Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 6:30 pm
"Adore" at Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, 1800 Quadra St. Victoria BC
Pastor Andy Moore
So I found myself in Victoria this past Sunday, a beautiful city for anyone wondering. "Adore" is a youth-based evening offshoot of the Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church in Victoria BC. The building looks potentially old-fashioned from the outside, but inside for "Adore" it's transformed, with four jumbo-screens, a coffee center and lots of information centers. And little mini-bibles all over the place.
My first thoughts were "holy shit, this church has a mascot," and in fact it has not one, but two giant "child" mascots who lead the kids off to children's time or Sunday school or whatever you choose to call it. It was something I've absolutely never seen before.
This church probably had about 2-300 people and bar none the largest population of youth I've seen in any church. Makes sense, since the program was started with youth in mind. There were a few families and even a couple of older folk out, but the youth were dominant.
The service started with about 20 minutes of songs from the worship band. The band played well; the singers were both a bit lacking but they were enthusiastic in their worship. My only question mark was that the worship band had a "look," all wearing the same style of low-neck t-shirt et cetera. I'll leave that one without comment, just saying that my eyebrows raised a bit.
After that there was an offering, and I always love it when they encourage the visitors not to feel pressured to give, which I think is extremely considerate and often overlooked in churches who seem to assume that the congregation all knows what's going on.
Then Pastor Andy took the stage. He was what I have now come to consider the "norm" for the hip, young pastor: silk shirt, designer jeans, gelled hair. It almost feels like a new pastor stereotype is being formed: we all have the image of the old-time pastor in black with the white collar, or the older fellow in a suit. Now we have the guy with the styled hair in a dress shirt.
He spoke well, if a tad frenetically, continuing the established theme of "Text Me," in which the church is taking a look at the Bible. Pastor Andy talked today about the reliability of the Bible. He pulled out a few interesting statistics (the chances of Jesus having fulfilled all of the prophesys that he did are approximately 100,000,000,000,000,000 to 1), analyzed the Bible according to a system for evaluating the historical accuracy of academic texts and even talked about archaeology and the Bible. It was interesting stuff; not terribly in-depth or scientifically solid (understandable given the time constraints) but it was thought-provoking, so I think it did its job.
Pastor Andy prayed and the worship band played a couple more songs to end the evening. I did enjoy myself and I enjoyed the pastor's message and the absolute influx of youth. I always find a certain amount of ego inherent in these band-and-jumbotron-based churches and this one had it in particular. But it also had literally over a hundred youth.
Hm.
http://adorevictoria.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church
Sunday Nov. 1, 2009 11:15 am
Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd. Abbotsford BC
Pastors Ray Harris and Dianne Bowker
The next stage of my adventure this year has taken me out west to BC. We managed to head out to church this morning; one of our group leaders chose Bakerview Mennonite Brethren and I'm really glad he did. It was a really enjoyable service.
A note about Bakerview that I think is really cool: they actually have three different services. They have a traditional service earlier in the morning, and then a 'contemporary' service and a liturgical service just after. In this way they offer three different approaches to worship all in the same building and at the same time. Though I could see how this would divide the church community-wise, I think it's a great way of approaching the divide between services appealing to younger, middle-aged and elderly congregants. And if you want something different one Sunday, you can just go to a different kind of service.
I attended the liturgical service, was greeted warmly as I walked in and was handed a veritable novel of liturgy, a 48-page program of service that holds the current record as longest bulletin in my filing cabinet. Since the contemporary service is held in the sanctuary at the same time, the liturgical service is held in the multipurpose gymnasium, with stacking chairs arranged around a stage. The centerpiece of the stage is a large cross made simply with un-milled logs. The interesting thing is that they actually had 'blood' painted on the cross where Jesus' hands, feet and back would have been. A bit macabre, perhaps, but nonetheless a powerful message of Jesus leaving death behind.
There were about 200 people there, mostly grey-haired but with a smattering of youth and a couple of families. The service followed the bulletin exactly, with responsive readings, prayers and scripture and hymns and sung responses accompanied fantastically by a choir, organ, piano, violin, trombone and flute. We took communion and Pastor Ray Harris did a phenomenally brief sermon on the morning's Gospel reading (John 11:32-44, wherein Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead).
And during the offering, out of nowhere, a couple played a fantastic duo piano rendition of "Oh When the Saints." It was actually amazing. I'd like a recording of it, it was so good. Anyhow, the service ended with a sending and this time I actually stayed for lunch afterward (a first, I think, for me in this church-visiting odyssey). I really enjoyed that too.
Considering the reputation MB churches sometimes have and that it was a liturgical service, I really enjoyed myself today. I've been a bit church deprived on this trip, so I always love getting out to church on Sunday morning. Till next time!
http://www.bakerview.org/
Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd. Abbotsford BC
Pastors Ray Harris and Dianne Bowker
The next stage of my adventure this year has taken me out west to BC. We managed to head out to church this morning; one of our group leaders chose Bakerview Mennonite Brethren and I'm really glad he did. It was a really enjoyable service.
A note about Bakerview that I think is really cool: they actually have three different services. They have a traditional service earlier in the morning, and then a 'contemporary' service and a liturgical service just after. In this way they offer three different approaches to worship all in the same building and at the same time. Though I could see how this would divide the church community-wise, I think it's a great way of approaching the divide between services appealing to younger, middle-aged and elderly congregants. And if you want something different one Sunday, you can just go to a different kind of service.
I attended the liturgical service, was greeted warmly as I walked in and was handed a veritable novel of liturgy, a 48-page program of service that holds the current record as longest bulletin in my filing cabinet. Since the contemporary service is held in the sanctuary at the same time, the liturgical service is held in the multipurpose gymnasium, with stacking chairs arranged around a stage. The centerpiece of the stage is a large cross made simply with un-milled logs. The interesting thing is that they actually had 'blood' painted on the cross where Jesus' hands, feet and back would have been. A bit macabre, perhaps, but nonetheless a powerful message of Jesus leaving death behind.
There were about 200 people there, mostly grey-haired but with a smattering of youth and a couple of families. The service followed the bulletin exactly, with responsive readings, prayers and scripture and hymns and sung responses accompanied fantastically by a choir, organ, piano, violin, trombone and flute. We took communion and Pastor Ray Harris did a phenomenally brief sermon on the morning's Gospel reading (John 11:32-44, wherein Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead).
And during the offering, out of nowhere, a couple played a fantastic duo piano rendition of "Oh When the Saints." It was actually amazing. I'd like a recording of it, it was so good. Anyhow, the service ended with a sending and this time I actually stayed for lunch afterward (a first, I think, for me in this church-visiting odyssey). I really enjoyed that too.
Considering the reputation MB churches sometimes have and that it was a liturgical service, I really enjoyed myself today. I've been a bit church deprived on this trip, so I always love getting out to church on Sunday morning. Till next time!
http://www.bakerview.org/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Bayview Evangelical Free Church
Sunday Oct. 4, 2009 10:45 am
Bayview Evangelical Free Church, South Colonization Road at Colville Rd. Sound Beach, Gimli MB
Guest Pastor Mark Westman
So for a second time this year the Outtatown program led us to a church for the Sunday service. Gimli is about an hour outside of my home city of Winnipeg; we’ve been staying at a place called Camp Arnes about twenty minutes from there. Bayview is a little church, fairly out of the way, and when we trouped in about 30 strong we just about doubled the congregation.
There was a worship band playing when we walked in and despite our overwhelming numbers we were greeted warmly. The congregation was mostly middle-aged with a smattering of young adults and youth, the building small with stacking chairs set out around a pulpit, with a stage off to the side for the band. When everyone was settled there were a few announcements and then the congregation stood and joined the band in singing three songs.
The offertory was then taken. After that the floor was opened up for prayer and praise requests and that actually took quite a while; lots of people in that little church know folks experiencing some pretty hard times. The story of a twenty year old with terminal cancer messed me up. The speaker prayed at length for everyone involved before introducing his son, Mark Westman, to do the sermon.
On first impression Mark didn’t seem to be much of a speaker. He had a nasal voice and tended to read from his notes too much rather than speak. But he infused a good amount of humour into his sermon, actually a really excellent one about concepts of unity within a church community. He talked about overcoming small differences and loving and caring for everyone.
The service ended with prayer, communion and a blessing. It ended up being a really long service, not necessarily a bad thing, just saying. Just as we’d been welcomed earlier people were very friendly to our large group after the service. I found it to be a really enjoyable service in a nice little Gimli church
http://bayviewchurch.com/
Bayview Evangelical Free Church, South Colonization Road at Colville Rd. Sound Beach, Gimli MB
Guest Pastor Mark Westman
So for a second time this year the Outtatown program led us to a church for the Sunday service. Gimli is about an hour outside of my home city of Winnipeg; we’ve been staying at a place called Camp Arnes about twenty minutes from there. Bayview is a little church, fairly out of the way, and when we trouped in about 30 strong we just about doubled the congregation.
There was a worship band playing when we walked in and despite our overwhelming numbers we were greeted warmly. The congregation was mostly middle-aged with a smattering of young adults and youth, the building small with stacking chairs set out around a pulpit, with a stage off to the side for the band. When everyone was settled there were a few announcements and then the congregation stood and joined the band in singing three songs.
The offertory was then taken. After that the floor was opened up for prayer and praise requests and that actually took quite a while; lots of people in that little church know folks experiencing some pretty hard times. The story of a twenty year old with terminal cancer messed me up. The speaker prayed at length for everyone involved before introducing his son, Mark Westman, to do the sermon.
On first impression Mark didn’t seem to be much of a speaker. He had a nasal voice and tended to read from his notes too much rather than speak. But he infused a good amount of humour into his sermon, actually a really excellent one about concepts of unity within a church community. He talked about overcoming small differences and loving and caring for everyone.
The service ended with prayer, communion and a blessing. It ended up being a really long service, not necessarily a bad thing, just saying. Just as we’d been welcomed earlier people were very friendly to our large group after the service. I found it to be a really enjoyable service in a nice little Gimli church
http://bayviewchurch.com/
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Winnipeg Centre Vineyard
Sept. 27, 2009 10:00 am
Winnipeg Centre Vineyard, 782 Main St. Winnipeg
Pastor Nathan Rieger
Greetings from Outtatown! As part of our program this week we were in Winnipeg for an urban plunge. We stayed at the Vineyard church and naturally attended their Sunday service. The Vineyard is located right on Main street in an old factory building, in the North End. The building is fantastic, literally a converted factory where the bottom floor is the church. The upper floors host "Flatlanders," a housing centre for people at risk of homelessness.
