Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts

Friday, February 22, 2019

INDEX

According to The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, there are more than 41,000 organized Christian denominations Worldwide.
    ✞ During 2014, I answered the call of embarking on a journey to explore how others serve and worship God. I visited over 45 various denominations. ✝ Here I share the experiences I had, when I open heartedly visited different churches from the Christian faith. ✟

"We are all of the same thread, just woven differently." ~Mira O'


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nondenominational                           Orthodox

♡♡♡Thank You for your support during my journey!✜✜✜

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Mountain Springs Fellowship Baptist Church



There are hundreds of Baptist Conventions in the World and even several dozen in the United States. Some Baptist churches however are not associated with any specific Convention or Association and are purely Independent. Mountain Springs Fellowship Baptist Church is one of those Independent, Bible-believing churches and are committed to spreading the Word of GodI visited Mountain Springs last Sunday for their 11am service. 

They started out the service with singing praise with a choir and then they had prayer.

Senior Pastor Dr. John Adams gave a sermon about the Sons of Thunder, James and John. In the beginning, the two were difficult, would not back away from a confrontation, were aggressive and prideful. God, however, drew them close to him. They were sent to the Mount of Transfiguration and witnessed other miracles - by the end of their lives, they became known for something very different. James was the first apostle to be martyred and John became known as the apostle of love. The preacher's lesson was how God turned James and John into very different people through a relationship with Christ and you can find transformation through the same. The minister shared with us that Intimacy with Christ brings a revelation of self. The minister also spoke of ways to better represent Christ in your worldly relationships. He spoke of Reacting versus Responding. He defined Reacting as doing or saying something without thought. Response, he said, requires thought and you should ask counsel of The Lord for the right spirit in your response. Responding will be more in line with God's Will as counsel has been sought first. This will make all of your relationships more genuine and true to your Christian values.  

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
After the sermon there was a child dedication ceremony. Sandra Burch performed a beautiful solo, "A Mother's Prayer." Baptists do not baptize their babies, children are baptized when they are old enough to comprehend the commitment and take the Christian faith as their own - usually no earlier than 10. The dedication ceremony was basically a blessing of the child by the family and the whole church community. The family took the baby to the front of the congregation, and each member laid their hands on the child's foot, head, etc. And the family and whole congregation said a prayer over him. All of those a part of this young child's life made the commitment to help raise the child with Christian and biblical principles and support him on his Christian path.  
It was a wonderful event to witness.
THANK YOU Mountain Springs Fellowship Baptist Church for letting me witness the dedication of a precious child.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Noon Day Ministries


On any given day, there are over 610,000 homeless people in the United States. October 10th was World Homeless Day. This coming Thursday and Friday is the national Homeless Standdown at Noon Day Ministries  The Stand Down is the one day of the year that is dedicated to honoring and assisting veterans who have found themselves homeless. This event is designed to help homeless veterans regain their dignity and self-respectThursday is the day devoted to veterans only and Friday is open to the general public. Stand downs will occur this week in cities all over the country.  

Noon Day Ministries was founded in 1982, by a man and his Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church, who served food to the needy after church. Today the organization serves over 108,000 lunches along with a multitude of other services on a yearly basis. 


I attended the Sunday Worship services held at Noon Day at 11am. Legacy Church hosted this day's service as well as every second Sunday of each month. There was onsite security and a police officer. Members of the church and the site were scattered throughout the service to provide assistance and help with any issues that could arise. 
There was music and then a message. The speaker shared his personal testimony. He talked about the time he spent in jail, drug use, and his many near death experiences. He talked about how God and his salvation brought him out of his darkness and onto a ministerial path. His message was about the Walking Dead. How we are all souls walking around dead without the love of God and of the Message of Jesus Christ. He focused alot of his message on the enemy of the devil and personal demons. He said his minister, however, always tells him - don't be scared, be prepared to receive the gifts of God. Have faith, God will show you who you should be. Lastly he wanted to remind the group that Jesus' presence in your life is Heaven. 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ ~ Ephesians 2:4-5

There was also a place for homeless children and children of volunteers to learn about Jesus. After the sermon, there was an altar call and prayer available for people. There was more music then dinner was served to the people in attendance. A barber and a hairdresser were available after the service for people to get free haircuts and used clothes and books were available as well.

Different churches alternate conducting the Sunday Worship services at Noon Day, and all start at 11am. New Covenant Church hosts the service on the first Sunday of each month. Friends Feeding Friends hosts service on the third Sunday of each month.Noon Day hosts services on the fourth Sunday of each month. Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church hosts service on the fifth Sunday of the month (when there is one). All services are followed by a meal. 
No Matter where you are on your Journey or how Broken you may feel, you are ALWAYS worthy of God's Love!
THANK YOU Noon Day Ministries for providing the Love of Christ to the Needy on a Daily basis. 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Cowboy Church

Cowboy churches have become popular in rural communities. There are not many in New Mexico but there is one in Pecos. The American Cowboy Churches (AFCC) celebrate the American Western Heritage and strive to encourage and support Christian churches that remove many of the barriers that might be found in more traditional churches and offer a more relaxed atmosphere focused on the Bible. The Cowboy Church Movement arose from a desire of people to attend a church where they felt they could "come as they are" and worship God in a comfortable and familiar setting. Most of the churches put on Rodeos periodically. The Pecos Cowboy Church has one every August. 

