Rockin' it at Sagebrush

At the recommendation of a friend, I visited Sagebrush Community Church for their 3:45 pm Christmas Eve Service. Sagebrush is considered a megachurch and with almost 8,000 reported weekly attendees, is one of the largest in the Southern Baptist Convention. There are 6 locations for the church in the Albuquerque area alone with the main campus holding 5 worship services every weekend. 

Their mission is:

"We exist to know Christ and to make Christ known."

They have many basic core values that are all biblically based, one of the values that distinguishes them from many of their counterparts is they, "believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure."

Upon arriving, there were people directing parking, shuttles from the parking lot to the church, numerous friendly greeters, and even ushers to assist you in finding seats. 

The building is a modern facility with a very impressive set up. They have kiosks for everything - to sign in your child for Sunday school, to register as a visitor, and even to pay a tithe. The sanctuary is an auditorium that can seat 1,200 people.  It is a multi-dimensional service. They showed a few humorous, yet spiritually meaningful videos. An extensive live band with amazing singers rocked the House and led the congregation in song. The energy in the place was very positive yet laid back. They work diligently at being inviting and receptive to as many as possible. 

Pastor Todd Cook gave the sermon. He started off with an anecdotal, humorous story that showed a very real side to himself. His sermon brought forth the following:

❦ God's plan and perspective for your life is bigger than your plan and perspective for your life. 
❦ God's plan for your life will be harder than your plan for life.
❦ God's plan is to use you in fulfilling his purpose on this earth.

He illustrated this lesson with the story of Mary & Joseph and the birth of Christ. He spoke of the difficulties both Mary and Joseph had accepting the truth of Mary's pregnancy; and the ridicule and social alienation it caused them and their families to follow God's will. 

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
                                             ~ Matthew 1:23  ✞

He related the story to how difficult your path will be at times when you too are wholly and unquestionably dedicated to God's will. He stated most Christians have, "Just enough Jesus to save them, but not enough to change them." He encouraged the congregation to further their dedication in order to fully benefit from the change that will come from a life dedicated to Christ's message and path. 

Rev. Cook has a very personal ministerial method. He speaks with conviction, compassion, and a touch of humour. His genuine and humble manner undoubtedly help people relate to him and his teachings and must be a big reason for the phenomenal success of the church and their mission. 

Thank You Sagebrush Community Church for sharing with me your Energetic Worship of God.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Asbury United Methodist Church

The Methodist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination with an emphasis on practical Christianity. It has roots back to 1739 in England and is based on the teaching of John Wesley. In 1968, different factions of the Methodist movement joined together to form what is now The United Methodist Church. 

Today I attended the Asbury United Methodist Church. I went to the Church's Website before I attended - it was very open and informative. It told me exactly what I needed to know to visit their church. 

Every Sunday they hold both a traditional and a contemporary service. In theory, I believe that God's word should be enough to engage any audience.  In practicality though I think that it is smart that many churches are offering contemporary services to make the church more inviting and inclusive to a different group than has traditionally been involved in the church. 

I attended their Act2 Contemporary Service at 11 AM. Associate Pastor Dr. Todd Seelau led the service. A live band provided warm and meaningful music. They put the lyrics to the songs and the bible verses up on a big screen.   

Today was part of the advent and since the advent marks the beginning of the new year, the sermon focused on what that would mean in your walk with Christ this year. The sermon spoke about John the Baptist and how he was not accepted in his time. Rev. Todd spoke about how our path following Christ might too have times of struggle or be unconventional by cultural standards. 

They'll know we are Christians by our Love

John 13:34-35 Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

He spoke of what our actions say about us - are they consistent with the kind of person that we think we are, "are we letting people see and hear the person that we want to be." - Rev. Todd. He also spoke of having FUN during your journey with God. There ain't nothing wrong with a little fun along the way! Amen Brother. 

Communion was open to all ~ "this do in Remembrance of me"  
They had a wonderfully moving communion which included lighting a prayer candle for someone and praying over a blanket that would go to a needy individual. 

I also loved that they had a man in a cart after the service offering to transport people to their car if they needed assistance. 

I thought the Church did a great job at helping people get closer to God. Reverend Todd was very engaging in the service, even soliciting participation from the group. Many of the congregants welcomed me and were friendly. The entire process was very inclusive and inviting to members and guests alike. 

Thank You Asbury United Methodist Church for allowing me to worship God with you today. 

Post Note: The church sent me a lovely letter, thanking me for my attendance, and hoping I felt welcomed in their home. Kudos ♡♡♡