The congregation was very diverse. There were about 30 Outtatown people there, so we ballooned the numbers. Probably a bit over 100 people there. There were a lot of young people and children as well as middle-aged and older. Some of the people were obviously either homeless or very down on their luck. Others were people from more fortunate walks of life who had found a community they enjoyed. Everyone came ready to worship.
The service started with the volunteer worship band playing several songs. The words were flashed on the back wall with a projector. The entire time the band was playing, to the left of them (actually getting about equal stage space) the children (and a few adults) danced around waving flags and streamers. It was such a free, energetic expression of worship and I honestly have never seen anything like it.
After they'd prayed a man said a lengthy prayer before inviting Pastor Nathan Rieger to the microphone. A man I'd met before the service had immensely good things to say about Nathan so I'll admit my expectations were pretty high.
Nathan spent the first few minutes talking about how he'd really like a cup of coffee. Then he launched into his sermon in earnest and didn't notice the coffee placed before him until the end. He spoke at length about the story of Ruth and how the farm master took pity on her and was merciful. He also told a moving story about how a friend of his had risked his life to save a Sikh family from an Islamic lynch mob (and succeeded, with God's help) and talked about some of the people he works with in the North End. I found his sermon a bit disjointed, but his stories were powerful and he definitely made me think.
After he was done he prayed and the band played again, and the congregation took communion. Then we were invited to the front for prayer if we desired and the service ended.
I found the spirit in this church to be wonderful. It's a church born of inner-city mission and the people associated with it are doing no end of wonderful things for the people living here. I've had the opportunity to hear many of their stories over the past few days and they are just inspiring. I think that if God gives me the urge to serve in this city, the Vineyard will be high on my list of places to turn to for guidance.
http://winnipegcentrevineyard.com/
Winnipeg Centre Vineyard, 782 Main St. Winnipeg
Pastor Nathan Rieger
Greetings from Outtatown! As part of our program this week we were in Winnipeg for an urban plunge. We stayed at the Vineyard church and naturally attended their Sunday service. The Vineyard is located right on Main street in an old factory building, in the North End. The building is fantastic, literally a converted factory where the bottom floor is the church. The upper floors host "Flatlanders," a housing centre for people at risk of homelessness.
The congregation was very diverse. There were about 30 Outtatown people there, so we ballooned the numbers. Probably a bit over 100 people there. There were a lot of young people and children as well as middle-aged and older. Some of the people were obviously either homeless or very down on their luck. Others were people from more fortunate walks of life who had found a community they enjoyed. Everyone came ready to worship.
The service started with the volunteer worship band playing several songs. The words were flashed on the back wall with a projector. The entire time the band was playing, to the left of them (actually getting about equal stage space) the children (and a few adults) danced around waving flags and streamers. It was such a free, energetic expression of worship and I honestly have never seen anything like it.
After they'd prayed a man said a lengthy prayer before inviting Pastor Nathan Rieger to the microphone. A man I'd met before the service had immensely good things to say about Nathan so I'll admit my expectations were pretty high.
Nathan spent the first few minutes talking about how he'd really like a cup of coffee. Then he launched into his sermon in earnest and didn't notice the coffee placed before him until the end. He spoke at length about the story of Ruth and how the farm master took pity on her and was merciful. He also told a moving story about how a friend of his had risked his life to save a Sikh family from an Islamic lynch mob (and succeeded, with God's help) and talked about some of the people he works with in the North End. I found his sermon a bit disjointed, but his stories were powerful and he definitely made me think.
After he was done he prayed and the band played again, and the congregation took communion. Then we were invited to the front for prayer if we desired and the service ended.
I found the spirit in this church to be wonderful. It's a church born of inner-city mission and the people associated with it are doing no end of wonderful things for the people living here. I've had the opportunity to hear many of their stories over the past few days and they are just inspiring. I think that if God gives me the urge to serve in this city, the Vineyard will be high on my list of places to turn to for guidance.
http://winnipegcentrevineyard.com/
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Future of the Blog
So!
Obviously summer's taken me away from the blog. I just posted two new churches that I've been neglecting for months, which you'll find below. And I have come to the end of my year of visiting churches.
This coming year I'll be embarking on a program with Winnipeg's Canadian Mennonite University, entitled "Outtatown," which will take me from Winnipeg to Vancouver to South Africa and back. Needless to say, my updates will continue to be pretty spotty.
However, I must conclude that I haven't yet satisfied my need to experience new churches, and certainly haven't found a place to settle down. I fully intend to keep visiting new churches both when I'm back for the Christmas holidays and when I'm back for good in April. So naturally, the blog will stay alive.
I'm tempted to try to draw conclusions from this year, but my experiences were so myriad and often confusing that it's certainly difficult. I will say that beyond a shadow of a doubt, the vast majority of Winnipeg churches are having a terrible time attracting and keeping youth. I will also say that the vast majority of Winnipeg churches probably don't have stellar youth programs; I can't, however, comment on whether this is a cause or an effect. Probably both. Finally, I strongly believe that in order to make church accessible for youth and young adults, churches on the whole need to start mixing things up. When I don't even need a program to figure out exactly what's up next, there is a problem. Experimenting needs to be done; the status quo needs to be seriously messed with.
Thanks for reading,
-Brock
Obviously summer's taken me away from the blog. I just posted two new churches that I've been neglecting for months, which you'll find below. And I have come to the end of my year of visiting churches.
This coming year I'll be embarking on a program with Winnipeg's Canadian Mennonite University, entitled "Outtatown," which will take me from Winnipeg to Vancouver to South Africa and back. Needless to say, my updates will continue to be pretty spotty.
However, I must conclude that I haven't yet satisfied my need to experience new churches, and certainly haven't found a place to settle down. I fully intend to keep visiting new churches both when I'm back for the Christmas holidays and when I'm back for good in April. So naturally, the blog will stay alive.
I'm tempted to try to draw conclusions from this year, but my experiences were so myriad and often confusing that it's certainly difficult. I will say that beyond a shadow of a doubt, the vast majority of Winnipeg churches are having a terrible time attracting and keeping youth. I will also say that the vast majority of Winnipeg churches probably don't have stellar youth programs; I can't, however, comment on whether this is a cause or an effect. Probably both. Finally, I strongly believe that in order to make church accessible for youth and young adults, churches on the whole need to start mixing things up. When I don't even need a program to figure out exactly what's up next, there is a problem. Experimenting needs to be done; the status quo needs to be seriously messed with.
Thanks for reading,
-Brock
Oasis Community Church
June 28, 2009 10:30 am
Oasis Community Church, 505 Oakdale Dr. Winnipeg
Pastor Dustin Funk
I'd been meaning to get to Oasis for a while, intrigued because the website proudly advertises that they meet in the gymnasium of Charleswood School. I figured this would be a small gathering, a few dozen cash-strapped congregants who wanted to meet quietly together in the gym.
I was really, really wrong.
There were parking attendants. There were free information CDs for all first-time visitors. The gymnasium was transformed, rows of chairs facing a giant stage with two jumbotrons and a full light show. Without comparison, this church had the highest ratio of youth:everyone else that I've ever witnessed in a Winnipeg church.
Impressive, I thought. The service started off with music from the band, which was really solid. Both the male and female singers had a good set of pipes, and neither was trying to be particularly "pop-y," which is excellent. There was a baptism which was actually held outside and televised on the screens, preceded by taped confessions of faith from all those being baptised.
Pastor Funk then continued a series of sermons entitled "Reveal," in which he interprets the meaning behind scripture passages. Today he tackled The Lord's Prayer. I've personally heard a lot of interpretation of The Lord's Prayer, and I can't say Pastor Funk really said anything I haven't heard before, with a couple of exceptions. He noted that the final section, "for yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen," was historically not actually taught by Jesus but added in later because someone didn't like to end the prayer with "and deliver us from evil." Interesting stuff.
Pastor Funk was a good, approachable speaker and I got the chance to shake his hand on the way out. The service ended with more music and a prayer. I would be at all surprised to find myself back at Oasis in the future, if for no other reason than to make some connections with the overwhelming number of youth.
http://www.oasiscc.ca/
Oasis Community Church, 505 Oakdale Dr. Winnipeg
Pastor Dustin Funk
I'd been meaning to get to Oasis for a while, intrigued because the website proudly advertises that they meet in the gymnasium of Charleswood School. I figured this would be a small gathering, a few dozen cash-strapped congregants who wanted to meet quietly together in the gym.
I was really, really wrong.
There were parking attendants. There were free information CDs for all first-time visitors. The gymnasium was transformed, rows of chairs facing a giant stage with two jumbotrons and a full light show. Without comparison, this church had the highest ratio of youth:everyone else that I've ever witnessed in a Winnipeg church.
Impressive, I thought. The service started off with music from the band, which was really solid. Both the male and female singers had a good set of pipes, and neither was trying to be particularly "pop-y," which is excellent. There was a baptism which was actually held outside and televised on the screens, preceded by taped confessions of faith from all those being baptised.
Pastor Funk then continued a series of sermons entitled "Reveal," in which he interprets the meaning behind scripture passages. Today he tackled The Lord's Prayer. I've personally heard a lot of interpretation of The Lord's Prayer, and I can't say Pastor Funk really said anything I haven't heard before, with a couple of exceptions. He noted that the final section, "for yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen," was historically not actually taught by Jesus but added in later because someone didn't like to end the prayer with "and deliver us from evil." Interesting stuff.
Pastor Funk was a good, approachable speaker and I got the chance to shake his hand on the way out. The service ended with more music and a prayer. I would be at all surprised to find myself back at Oasis in the future, if for no other reason than to make some connections with the overwhelming number of youth.
http://www.oasiscc.ca/
Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
May 3, 2009 10:30 am
Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Ave. Winnipeg
Rev. Barb Janes, Rev. Irene Greenwood
I realize it seems like I'm going backwards in time. Truth is, I misplaced the order of service for this one and completely forgot to blog it. So excuse me if my details are sketchy, but it's been four months.
Anyhow, once again I felt the need for something familiar, and so I headed off to Crescent Fort Rouge. I've attended concerts in the building before, but never a service. It's a pretty classical stone church design, picture Westminster United but smaller, hidden away at the end of Wellington Crescent.
I was a bit surprised to see that the congregation, about 100 present or so, was actually fairly varied in terms of age. Naturally the grey-haired folk were out in force, but there were also some very young families and a handful of teens.
If I detailed the service I would feel very much like I was repeating myself; it followed closely the United Church format that I'm oh-so-familiar with. The service was highlighted with lots of music, and being the first Sunday of the month there was communion. I must admit I really don't remember what the sermon was about. I do remember being impressed, as it was a treatise on the works of God in the world today.
