May 30 – “Research”

One of the things we wanted to do once I retired was visit some different churches about once a month, just to get a sense of other church cultures and worship styles.  Yesterday was that day.  Research, you know?

 

We chose another church here in Galveston this time.  First good thing … the parking lot was kind of small, but there were plenty of open spaces.  I’m pretty sure the regular attenders had been told to park in the street or down at a local funeral home so there would be room for visitors.  As we approached the front door, two gentlemen opened the doors wide for us, also a good sign of welcome.  Then inside we were greeted by a young man with a nice smile.  All he said was “Hello,” but it was nice to be acknowledged, since we didn’t see anyone we knew.  We were unsure about where to go, but we managed to follow a group of folks through a door, behind which we could hear music. 

 

We were handed a bulletin as we entered what was indeed the worship center.  The room was almost completely dark, like in a movie theater, making it hard to find a place to sit.  Seriously, I had to stand still for a minute to let my eyes adjust to the lack of light.  The music was loud and really upbeat.  I liked it.  Chris was a little unsure.  The praise team consisted of three female singers, a drummer, a bass guitar player, a violinist, and two other guitar players, one of which was the worship leader.  We only knew one of the songs, but they were all pretty to just listen to.

 

The pastor was not there.  He was on a sabbatical leave for the whole summer, so they were having a summer of guest speakers.  Yesterday’s was a pastor from Clear Creek.  He has been in the ministry for 20 years, so he did a good job. 

 

As we left, that same pleasant young man bade us “goodbye.”  On a sad note, the only other ones who talked to us were a Mom and her daughter who used to go to Seaside.  That part made me really miss Seaside and the fellowship we have there.  God is obviously doing some great things there, but Seaside is home now.  Not sure where we will go next month.  It will be a full one with a trip to Waco and then to Arlington and then to Kids’ Camp.  Here we go …

 

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

 

Father, thank you for the people who are being touched by the ministry at the church we visited yesterday.  Please bless their efforts to follow you.  Amen.