted one another. Interestingly, this time followed a hymn and the song leader's statement, "Tell the person next to you, 'Isn't this the best news you have heard all morning?'" I wondered what the unchurched person would do with that?

The sermon was good, my friend's daughter had to go to the bathroom, so he didn't have much of an opinion on that. The infant baptism was very similar to our child dedication but only those who were members were allowed to participate in the covenant. As we left we walked by everyone and nobody said "hello" or "goodbye." Come to think of it, nobody greeted us as we came in - but they did hand us each a bulletin.

The following week we went to the church of the soccermom. The people were friendly, but we were not visitors, though it was our first Sunday in attendance. As the referees went through their various rituals questions were freely asked about why certain rituals were practiced in this strange "religion." Each member was given the opportunity to offer their opinion and their was corporate celebration and some time for lament. At the end, all the members were invited to a shared meal where we all got to know one another fairly well. My wife and I were able to get to know a single mom who is a doctor and therefore unable to attend the "services" regularly. The upcoming weekly events are communicated either via email or by word of mouth, but all the members know what is going on because they take personal responsibility to know.

We are going to see how the Aussies do it next. I wonder, do they "Grin & Greet?" Do they have "Cups & Crackers?" Or do they share a full meal?