Crescent Fort Rouge United was a nice, safe (for me) experience.
http://www.crescentfortrouge.ca/
Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Ave. Winnipeg
Rev. Barb Janes, Rev. Irene Greenwood
I realize it seems like I'm going backwards in time. Truth is, I misplaced the order of service for this one and completely forgot to blog it. So excuse me if my details are sketchy, but it's been four months.
Anyhow, once again I felt the need for something familiar, and so I headed off to Crescent Fort Rouge. I've attended concerts in the building before, but never a service. It's a pretty classical stone church design, picture Westminster United but smaller, hidden away at the end of Wellington Crescent.
I was a bit surprised to see that the congregation, about 100 present or so, was actually fairly varied in terms of age. Naturally the grey-haired folk were out in force, but there were also some very young families and a handful of teens.
If I detailed the service I would feel very much like I was repeating myself; it followed closely the United Church format that I'm oh-so-familiar with. The service was highlighted with lots of music, and being the first Sunday of the month there was communion. I must admit I really don't remember what the sermon was about. I do remember being impressed, as it was a treatise on the works of God in the world today.
Crescent Fort Rouge United was a nice, safe (for me) experience.
http://www.crescentfortrouge.ca/
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Springs Church
May 17, 2009 11:30 am
Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg
Pastor Leon Fontaine
Can you say pop-Christianity? Yeah, so can I, and I'll admit that was on my mind as I headed into this one, probably one of the biggest churches in Winnipeg. You know a church is massive when it's got more parking attendants than some churches have congregants. You could land a 747 in the Springs Church parking lot. The building is huge with a massive sanctuary in the center, circled by a hallway that has classrooms for the Springs school, Sunday school rooms, lounges, a huge gift shop and a Starbucks knock-off. By this point the place is screaming at me: business! business! I was greeted by a couple of ushers as I pushed through a throng of people into the sanctuary.
I'm not even going to hazard a guess at how many people were in there. Upwards of a thousand. It was huge. The age demographic was extremely varied, though dominant were the twenty-somethings, believe it or not. I sure didn't. The sanctuary was a huge space with chairs set out in a semi-circle around the stage, which boasted not one but four jumbotron-style screens. Christian hard-rock was playing through the speakers.
The service was kicked off with four songs from the resident rock band, and they were pretty solid. Bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, four vocalists and a backing "choir" were all onstage unleashing hits from the Christian rock world, all highlighted by a light show. A light show.
Pastor Leo Fontaine took the stage and said a prayer in his booming voice with a hint of a southern accent, which had me all ready for some ridiculous, speaking-in-tongues sermon. My expectations weren't high.
And then he blew me away with one of the best sermons I've heard all year. It was thought provoking, relevant, and had just the right amount of "shit-disturbing" to satisfy my young adult brain. You know something's going down when the first words out of the pastor's mouth are "I don't like religion." The sermon was all about the difference between the Christian faith and Christian religion, the latter being the often-abused organization of the "Christian church" around Jesus' teachings, the former being living through Jesus' teachings themselves and not some forced religious doctrine.
Pastor Fontaine spoke about how Jesus didn't come to start a new religion, he came to challenge all religions. He talked about how we "jump through hoops" and try to do exactly the right things to please God because our religion tells us to, when through Jesus we are offered a "free gift" of salvation and really, we don't have to do anything but live through His teachings. He produced an interesting metaphor in the idea of a father and his children: why would children fall over themselves to please the father, bring him a drink after work and bring him the paper and hang up his clothes and on and on, if they are loved by default? Why should they feel they need to do all kinds of stuff to gain their father's approval when they have it already, simply on the merit of being his children? Pastor Fontaine also touched on something that interested me, and that was the formulization of the modern-day church service, how people get so set in their traditions and their organization that the message is lost.
I'll stop now. But on their website under "Media Player" you can access a video of the sermon, and I'd suggest you take a look. I'm trying very hard to think objectively about what he said, because the presentation was extremely powerful, to the point where I wonder if I was really blown away by the message or just brainwashed by the charismatic man. But in any event I've been given food for thought.
Though the sermon and the music were great, I'm not sure how I would feel belonging to a church with probably a couple thousand members. For me church needs to be about community. Of course with a larger community there's more opportunity for interaction, but is some intimacy not lost with such a massive congregation? There's no way that Pastor Fontaine knows the names of all his members, and how could he possibly make time for everyone? There's a level of implied buerocracy and commercialization to this church that makes me wonder, and obviously heavily influenced my first impressions.
Boy has this one got me confused, and thinking. About time.
http://www.springschurch.com/
Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg
Pastor Leon Fontaine
Can you say pop-Christianity? Yeah, so can I, and I'll admit that was on my mind as I headed into this one, probably one of the biggest churches in Winnipeg. You know a church is massive when it's got more parking attendants than some churches have congregants. You could land a 747 in the Springs Church parking lot. The building is huge with a massive sanctuary in the center, circled by a hallway that has classrooms for the Springs school, Sunday school rooms, lounges, a huge gift shop and a Starbucks knock-off. By this point the place is screaming at me: business! business! I was greeted by a couple of ushers as I pushed through a throng of people into the sanctuary.
I'm not even going to hazard a guess at how many people were in there. Upwards of a thousand. It was huge. The age demographic was extremely varied, though dominant were the twenty-somethings, believe it or not. I sure didn't. The sanctuary was a huge space with chairs set out in a semi-circle around the stage, which boasted not one but four jumbotron-style screens. Christian hard-rock was playing through the speakers.
The service was kicked off with four songs from the resident rock band, and they were pretty solid. Bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, four vocalists and a backing "choir" were all onstage unleashing hits from the Christian rock world, all highlighted by a light show. A light show.
Pastor Leo Fontaine took the stage and said a prayer in his booming voice with a hint of a southern accent, which had me all ready for some ridiculous, speaking-in-tongues sermon. My expectations weren't high.
And then he blew me away with one of the best sermons I've heard all year. It was thought provoking, relevant, and had just the right amount of "shit-disturbing" to satisfy my young adult brain. You know something's going down when the first words out of the pastor's mouth are "I don't like religion." The sermon was all about the difference between the Christian faith and Christian religion, the latter being the often-abused organization of the "Christian church" around Jesus' teachings, the former being living through Jesus' teachings themselves and not some forced religious doctrine.
Pastor Fontaine spoke about how Jesus didn't come to start a new religion, he came to challenge all religions. He talked about how we "jump through hoops" and try to do exactly the right things to please God because our religion tells us to, when through Jesus we are offered a "free gift" of salvation and really, we don't have to do anything but live through His teachings. He produced an interesting metaphor in the idea of a father and his children: why would children fall over themselves to please the father, bring him a drink after work and bring him the paper and hang up his clothes and on and on, if they are loved by default? Why should they feel they need to do all kinds of stuff to gain their father's approval when they have it already, simply on the merit of being his children? Pastor Fontaine also touched on something that interested me, and that was the formulization of the modern-day church service, how people get so set in their traditions and their organization that the message is lost.
I'll stop now. But on their website under "Media Player" you can access a video of the sermon, and I'd suggest you take a look. I'm trying very hard to think objectively about what he said, because the presentation was extremely powerful, to the point where I wonder if I was really blown away by the message or just brainwashed by the charismatic man. But in any event I've been given food for thought.
Though the sermon and the music were great, I'm not sure how I would feel belonging to a church with probably a couple thousand members. For me church needs to be about community. Of course with a larger community there's more opportunity for interaction, but is some intimacy not lost with such a massive congregation? There's no way that Pastor Fontaine knows the names of all his members, and how could he possibly make time for everyone? There's a level of implied buerocracy and commercialization to this church that makes me wonder, and obviously heavily influenced my first impressions.
Boy has this one got me confused, and thinking. About time.
http://www.springschurch.com/
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
St. James Presbyterian
April 26, 2009 11:00 am
St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Ave. Winnipeg
Rev. Allan Farris
So I remembered to check which side of Portage this church was on, unlike last time. I was greeted warmly by several people walking in and though at a quarter-to the tiny sanctuary was almost empty, around 100 people had arrived by go time. For such a small congregation the youth were fairly well-represented, with lots of families in attendance as well.
The service followed a pretty normal format, opened with prayers, announcements and hymns. I noticed how full the pew shelves were: a hymnal, a bible and two psalm books were in every compartment and all were used during the service.
Reverend Farris was probably one of the youngest ministers I've encountered so far. His mannerisms seemed a bit awkward at the beginning and for a while I couldn't put a finger on what was different about him... eventually it hit me. He was smiling the whole time; genuinely enthusiastic and excited about what he was talking about. Making eye contact too. And his sermon was pretty neat; he used a hilarious story about his nephew's interpretation of Jesus as a popculture zombie to illustrate how we categorize things we don't understand. He went on to argue that Jesus and the resurrection defies categorization, and therefore as a people Christians should (and sometimes do) defy categorization as well. I think he got a bit hung up on this idea and had trouble drawing a conclusion, but it was an engaging and generally relevant sermon.
Offertory, a few more hymns, a neat children's "sermon" about the idea of children of God versus 'regular' children and the service was capped off. I would say I definitely got a positive experience out of this one.
http://www.stjamespresbyterianwinnipeg.com/
St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Ave. Winnipeg
Rev. Allan Farris
So I remembered to check which side of Portage this church was on, unlike last time. I was greeted warmly by several people walking in and though at a quarter-to the tiny sanctuary was almost empty, around 100 people had arrived by go time. For such a small congregation the youth were fairly well-represented, with lots of families in attendance as well.
The service followed a pretty normal format, opened with prayers, announcements and hymns. I noticed how full the pew shelves were: a hymnal, a bible and two psalm books were in every compartment and all were used during the service.
Reverend Farris was probably one of the youngest ministers I've encountered so far. His mannerisms seemed a bit awkward at the beginning and for a while I couldn't put a finger on what was different about him... eventually it hit me. He was smiling the whole time; genuinely enthusiastic and excited about what he was talking about. Making eye contact too. And his sermon was pretty neat; he used a hilarious story about his nephew's interpretation of Jesus as a popculture zombie to illustrate how we categorize things we don't understand. He went on to argue that Jesus and the resurrection defies categorization, and therefore as a people Christians should (and sometimes do) defy categorization as well. I think he got a bit hung up on this idea and had trouble drawing a conclusion, but it was an engaging and generally relevant sermon.
Offertory, a few more hymns, a neat children's "sermon" about the idea of children of God versus 'regular' children and the service was capped off. I would say I definitely got a positive experience out of this one.
http://www.stjamespresbyterianwinnipeg.com/
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bethel Mennonite Church, Take Two
April 12, 2009 10:45 am
Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Ave. Winnipeg
Lisa Enn-Bogoya
As on Christmas, the family decided that Bethel would be a good choice for Easter. I must say I enjoyed my first visit and so I was happy to go back for the Easter service. The big, open church was again filled to capacity as the large (and really excellent) choir sang a processional.
The service was similar in content to the Christmas service, with scripture readings interspersed with prayers, offerings from the choir and lots and lots of hymns, always certain to make me happy. The children's story was a bare-bones version of the connection between the CS Lewis classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Easter story.
Lisa Enns-Bogoya was a really great speaker. She talked about her family's recent trip to Disneyland and contrasted the exhibitionist, so-called "Mickey Mouse theology" with the story of the ressurection. She talked well and got her message across, and I definitely enjoyed her sermon.
The service ended with an open invitation for congregation members to join the choir in singing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. It was an extremely powerful and uplifting way to end a really great service.
http://www.bethelmennonite.ca/
Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Ave. Winnipeg
Lisa Enn-Bogoya
As on Christmas, the family decided that Bethel would be a good choice for Easter. I must say I enjoyed my first visit and so I was happy to go back for the Easter service. The big, open church was again filled to capacity as the large (and really excellent) choir sang a processional.
The service was similar in content to the Christmas service, with scripture readings interspersed with prayers, offerings from the choir and lots and lots of hymns, always certain to make me happy. The children's story was a bare-bones version of the connection between the CS Lewis classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Easter story.
Lisa Enns-Bogoya was a really great speaker. She talked about her family's recent trip to Disneyland and contrasted the exhibitionist, so-called "Mickey Mouse theology" with the story of the ressurection. She talked well and got her message across, and I definitely enjoyed her sermon.
The service ended with an open invitation for congregation members to join the choir in singing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. It was an extremely powerful and uplifting way to end a really great service.
http://www.bethelmennonite.ca/
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
April 10, 2009 3:00 pm.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg
Pastor Barry Schoonbaert
I have to apologize for this entry a little. I didn't remember that there was no order of service handed out for this one, so details may be sketchy. I decided to go to a second service on Good Friday, this one at the Catholic OLPH, another church that I've been driving past for years. I was also interested in the Catholic take on the Good Friday service.
The place was packed. I'll never guess the right number, but there were probably 5 or 600 people there. It was as close to standing room only as churches get these days. Ushers were helping people find their spots but there was absolute silence; not a person was speaking. Inside the church itself was tastefully decorated, with a very low ceiling.
The service began with a processional up to the front, followed by some lengthy preemptive scripture passages alternating with solos done very well by soloists and a vocal quartet. Pastor Schoonbaert led a prayer and then the Passion was recited responsively, readers alternating with the congregation.
After the Passion and the prayers, also done responsively but in song, was an event I've never personally witnessed before. Dubbed the "Veneration of the Cross," it involves a large crucifix supported by the Pastor brought up to the front, after which the entire congregation lines up to pay respect to it whether by bowing, kneeling or in many cases kissing the depiction of Jesus' crucified body. I won't go into my issues with the "Veneration of the Cross" here, suffice it to say I didn't take part.
The Veneration took an extremely long time. Afterwards a solid communion was shared and after a blessing the service ended. There had been signs posted beforehand asking the congregation to exit in silence, and so they did. I found the service an extremely interesting experience, very reverent and in the somber mood of the day. I'd be interested to see what the turnout is at a regular OLPH service.
http://www.olphwinnipeg.ca/
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg
Pastor Barry Schoonbaert
I have to apologize for this entry a little. I didn't remember that there was no order of service handed out for this one, so details may be sketchy. I decided to go to a second service on Good Friday, this one at the Catholic OLPH, another church that I've been driving past for years. I was also interested in the Catholic take on the Good Friday service.
The place was packed. I'll never guess the right number, but there were probably 5 or 600 people there. It was as close to standing room only as churches get these days. Ushers were helping people find their spots but there was absolute silence; not a person was speaking. Inside the church itself was tastefully decorated, with a very low ceiling.
The service began with a processional up to the front, followed by some lengthy preemptive scripture passages alternating with solos done very well by soloists and a vocal quartet. Pastor Schoonbaert led a prayer and then the Passion was recited responsively, readers alternating with the congregation.
After the Passion and the prayers, also done responsively but in song, was an event I've never personally witnessed before. Dubbed the "Veneration of the Cross," it involves a large crucifix supported by the Pastor brought up to the front, after which the entire congregation lines up to pay respect to it whether by bowing, kneeling or in many cases kissing the depiction of Jesus' crucified body. I won't go into my issues with the "Veneration of the Cross" here, suffice it to say I didn't take part.
The Veneration took an extremely long time. Afterwards a solid communion was shared and after a blessing the service ended. There had been signs posted beforehand asking the congregation to exit in silence, and so they did. I found the service an extremely interesting experience, very reverent and in the somber mood of the day. I'd be interested to see what the turnout is at a regular OLPH service.
http://www.olphwinnipeg.ca/
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Charleswood United Church
April 10, 2009 11:00 am
Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg
Rev. Michael Wilson, Rev. Joanne Kury
So I'm a bit behind on the posting, and cause of exams these next few will be a bit haphazard. But I'm still going in order. I decided to take in two services on Good Friday, one am, one pm. This was my first one of the day.
Even though my background is in the United Church, I can't remember ever going to the actual Good Friday service. Probably too busy enjoying the day off school, I guess. Charleswood United recently had a slew of renovations done, so the church building is looking really good. They've got a nice big room for alternative worship and the sanctuary itself is decked out nicely too. When I walked in there were black coverings on the windows, creating an appropriately somber mood.
There were a few prayers and hymns before the Passion was played out, alternating scripture readings, sung responses and solos by members of the large choir, which were done very well. Some churches I've been to didn't have a congregation the size of Charleswood's choir and altogether I'd say there were about 2-300 people in the sanctuary.
Rev. Wilson was called upon to do the sermon. He was an extremely good speaker, talking about the story of the crucifixion as going beyond the traditional "good versus evil" scenario. He tried really hard to pull in pop culture references from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings and though I'm sure they would appeal to some, the connections were a bit weak for me to find them effective. Altogether though it was a nicely done sermon.
The service ended with a few more hymns, the prayer and a final blessing before the congregation filed out. It was a very nice, peaceful, traditional service, though as I often do I found myself wishing for some deviation from the standard worship format. I'd be happy to go back and see what regular worship is like at Charleswood; from my observations it really seems to be a vibrant community.
http://www.charleswoodunited.org/
Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg
Rev. Michael Wilson, Rev. Joanne Kury
So I'm a bit behind on the posting, and cause of exams these next few will be a bit haphazard. But I'm still going in order. I decided to take in two services on Good Friday, one am, one pm. This was my first one of the day.
Even though my background is in the United Church, I can't remember ever going to the actual Good Friday service. Probably too busy enjoying the day off school, I guess. Charleswood United recently had a slew of renovations done, so the church building is looking really good. They've got a nice big room for alternative worship and the sanctuary itself is decked out nicely too. When I walked in there were black coverings on the windows, creating an appropriately somber mood.
There were a few prayers and hymns before the Passion was played out, alternating scripture readings, sung responses and solos by members of the large choir, which were done very well. Some churches I've been to didn't have a congregation the size of Charleswood's choir and altogether I'd say there were about 2-300 people in the sanctuary.
Rev. Wilson was called upon to do the sermon. He was an extremely good speaker, talking about the story of the crucifixion as going beyond the traditional "good versus evil" scenario. He tried really hard to pull in pop culture references from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings and though I'm sure they would appeal to some, the connections were a bit weak for me to find them effective. Altogether though it was a nicely done sermon.
The service ended with a few more hymns, the prayer and a final blessing before the congregation filed out. It was a very nice, peaceful, traditional service, though as I often do I found myself wishing for some deviation from the standard worship format. I'd be happy to go back and see what regular worship is like at Charleswood; from my observations it really seems to be a vibrant community.
http://www.charleswoodunited.org/
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Maranatha Evangelical Free Church
March 29, 2009 11:00 am
Maranatha Evangelical Free Church, 910 Sturgeon Rd. Winnipeg
Pastor Dave Friesen
This church was a perfect example of how first impressions aren't always indicative of what's in store. Maranatha is a small church, honestly looking a bit run-down from the outside. As I was walking in I had to pass through a gauntlet of older people huddled around the front doors smoking their lungs out. Naturally I was a tad apprehensive walking into the place.
I was greeted immediately by a greeter who had me fill out a visitor contact card. On the way to my seat I met the pastor and was invited for coffee. The sanctuary is a smaller room with rows of stacking chairs set out. A band was onstage getting set up and I was curious to see what this place was all about.
The service began with four numbers by the band. The band was obviously pieced together from volunteers in the church, and they performed well. The songs were mostly modified hymns and the words were shown on a big screen at the front. Through all these services I've been to I've decided that I really enjoy a live band, but there's just no good way to sing along. For singing along I'll take good old hymns any day.
Anyhow. There were announcements (including birthdays), prayers and an offertory. Apparently Maranatha is also actively looking to bolster it's congregational ranks, about 100 strong this morning, as Pastor Friesen mentioned in the announcements. The band played another song and then the sermon began.
I was intrigued by Pastor Friesen's sermon and though I found it a little ambiguous, it was an interesting meditation on Ephesians 6:10-18. The passage deals with a call to put on the "whole armor of God," and to "fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness." Pastor Friesen brought this passage into a modern context, using it as a call both to evangelism and to combatting Satan. I wasn't quite sure where some of his Satan-related arguments were coming from, though the concept of the Devil is an area where I'm personally a little foggy to begin with. Overall it was an empowering and inspiring sermon. Pastor Friesen is a really likeable, friendly and accesible speaker.
The service ended with a closing song. On my way out I must've been stopped by at least five people introducing themselves and wanting to chat. I was particularly excited that one of them was a youth: I've been at this since September and this was the first time that I was approached by a youth from the congregation I'm visiting. Very cool indeed. Seems like my first impressions were bunk, because this was one of the friendliest churches I've visited.
http://www.mefree.ca/
Maranatha Evangelical Free Church, 910 Sturgeon Rd. Winnipeg
Pastor Dave Friesen
This church was a perfect example of how first impressions aren't always indicative of what's in store. Maranatha is a small church, honestly looking a bit run-down from the outside. As I was walking in I had to pass through a gauntlet of older people huddled around the front doors smoking their lungs out. Naturally I was a tad apprehensive walking into the place.
I was greeted immediately by a greeter who had me fill out a visitor contact card. On the way to my seat I met the pastor and was invited for coffee. The sanctuary is a smaller room with rows of stacking chairs set out. A band was onstage getting set up and I was curious to see what this place was all about.
The service began with four numbers by the band. The band was obviously pieced together from volunteers in the church, and they performed well. The songs were mostly modified hymns and the words were shown on a big screen at the front. Through all these services I've been to I've decided that I really enjoy a live band, but there's just no good way to sing along. For singing along I'll take good old hymns any day.
Anyhow. There were announcements (including birthdays), prayers and an offertory. Apparently Maranatha is also actively looking to bolster it's congregational ranks, about 100 strong this morning, as Pastor Friesen mentioned in the announcements. The band played another song and then the sermon began.
I was intrigued by Pastor Friesen's sermon and though I found it a little ambiguous, it was an interesting meditation on Ephesians 6:10-18. The passage deals with a call to put on the "whole armor of God," and to "fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness." Pastor Friesen brought this passage into a modern context, using it as a call both to evangelism and to combatting Satan. I wasn't quite sure where some of his Satan-related arguments were coming from, though the concept of the Devil is an area where I'm personally a little foggy to begin with. Overall it was an empowering and inspiring sermon. Pastor Friesen is a really likeable, friendly and accesible speaker.
The service ended with a closing song. On my way out I must've been stopped by at least five people introducing themselves and wanting to chat. I was particularly excited that one of them was a youth: I've been at this since September and this was the first time that I was approached by a youth from the congregation I'm visiting. Very cool indeed. Seems like my first impressions were bunk, because this was one of the friendliest churches I've visited.
http://www.mefree.ca/
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Gloria Dei Lutheran
March 22, 2009 11:00 am
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 637 Buckingham Rd. Winnipeg
Pastor Lanny Knutson
Another pick out of the hat turned out to be a really nice service. Nestled in the heart of Charleswood, Gloria Dei is an older-looking building from the outside that turns out to look a bit like a high school gymnasium on the inside. It was the first church I can remember being wider than it is long.
I was welcomed warmly as I took my place among the 100-some congregation members. There were a lot of middle-aged and elderly people around, though the youth and kids were ably represented as well.
After a few announcements the service began. It followed standard format, opening prayer, opening song, reading etc. There was a lot of music in this service, which I loved, sung in parts, which I loved too. There was a lot of page-turning, as one book had all the readings and hymns in it. No wonder it had the fancy ribbon placemarkers. One of the scripture readers identified himself as a guest reader from a nearby United church, which I thought was pretty neat.
Probably my singular complaint about the service would be that the sound system sucked the big one. Not to mention the acoustics, like the decor, were like a concrete gymnasium. A workable problem, but as Pastor Knutson took the podium it became evident that this would be a hard sermon to follow. He had a habit of talking really fast, though at his age (and assumed level of experience) it seemed strange that this would be out of nerves.
The sermon revolved around a parallel idea to that of Rev. Cam Hamoline at the Center for Conscious Living a couple of weeks ago, this time in that we often go to great lengths to hide the things that we may be embarrassed or ashamed of when we should accept everything we are as people and put everything out on the table before God. At some point he started quoting John 3:16 and I got a bit confused, but Pastor Knutson ended strong with a call to understand ourselves so that we can better serve others.
After the requisite prayers and communion (accompanied by no less than four hymns) the service ended. Despite the crappy sound I found it to be a very warm, comforting service and I left feeling refreshed. I shook six hands on my way out, as all those who'd served up onstage lined up to chat. Neat.
http://www.mnosynod.org/gloriadei.html
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 637 Buckingham Rd. Winnipeg
Pastor Lanny Knutson
Another pick out of the hat turned out to be a really nice service. Nestled in the heart of Charleswood, Gloria Dei is an older-looking building from the outside that turns out to look a bit like a high school gymnasium on the inside. It was the first church I can remember being wider than it is long.
I was welcomed warmly as I took my place among the 100-some congregation members. There were a lot of middle-aged and elderly people around, though the youth and kids were ably represented as well.
After a few announcements the service began. It followed standard format, opening prayer, opening song, reading etc. There was a lot of music in this service, which I loved, sung in parts, which I loved too. There was a lot of page-turning, as one book had all the readings and hymns in it. No wonder it had the fancy ribbon placemarkers. One of the scripture readers identified himself as a guest reader from a nearby United church, which I thought was pretty neat.
Probably my singular complaint about the service would be that the sound system sucked the big one. Not to mention the acoustics, like the decor, were like a concrete gymnasium. A workable problem, but as Pastor Knutson took the podium it became evident that this would be a hard sermon to follow. He had a habit of talking really fast, though at his age (and assumed level of experience) it seemed strange that this would be out of nerves.
The sermon revolved around a parallel idea to that of Rev. Cam Hamoline at the Center for Conscious Living a couple of weeks ago, this time in that we often go to great lengths to hide the things that we may be embarrassed or ashamed of when we should accept everything we are as people and put everything out on the table before God. At some point he started quoting John 3:16 and I got a bit confused, but Pastor Knutson ended strong with a call to understand ourselves so that we can better serve others.
After the requisite prayers and communion (accompanied by no less than four hymns) the service ended. Despite the crappy sound I found it to be a very warm, comforting service and I left feeling refreshed. I shook six hands on my way out, as all those who'd served up onstage lined up to chat. Neat.
http://www.mnosynod.org/gloriadei.html
Monday, March 16, 2009
Portage Avenue Church
March 15, 2009 10:00 am
Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 1420 Portage Ave. Winnipeg
Travis Reimer
And now, from the other side of Portage...
Whenever my high school went on its ski trip, the Beaver buses would meet us in the parking lot of Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church. I decided after six years of invading their parking space, I should finally attend one of their services.
The building is really nice, quite modern yet tasteful. As I walked in I was greeted almost immediately and from the front doors to the coat rack I was wished a "good morning" at least a half dozen times. As I sat down the woman to my left, the man to my right and the woman sitting in front of me all welcomed me to the church. Simple things to do, but immediately I had a warm, comfortable vibe.
The music for the service was offered by a male chorus of about fifteen men who all sang quite well. To my delight most of the congregational hymns were sung in four-part harmony, as opposed to the usual droning melody, all led by the choir. Like the rest of the congregation of about 150 people, they were just about all in the "snow on the rooftop" age demographic. There were a few families scattered here and there, but you know a congregation is aging when the minister in his opening announcements encourages the people to be "adventurous" and sit somewhere new for a change.
Travis Reimer was a delightful speaker and though he seemed like the type to shy from technology, he used the large screen at the front to emphasize his points. His sermon was a bit confusing at first, mainly because I didn't really understand where his argument was coming from or where it was going. He divided churches into two groups, one serving as a "commisary," the other as a "caravan." The idea of the commisary church was applied (through implication, never directly) to the Catholic church, and was defined as an establishment-oriented system of thinking, more of an institution. On the other hand, he argued that his church as a "caravan" is a community, eschatologically oriented and with a focus on leaning on one another for a common goal. These were all interesting ideas, but by the end I was still confused as to where they were coming from.
There were also some references throughout the service to attracting new members: apparently Portage Avenue Church is aware that its age demographic isn't exactly sustainable, and are working hard to draw people. I must say with a delightful service like this I can't imagine it will be very hard to do.
http://www.pachurch.ca/
Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church, 1420 Portage Ave. Winnipeg
Travis Reimer
And now, from the other side of Portage...
Whenever my high school went on its ski trip, the Beaver buses would meet us in the parking lot of Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church. I decided after six years of invading their parking space, I should finally attend one of their services.
The building is really nice, quite modern yet tasteful. As I walked in I was greeted almost immediately and from the front doors to the coat rack I was wished a "good morning" at least a half dozen times. As I sat down the woman to my left, the man to my right and the woman sitting in front of me all welcomed me to the church. Simple things to do, but immediately I had a warm, comfortable vibe.
The music for the service was offered by a male chorus of about fifteen men who all sang quite well. To my delight most of the congregational hymns were sung in four-part harmony, as opposed to the usual droning melody, all led by the choir. Like the rest of the congregation of about 150 people, they were just about all in the "snow on the rooftop" age demographic. There were a few families scattered here and there, but you know a congregation is aging when the minister in his opening announcements encourages the people to be "adventurous" and sit somewhere new for a change.
Travis Reimer was a delightful speaker and though he seemed like the type to shy from technology, he used the large screen at the front to emphasize his points. His sermon was a bit confusing at first, mainly because I didn't really understand where his argument was coming from or where it was going. He divided churches into two groups, one serving as a "commisary," the other as a "caravan." The idea of the commisary church was applied (through implication, never directly) to the Catholic church, and was defined as an establishment-oriented system of thinking, more of an institution. On the other hand, he argued that his church as a "caravan" is a community, eschatologically oriented and with a focus on leaning on one another for a common goal. These were all interesting ideas, but by the end I was still confused as to where they were coming from.
There were also some references throughout the service to attracting new members: apparently Portage Avenue Church is aware that its age demographic isn't exactly sustainable, and are working hard to draw people. I must say with a delightful service like this I can't imagine it will be very hard to do.
http://www.pachurch.ca/
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Centre for Conscious Living
March 1, 2009 11:00 am
Centre for Conscious Living, 612 Valour Road Winnipeg
Rev. Cam J. Hamoline
This is a pretty interesting one. I was looking for a Presbyterian church just off Portage and got turned around navigating side streets. When I saw a traditional-looking church building I parked and went inside without a second thought. Upon sitting down and looking at the bulletin, I realized that I wasn't in a Presbyterian church.
Billed as an "Inclusive Spiritual Centre," I wasn't sure what to expect as this service got underway. It was in a small traditional old building with stained glass windows depicting New Testament scenes. Middle-aged was the dominant demographic with a few older folks and a healthy proportion of young kids. I was the only youth I could see. The small sanctuary was pretty full, probably about 100 people.
The front of the church was set up for a band and indeed, the service started with music. And I've gotta comment on it. This was unlike any church band I've ever heard. They avoided stereotyped, overdone and overly "uplifting" songs in favour of songs with music and a general themed message. The musicians were fantastic (there was a bass solo and I nearly cheered) and the music was great.
Onwards. I wasn't sure (and still am not) exactly what the Centre for Conscious Living is all about. The opening "Affirmative Prayer Treatment" recognized that there existed a higher being called "God," though She was never mentioned again through the service. Their website is an interesting read, they recognize Jesus in some capacity but as an example of the spiritual beings we all are, rather than the exception. They consider the notion of "Bible" to include ALL religious texts, which is an intriguing (and I think fantastic) notion.
Rev. Hamoline seems like a boring speaker, a bit monotonous and prone to over-simplifying. But he ended up getting his message across very well. He spoke primarily about the value of emotion. He noted that all emotion is positive, anger and sorrow included, because it brings us a message about ourselves. He encouraged introspection with an interesting analogy, which I'm going to paraphrase quickly:
"Once a woman was looking out her window and saw her neighbour outside in the street, bent over and searching intently for something. The woman went outside and asked, "what are you looking for?" Her neighbour replied, "I've lost my ring." The woman asked, "where did you lose it?" Her neighbour replied, "I lost it in the house, but I'm looking out here because the light is much better."
Often when we look inwards we find ourselves grasping around in the dark and choose instead to look uselessly outward, because the "light is better." Food for thought.
The service ended with more music and as usual I had to run so I didn't really get the chance to socialize. I'm very interested to see what this church or centre is all about, and i hope to return.
http://www.livingconsciously.ca/
Centre for Conscious Living, 612 Valour Road Winnipeg
Rev. Cam J. Hamoline
This is a pretty interesting one. I was looking for a Presbyterian church just off Portage and got turned around navigating side streets. When I saw a traditional-looking church building I parked and went inside without a second thought. Upon sitting down and looking at the bulletin, I realized that I wasn't in a Presbyterian church.
Billed as an "Inclusive Spiritual Centre," I wasn't sure what to expect as this service got underway. It was in a small traditional old building with stained glass windows depicting New Testament scenes. Middle-aged was the dominant demographic with a few older folks and a healthy proportion of young kids. I was the only youth I could see. The small sanctuary was pretty full, probably about 100 people.
The front of the church was set up for a band and indeed, the service started with music. And I've gotta comment on it. This was unlike any church band I've ever heard. They avoided stereotyped, overdone and overly "uplifting" songs in favour of songs with music and a general themed message. The musicians were fantastic (there was a bass solo and I nearly cheered) and the music was great.
Onwards. I wasn't sure (and still am not) exactly what the Centre for Conscious Living is all about. The opening "Affirmative Prayer Treatment" recognized that there existed a higher being called "God," though She was never mentioned again through the service. Their website is an interesting read, they recognize Jesus in some capacity but as an example of the spiritual beings we all are, rather than the exception. They consider the notion of "Bible" to include ALL religious texts, which is an intriguing (and I think fantastic) notion.
Rev. Hamoline seems like a boring speaker, a bit monotonous and prone to over-simplifying. But he ended up getting his message across very well. He spoke primarily about the value of emotion. He noted that all emotion is positive, anger and sorrow included, because it brings us a message about ourselves. He encouraged introspection with an interesting analogy, which I'm going to paraphrase quickly:
"Once a woman was looking out her window and saw her neighbour outside in the street, bent over and searching intently for something. The woman went outside and asked, "what are you looking for?" Her neighbour replied, "I've lost my ring." The woman asked, "where did you lose it?" Her neighbour replied, "I lost it in the house, but I'm looking out here because the light is much better."
Often when we look inwards we find ourselves grasping around in the dark and choose instead to look uselessly outward, because the "light is better." Food for thought.
The service ended with more music and as usual I had to run so I didn't really get the chance to socialize. I'm very interested to see what this church or centre is all about, and i hope to return.
http://www.livingconsciously.ca/
First Unitarian Universalist - Youth Take
February 15, 2009 10:30 am
First Unitarian Universalist, 603 Wellington Cresc. Winnipeg
Youth Service
So this is a biased post.
Turns out, I'm pals with more than a few of the youth over at first UU, and they were given the chance to do a youth service. You can see my post from last September, when I visited for the first time, if you're interested in a description of what the church is like in general. I wasn't at this service to rehash it, I was there to enjoy. I can't remember who, but someone wanted me to write this one up.
Anyhow.
The service followed what is probably the standard format for the church, which I felt was a bit of a shame. I know at least one fellow over there who's billed himself as a shit-disturber; the potential for mixing things up was there but I think the prep time was unfortunately limited. I was very excited that the words accompanying the lighting of the chalice (the Unitarian gathering symbol) were by a guy whose last name is Hammerskjold.
Overall the service was quite good. The transitions were a bit shaky, and as an elderly gentleman pointed out after the service, easily ironed-out by a few run-throughs before the service. The children's story was "Green Eggs and Ham," very well read, though I would have enjoyed a message to go along with it. It fit in perfectly with the "sermon" (more on that in a sec), and that could have been emphasized more.
I was very excited for the "Sermon." The youth had presented this sermon at a conference a few months back and I've been hearing about it ever since. The idea was that one of the youth had never eaten a pickle before, and finally got up the will to do it. We were invited to think about the "pickles" in our lives, things we should/want to do but haven't, and the podium was opened up for sharing.
Usually these kinds of things flop. Nobody wants to go first, and many of those who want to go can't think up anything to share (I was pretty frustrated that I didn't come up with anything myself). But after the interim minister and a couple of the youth shared their 'pickles,' the mike was burning hot for a good twenty minutes. It worked, and it was a lot of fun. Also, the closing words were great, and I'm kicking myself because I can't remember what they were.
I'm sure I'll find myself back at First UU, and congrats to the youth on putting together a great service.
http://www.uuwinnipeg.mb.ca/
First Unitarian Universalist, 603 Wellington Cresc. Winnipeg
Youth Service
So this is a biased post.
Turns out, I'm pals with more than a few of the youth over at first UU, and they were given the chance to do a youth service. You can see my post from last September, when I visited for the first time, if you're interested in a description of what the church is like in general. I wasn't at this service to rehash it, I was there to enjoy. I can't remember who, but someone wanted me to write this one up.
Anyhow.
The service followed what is probably the standard format for the church, which I felt was a bit of a shame. I know at least one fellow over there who's billed himself as a shit-disturber; the potential for mixing things up was there but I think the prep time was unfortunately limited. I was very excited that the words accompanying the lighting of the chalice (the Unitarian gathering symbol) were by a guy whose last name is Hammerskjold.
Overall the service was quite good. The transitions were a bit shaky, and as an elderly gentleman pointed out after the service, easily ironed-out by a few run-throughs before the service. The children's story was "Green Eggs and Ham," very well read, though I would have enjoyed a message to go along with it. It fit in perfectly with the "sermon" (more on that in a sec), and that could have been emphasized more.
I was very excited for the "Sermon." The youth had presented this sermon at a conference a few months back and I've been hearing about it ever since. The idea was that one of the youth had never eaten a pickle before, and finally got up the will to do it. We were invited to think about the "pickles" in our lives, things we should/want to do but haven't, and the podium was opened up for sharing.
Usually these kinds of things flop. Nobody wants to go first, and many of those who want to go can't think up anything to share (I was pretty frustrated that I didn't come up with anything myself). But after the interim minister and a couple of the youth shared their 'pickles,' the mike was burning hot for a good twenty minutes. It worked, and it was a lot of fun. Also, the closing words were great, and I'm kicking myself because I can't remember what they were.
I'm sure I'll find myself back at First UU, and congrats to the youth on putting together a great service.
http://www.uuwinnipeg.mb.ca/
Sunday, January 25, 2009
St Ignatius Church
January 25, 2009 9:00 pm
St. Ignatius Parish, 255 Stafford Street Winnipeg
I cheated a bit on this one. Back in grade 9 Christian Studies class we were given the assignment of going to a church of a different denomination than our own; I chose St. Ignatius. I can't remember which of the five Sunday services I attended (or maybe I went to the one on Saturday...), but I thought it might be interesting to go back.
I chose the Sunday night service for two reasons: one, I wanted to sleep in and two, it's touted as the "contemporary music" service, which always catches my eye when it's advertised in a church setting. I've said it before and I'll say it again, churches need to start getting with the times and looking at alternative means of worship.
St. Ignatius is a beautiful, old-style building with an arched ceiling and a great, cathedral-like atmosphere. The place was full, which surprised me. Probably 300, 350 people there. The age range was also impressive; the younger generation was very well-represented, there were lots of families and the older folks were out in force too.
The service followed what I assume was a traditional Catholic mass format, except the musical interludes were played by a small band up at the front. A guitarist, a keyboard player whose left hand was patched through as a bass and three female singers led the music. It was good stuff, not really what I'd call "contemporary" but it the songs were meaningful and the lyrics were displayed on a large projection screen so everyone could follow along.
Something I distinctly remember from my visit in grade 9 was a whole lot of spontaneous call-and-response (eg. 'the Lord God be with you' 'and also with you'), of which I caught about a quarter. And naturally there were apparently standard cues that had everyone crossing themselves. I missed them all.
I'm not sure which Pastor was presiding, but I'll assume it was Pastor Gerry McDougall, St. Ignatius's senior pastor. He was an older guy and opened up with an anecdote about baseball in his youth that left me scratching my head a bit. He actually managed to tie it in to the story of Jesus and the apostles, particularly Saul/Paul, and then spun it around and made it relevant to us today. The gist of it was that the apostles were ordinairy people like us, called to serve God and one another. Therefore each one of us can also do amazing things for the glory of God. Cool message, well delivered.
After offering and communion the band closed things off with a couple nice tunes. One in particular caught my eye, called "Seize the Day." The internet tells me it's by a gal named Carolyn Arends; give the lyrics a google. They're kind of neat, and (again, excuse my prejudice) not really what I'd expect kicking around a Catholic church. Definitely contemporary.
Anyhow, I'd be interested to see what the Sunday morning "Organ" service is like at St. Ignatius. And it's clear that they're onto something with this Sunday night thing; not too often a church (with five different services!) pulls in a full house on a normal Sunday in January.
http://stignatiusparish.ca/
St. Ignatius Parish, 255 Stafford Street Winnipeg
I cheated a bit on this one. Back in grade 9 Christian Studies class we were given the assignment of going to a church of a different denomination than our own; I chose St. Ignatius. I can't remember which of the five Sunday services I attended (or maybe I went to the one on Saturday...), but I thought it might be interesting to go back.
I chose the Sunday night service for two reasons: one, I wanted to sleep in and two, it's touted as the "contemporary music" service, which always catches my eye when it's advertised in a church setting. I've said it before and I'll say it again, churches need to start getting with the times and looking at alternative means of worship.
St. Ignatius is a beautiful, old-style building with an arched ceiling and a great, cathedral-like atmosphere. The place was full, which surprised me. Probably 300, 350 people there. The age range was also impressive; the younger generation was very well-represented, there were lots of families and the older folks were out in force too.
The service followed what I assume was a traditional Catholic mass format, except the musical interludes were played by a small band up at the front. A guitarist, a keyboard player whose left hand was patched through as a bass and three female singers led the music. It was good stuff, not really what I'd call "contemporary" but it the songs were meaningful and the lyrics were displayed on a large projection screen so everyone could follow along.
Something I distinctly remember from my visit in grade 9 was a whole lot of spontaneous call-and-response (eg. 'the Lord God be with you' 'and also with you'), of which I caught about a quarter. And naturally there were apparently standard cues that had everyone crossing themselves. I missed them all.
I'm not sure which Pastor was presiding, but I'll assume it was Pastor Gerry McDougall, St. Ignatius's senior pastor. He was an older guy and opened up with an anecdote about baseball in his youth that left me scratching my head a bit. He actually managed to tie it in to the story of Jesus and the apostles, particularly Saul/Paul, and then spun it around and made it relevant to us today. The gist of it was that the apostles were ordinairy people like us, called to serve God and one another. Therefore each one of us can also do amazing things for the glory of God. Cool message, well delivered.
After offering and communion the band closed things off with a couple nice tunes. One in particular caught my eye, called "Seize the Day." The internet tells me it's by a gal named Carolyn Arends; give the lyrics a google. They're kind of neat, and (again, excuse my prejudice) not really what I'd expect kicking around a Catholic church. Definitely contemporary.
Anyhow, I'd be interested to see what the Sunday morning "Organ" service is like at St. Ignatius. And it's clear that they're onto something with this Sunday night thing; not too often a church (with five different services!) pulls in a full house on a normal Sunday in January.
http://stignatiusparish.ca/
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Oxford Bible Church
January 18, 2009 11:00 am
Oxford Bible Church, 621 Oxford St. Winnipeg
My Grade 6 Graduation was held in this church, probably the only reason I know it exists. It's nestled in the heart of River Heights, a little building that has an apparently varied history that I've now forgotten.
The front door doesn't open into the sanctuary, unless I magically missed it; instead you have to climb a flight of stairs. Just sayin'. It's a smaller building, done up in a general wood-paneling kind of scheme. The lobby had about twenty people in it when I arrived. After standing around looking lost for about three minutes an elderly gentleman introduced himself and told me a joke about his last name. He introduced me to another man, probably in his thirties. After they headed off to sit down I was alone for about a minute before a woman approached me and started talking about how her family had joined the church a year ago, and that though it was a simple church it was a great blessing on their family. She introduced me to two younger men (twenties), who in turn introduced me to a man, his wife and their two young children. The man invited me to sit with his family.
The point of that block of text is this: though I suppose it's easier to spot a visitor in a smaller congregation, I don't think I've been to a church yet where such an overwhelming number of people have introduced themselves and made friendly conversation, without me actively getting anything going. There was no formal usher and no bulletin; it was a very casual, friendly atmosphere. I'd say there were about fifty, maybe sixty people attending the service.
Interesting note: they didn't take an offering. First time that's happened too.
The format of the service was interesting as well. Since there was no bulletin I have no idea who was leading the service, though according to the man next to me the speaker was a new grandfather. He welcomed us there, paying special attention to include visitors in his welcome. Then we proceeded to sing four hymns in quick succession, broken up by a prayer and a soloist who sang a beautiful hymn of her own. There seemed to be an organ up there but it wasn't used; the accompaniment was piano.
Then the children left and the speakers changed. Did I mention that for such a small church, the ratio of young vs. old was actually pretty impressive? Not a ton of children, but the bulk of the church was twenties-to-forties, young family types. Interesting.
Anyhow, for the sermon everyone in the place pulled out a bible (I guess I could've figured that one out... Bible Church...). The sermon was on Psalm 73, a short psalm about doubting and despairing in God after seeing the 'wicked and arrogant' prosper. On a second reading at home I actually found it extremely relevant, but the way that it was picked apart in the sermon line-by-line really made its message out to be a bit different than (I feel) it was . Sitting there I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was going on.
There was one more hymn that brought the service to an end. Afterwards I ended up in a lengthy discussion about various Biblical messages with a the man whom I was sitting beside, who really knew his Bible. We chatted about all kinds of things (though often I didn't know enough to really respond to his points. As an example of our conversation, he explained to me how the existence of the concept of evil fundamentally supports the existence of God. I must admit that that idea is still causing my brain some grief. Anyhow, he extended an invitation to meet up for coffee and chat more. I might take him up on it.
Friendly church. Simple church, but a friendly church. I would easily consider going back.
http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.net/introduction.htm
Oxford Bible Church, 621 Oxford St. Winnipeg
My Grade 6 Graduation was held in this church, probably the only reason I know it exists. It's nestled in the heart of River Heights, a little building that has an apparently varied history that I've now forgotten.
The front door doesn't open into the sanctuary, unless I magically missed it; instead you have to climb a flight of stairs. Just sayin'. It's a smaller building, done up in a general wood-paneling kind of scheme. The lobby had about twenty people in it when I arrived. After standing around looking lost for about three minutes an elderly gentleman introduced himself and told me a joke about his last name. He introduced me to another man, probably in his thirties. After they headed off to sit down I was alone for about a minute before a woman approached me and started talking about how her family had joined the church a year ago, and that though it was a simple church it was a great blessing on their family. She introduced me to two younger men (twenties), who in turn introduced me to a man, his wife and their two young children. The man invited me to sit with his family.
The point of that block of text is this: though I suppose it's easier to spot a visitor in a smaller congregation, I don't think I've been to a church yet where such an overwhelming number of people have introduced themselves and made friendly conversation, without me actively getting anything going. There was no formal usher and no bulletin; it was a very casual, friendly atmosphere. I'd say there were about fifty, maybe sixty people attending the service.
Interesting note: they didn't take an offering. First time that's happened too.
The format of the service was interesting as well. Since there was no bulletin I have no idea who was leading the service, though according to the man next to me the speaker was a new grandfather. He welcomed us there, paying special attention to include visitors in his welcome. Then we proceeded to sing four hymns in quick succession, broken up by a prayer and a soloist who sang a beautiful hymn of her own. There seemed to be an organ up there but it wasn't used; the accompaniment was piano.
Then the children left and the speakers changed. Did I mention that for such a small church, the ratio of young vs. old was actually pretty impressive? Not a ton of children, but the bulk of the church was twenties-to-forties, young family types. Interesting.
Anyhow, for the sermon everyone in the place pulled out a bible (I guess I could've figured that one out... Bible Church...). The sermon was on Psalm 73, a short psalm about doubting and despairing in God after seeing the 'wicked and arrogant' prosper. On a second reading at home I actually found it extremely relevant, but the way that it was picked apart in the sermon line-by-line really made its message out to be a bit different than (I feel) it was . Sitting there I had a hard time figuring out exactly what was going on.
There was one more hymn that brought the service to an end. Afterwards I ended up in a lengthy discussion about various Biblical messages with a the man whom I was sitting beside, who really knew his Bible. We chatted about all kinds of things (though often I didn't know enough to really respond to his points. As an example of our conversation, he explained to me how the existence of the concept of evil fundamentally supports the existence of God. I must admit that that idea is still causing my brain some grief. Anyhow, he extended an invitation to meet up for coffee and chat more. I might take him up on it.
Friendly church. Simple church, but a friendly church. I would easily consider going back.
http://www.oxfordbiblechurch.net/introduction.htm
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Calvary Temple
January 4, 2009 7:00 pm
Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave St. Winnipeg
Pastor Trevor Meier
I will freely admit how I ended up going to the 7:00 pm service at Calvary Temple: I slept through the morning service. However, it ended up being a really interesting experience. Calvary Temple is one of the largest churches in Winnipeg. The place is huge. The 7:00 service, called "Beyond," is held in the main sanctuary (because there are more than one). Their website bills it as the "multimedia-heavy" service, which naturally intrigued me.
When I walked in at twenty-to I was one of only about ten people there (later I discovered this was because everyone was at a pre-service prayer). The stage was set up for a band and there were three cameras and countless tv-screens warming up around the place. By ten-to it was brimming, with at least 150 people present. The age demographic was shocking compared to any other service I've attended: the 25 and unders outnumbered the 50 pluses. There was a huge spirit of camaraderie before the service as people dashed around the sanctuary hugging each other and talking animatedly.
I must admit I had to raise my eyebrows as a young man marched to and fro across the stage before the service, wielding a full-size Israeli flag. I won't mention my feelings about the issues facing Israel and Palestine, suffice it to say that I didn't feel it was appropriate to be waving any flags in church, Palestinian or Israeli. As Christians I feel it is our calling to support both parties in coming to a peaceful resolution, not to get behind one particular group (whether or not we may consider them "in the right.")
Onwards. The service started with music. Lots of music. Almost an hour of music. Guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals. The female vocalist had a set of lungs on her, but (similar to my experience at Grant Memorial), she was trying waaay to hard to sound like a pop star. On a side note, I never imagined that I would have needed earplugs at a church service. But there you are. The band played seamlessley and their sound was quite good. The songs were all pretty generic, "uplifting" Christian rock and though there were a lot of people in the front really getting into it (a few men were dancing in circles in their pews, and at least half the hands in the room were outstretched towards the ceiling), I must admit I was a bit bored by the time Pastor Meier bounced onto the stage.
Pastor Meier is an animated speaker, really engaging, really easy to listen to. His sermon started off with a distinct sense of direction as he spoke about "opening our sails to the wind of God" in the new year. Basically his main point was that instead of trying desperately to make things "work," we should simply listen for what God has to say and be influenced by what we are called to do at a specific time.
Good stuff, but it was downhill from there. Suddenly he was pulling scripture passages out of nowhere and somehow stringing them together, but everything was out of context. I really lost him for a while there. At one point (I apologize, I've forgotten the exact passage), he was meditating pretty heavily on a particular passage. After reiterating and tying it into the idea of listening for the "wind of God," he added, "but everyone! This is definitely not an excuse to be weird or flaky! I see all kinds of people read this passage and use it as an excuse for being weird and flaky." Weird and flaky? I almost walked out. What kind of sermon labels and then attacks people for being or acting a certain way? Acceptance this was not.
I'm rambling. But you get my drift.
The service ended with more music, and I had to run out upon realizing that two hours had just passed, instead of one. When I left the music was still going on and people were congregating at the front to be prayed with.
I must say I enjoyed the contemporary musical aspect of this service. More churches need to look into alternative methods of worship, because comparing this congregation to most others its obvious that it's hard to attract youth with the old formulaic service. I'm getting bored, what about you?
If it wasn't for Pastor Meier's sermon, I would've left feeling a bit better than I did. His sermon was a classic example of talking a lot, but saying very little. And using disjointed Bible passages to say very little. Hmm. I will definitely consider going to one of Calvary Temple's morning services; it will be very interesting to contast the two.
http://www.ctwinnipeg.com/
Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave St. Winnipeg
Pastor Trevor Meier
I will freely admit how I ended up going to the 7:00 pm service at Calvary Temple: I slept through the morning service. However, it ended up being a really interesting experience. Calvary Temple is one of the largest churches in Winnipeg. The place is huge. The 7:00 service, called "Beyond," is held in the main sanctuary (because there are more than one). Their website bills it as the "multimedia-heavy" service, which naturally intrigued me.
When I walked in at twenty-to I was one of only about ten people there (later I discovered this was because everyone was at a pre-service prayer). The stage was set up for a band and there were three cameras and countless tv-screens warming up around the place. By ten-to it was brimming, with at least 150 people present. The age demographic was shocking compared to any other service I've attended: the 25 and unders outnumbered the 50 pluses. There was a huge spirit of camaraderie before the service as people dashed around the sanctuary hugging each other and talking animatedly.
I must admit I had to raise my eyebrows as a young man marched to and fro across the stage before the service, wielding a full-size Israeli flag. I won't mention my feelings about the issues facing Israel and Palestine, suffice it to say that I didn't feel it was appropriate to be waving any flags in church, Palestinian or Israeli. As Christians I feel it is our calling to support both parties in coming to a peaceful resolution, not to get behind one particular group (whether or not we may consider them "in the right.")
Onwards. The service started with music. Lots of music. Almost an hour of music. Guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals. The female vocalist had a set of lungs on her, but (similar to my experience at Grant Memorial), she was trying waaay to hard to sound like a pop star. On a side note, I never imagined that I would have needed earplugs at a church service. But there you are. The band played seamlessley and their sound was quite good. The songs were all pretty generic, "uplifting" Christian rock and though there were a lot of people in the front really getting into it (a few men were dancing in circles in their pews, and at least half the hands in the room were outstretched towards the ceiling), I must admit I was a bit bored by the time Pastor Meier bounced onto the stage.
Pastor Meier is an animated speaker, really engaging, really easy to listen to. His sermon started off with a distinct sense of direction as he spoke about "opening our sails to the wind of God" in the new year. Basically his main point was that instead of trying desperately to make things "work," we should simply listen for what God has to say and be influenced by what we are called to do at a specific time.
Good stuff, but it was downhill from there. Suddenly he was pulling scripture passages out of nowhere and somehow stringing them together, but everything was out of context. I really lost him for a while there. At one point (I apologize, I've forgotten the exact passage), he was meditating pretty heavily on a particular passage. After reiterating and tying it into the idea of listening for the "wind of God," he added, "but everyone! This is definitely not an excuse to be weird or flaky! I see all kinds of people read this passage and use it as an excuse for being weird and flaky." Weird and flaky? I almost walked out. What kind of sermon labels and then attacks people for being or acting a certain way? Acceptance this was not.
I'm rambling. But you get my drift.
The service ended with more music, and I had to run out upon realizing that two hours had just passed, instead of one. When I left the music was still going on and people were congregating at the front to be prayed with.
I must say I enjoyed the contemporary musical aspect of this service. More churches need to look into alternative methods of worship, because comparing this congregation to most others its obvious that it's hard to attract youth with the old formulaic service. I'm getting bored, what about you?
If it wasn't for Pastor Meier's sermon, I would've left feeling a bit better than I did. His sermon was a classic example of talking a lot, but saying very little. And using disjointed Bible passages to say very little. Hmm. I will definitely consider going to one of Calvary Temple's morning services; it will be very interesting to contast the two.
http://www.ctwinnipeg.com/
Bethel Mennonite Church
December 25, 2008 6:30 pm
Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Ave. Winnipeg
Christmas eve, and there was a lot of debate over which church to go to in our family, since it was the first time in a decade that we weren't attending our old home church. Bethel was eventually settled on and so began my first visit to a Mennonite church since I started my project.
Bethel is a large church and I think it's a really beautiful building. Not traditional by any means, but certainly not a Death Star (see previous post about that). It was packed on Christmas eve with all kinds of people, young and old. The place was full, I'm not sure how many people it holds at capacity but it was definitely at it. 500, perhaps?
The service began with the church darkened except for the lights held by choir members, who surrounded the congregation on the sides. They processed to the front while singing (wonderfully), and as the lights came back on the service began. The format was simple, but effective. The service alternated between congregation-sung hymns, readings by small groups at the front, reflections by Pastors Lisa Enn-Bogoya, Reynold Friesen and Rudy Baergen, and anthems from the choir.
Towards the end was one of the most involved children's stories I've ever seen. At least twenty little ones were up at the front for it, as Werner Wiens read an arrangement of Jesus' parable of the poor woman (who donates her last coin and therefore has given more than the rich who simply square out a fraction of their thousands). Great story. The choir got in on the action and there were a few youth actors as well.
The music was great, the readings were great, the reflections were great. The atmosphere was wonderful. I sincerely enjoyed Christmas eve at Bethel Mennonite, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go back. I'm very curious what their weekly service is like.
http://www.bethelmennonite.ca/
Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Ave. Winnipeg
Christmas eve, and there was a lot of debate over which church to go to in our family, since it was the first time in a decade that we weren't attending our old home church. Bethel was eventually settled on and so began my first visit to a Mennonite church since I started my project.
Bethel is a large church and I think it's a really beautiful building. Not traditional by any means, but certainly not a Death Star (see previous post about that). It was packed on Christmas eve with all kinds of people, young and old. The place was full, I'm not sure how many people it holds at capacity but it was definitely at it. 500, perhaps?
The service began with the church darkened except for the lights held by choir members, who surrounded the congregation on the sides. They processed to the front while singing (wonderfully), and as the lights came back on the service began. The format was simple, but effective. The service alternated between congregation-sung hymns, readings by small groups at the front, reflections by Pastors Lisa Enn-Bogoya, Reynold Friesen and Rudy Baergen, and anthems from the choir.
Towards the end was one of the most involved children's stories I've ever seen. At least twenty little ones were up at the front for it, as Werner Wiens read an arrangement of Jesus' parable of the poor woman (who donates her last coin and therefore has given more than the rich who simply square out a fraction of their thousands). Great story. The choir got in on the action and there were a few youth actors as well.
The music was great, the readings were great, the reflections were great. The atmosphere was wonderful. I sincerely enjoyed Christmas eve at Bethel Mennonite, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go back. I'm very curious what their weekly service is like.
http://www.bethelmennonite.ca/
St. George Crescentwood
December 14, 2008 10:30 am
St. George, Crescentwood Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. Winnipeg
Reverend Lyndon Hutchinson-Hounsell
WOW.
So this morning I realized I'm three posts behind. I will try to rectify this situation with a blogging onslaught this afternoon.
First up is St. George. I used to drive by this church a couple of times a week, on the way to and from things. I was always a bit intrigued by its architecture; from the outside it looks... square. Symmetrical. Not particularly church-y. Finally I got to see what it was like inside, and I must admit I didn't take to what I saw. The inside of the church is square. And gray stone walls, ceiling and floor. The only color comes from the stained glass window, which is excellent, and also square.
I couldn't help but think, this is kinda like worship in the Death Star.
It took a while for the place to fill up and my final tally was no more than 150 people. Generally older folks and a few families (one of which sat behind me and chatted about pregnancy and goldfish, among other things, throughout the entire service. Nice.) Just like when I visited Saint Margaret's Anglican, there were more "participants" at the front than I could find names for. (Deacon, Lectors, Intercessor, etc.)
The choir was in a loft behind and above us, which meant their sound projected great out through the church. I always like to watch the choir so by the end I had a crick in my neck, but the choir was great anyways. The organ was up there too, smooshed unceremoniously into a corner.
The service itself was very nice. Lots of singing, lots of praying, all in the traditional format. Rev. Donald McKenzie did the sermon. Predictably he talked about keeping Jesus in Christmas in among all the holiday hustle-and-bustle (read: shopping and consumerism). He kept it really fresh, bringing new arguments to the table and presenting everything really nicely. Rev. McKenzie was a fine speaker.
A note, and anybody who knows more about this please let me know: at the beginning of the service during the lighting of the advent wreath, a group of elderly ladies stood to recite the "story" of the candles, as is done in most churches, I believe. They spoke clearly and well and then sat down. Thing is, they were billed in the order of service as the "Dragon Ladies." What??? A quick traipse through Google told me that "Dragon Lady" is an offensive stereotypical name generally applied to East Asian women, and that there is a description in Revelations 17-18 of a woman riding a beast, called a "Dragon Lady" on some translations. Neither of these seem like nice names for the elderly women of a congregation. Clarify, please.
But I digress. Without a doubt I enjoyed the content of this service; it was a relaxing, traditional kind of service. I just had trouble getting into a mindset of worship in such a cold, unforgiving building.
http://www.stgeorges.mb.ca
St. George, Crescentwood Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St. Winnipeg
Reverend Lyndon Hutchinson-Hounsell
WOW.
So this morning I realized I'm three posts behind. I will try to rectify this situation with a blogging onslaught this afternoon.
First up is St. George. I used to drive by this church a couple of times a week, on the way to and from things. I was always a bit intrigued by its architecture; from the outside it looks... square. Symmetrical. Not particularly church-y. Finally I got to see what it was like inside, and I must admit I didn't take to what I saw. The inside of the church is square. And gray stone walls, ceiling and floor. The only color comes from the stained glass window, which is excellent, and also square.
I couldn't help but think, this is kinda like worship in the Death Star.
It took a while for the place to fill up and my final tally was no more than 150 people. Generally older folks and a few families (one of which sat behind me and chatted about pregnancy and goldfish, among other things, throughout the entire service. Nice.) Just like when I visited Saint Margaret's Anglican, there were more "participants" at the front than I could find names for. (Deacon, Lectors, Intercessor, etc.)
The choir was in a loft behind and above us, which meant their sound projected great out through the church. I always like to watch the choir so by the end I had a crick in my neck, but the choir was great anyways. The organ was up there too, smooshed unceremoniously into a corner.
The service itself was very nice. Lots of singing, lots of praying, all in the traditional format. Rev. Donald McKenzie did the sermon. Predictably he talked about keeping Jesus in Christmas in among all the holiday hustle-and-bustle (read: shopping and consumerism). He kept it really fresh, bringing new arguments to the table and presenting everything really nicely. Rev. McKenzie was a fine speaker.
A note, and anybody who knows more about this please let me know: at the beginning of the service during the lighting of the advent wreath, a group of elderly ladies stood to recite the "story" of the candles, as is done in most churches, I believe. They spoke clearly and well and then sat down. Thing is, they were billed in the order of service as the "Dragon Ladies." What??? A quick traipse through Google told me that "Dragon Lady" is an offensive stereotypical name generally applied to East Asian women, and that there is a description in Revelations 17-18 of a woman riding a beast, called a "Dragon Lady" on some translations. Neither of these seem like nice names for the elderly women of a congregation. Clarify, please.
But I digress. Without a doubt I enjoyed the content of this service; it was a relaxing, traditional kind of service. I just had trouble getting into a mindset of worship in such a cold, unforgiving building.
http://www.stgeorges.mb.ca
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