I attended the Pecos Valley Cowboy Church at their 10:30am Sunday service.


Real People with Real Faith  

Glen Strock is the Pastor, originally from Dixon, he previously made a name for himself as an Artist. The service started out with Cowboys with guitars leading the group in hymns then Prayers and Praise. Their prayers were quite extensive, they asked for audience requests and tried to answer as many personal prayers as they had time for. The minister then had a little talk with a posse of youngins before they went off to Sunday School. Minister Strock talked to them about how Perfect Love drives out Fear. In the middle of the service, they stopped for a brief intermission and had some food and fellowship. They were a very friendly group. 

The sermon was about Paul's unwavering faith in Jesus. After Paul was stoned, he was not deterred. He dusted himself off, got back up, and fearlessly went on doing the work of his Lord Jesus. He encouraged the members to hold your ground in your Faith and to not let your fears rule you. He spoke to the group about representing Christ and your Faith wherever you go and being a stable source of Faith in your Community. He talked about transforming power of viewing Trials as Opportunities. 
Life is a Rodeo, Hold onto the Reigns of God's Love and they will steer you in the right direction. 

Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. ~ Acts 14:22

The offering was given by people putting their tithes in a pair of saddle bags - so unique. After the service was a Chuck Wagon, a potluck, and there looked to be some wonderful food. 

They are currently meeting in a commercial building and have to break down their church every Sunday afternoon, but are looking to move to a permanent building. Many blessings to them in their search for the perfect home.  
  
THANK YOU Pecos Cowboy Church for your warm welcome and Love of God. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Disciples of Christ

The Disciples of Christ Church was the result of two movements seeking Christian unity due to denominations not being able to share communion together in the early 1800s. A few Presbyterian ministers from Pennsylvania and Kentucky were behind the merging and formation of the Disciples of Christ. 

The Disciples of Christ Church is a place to grow in FAITH in an Atmosphere of Freedom, with others that become your Family.


They celebrate Open CommunionAll that believe in Jesus are welcome to partake in Communion. 

The Church is ONE - they believe that all Christians are called to be ONE in the Body of Christ and seek unity and fellowship with all denominations.

The Disciples have Freedom of Belief - they are called together around two essentials of faith: a believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God, our Lord and Savior, and a belief that Christians are free to follow their own consciences, guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, fellowship and study in community, and prayer. As Disciples we not only enjoy this Freedom in Christ, we respectfully extend that freedom to others.

They have Baptism by Immersion. They encourage both ministers and lay people to lead in the worship service and at the table. We are ALL called to minister and serve each other and are dedicated to spiritual growth. 

I visited Los Altos Christian Church at their 10:30 am service.

They had bags hanging on the back wall for children with coloring books and crayons. They started with the Call to Worship with hymns and prayers. Then members great each other. The pastor gave a children's lesson. They had a nice choir that sang many songs throughout the service, at times they also have a bell choir. The Pastor was Bill Harrold. He gave a sermon about Moses. 

The sermon was about God and the Mighty acts of God. He talked about Moses and the parting of the sea to save the Israelites. The Pastor talked about how we can walk together and we are here to tell God's story.  Christ died for our sins, so that we may live a life free of sins.  God gives us a new name and identity, so give God the credit. He told us God is with us and the Lord is good all of the time. He reminded us that our Lives are in the hands of God. Have Faith, Hope in Jesus. 

The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.   ~ Exodus 21-22

For communion, the Pastor broke the bread and prayed over it. Bread and cups of juice were passed out to the members in the congregation. The Pastor then prayed over the chalice and the members took the sacrament together. 

There was another hymn then the benediction prayer.


And All God's people said, "AMEN."

They have a Taize service at 5pm on Sunday evenings. 
THANK YOU Los Altos Christian Church for your beautiful service. 

Monday, September 1, 2014

First Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church has its roots back to the Reform Movement in England and Scotland, when people like John Calvin separated from the Roman Catholic Church based on grievances. Presbyterian churches surged in the United States during the Revivalist Movement of the early 18th century. 

The Presbyterian Church has a combined governance of both clergy and laity, which is open to both men and womenThey believe in "the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers."


PC (USA) made several momentous decisions regarding the direction of the national organization this summer, one of which was to allow their ministers "freedom of conscience" to perform same sex marriages in the jurisdictions that have legalized them. 



I attended the First Presbyterian Church's 8:45 am Sunday service. They held the service in their courtyard. The 11am service is held in their Sanctuary. 


I got there a little early and there was fellowship with hot drinks and donuts. Many people spoke to and greeted me. 

A piano and clarinet duo performed the service music ~ very nice.  


Don't Tell Me What You Believe - Show Me
Presbyterians use a form of prayer and ritual similar to Catholics in their service; but the Calls to Worship, Doxology, and Prayers of Confession are more unique and modern. After the initial prayers and announcements, there was a time of greeting peace to one another. Elder Libby told the children a bible story. 

Reverend Matthew Miller gave the sermon about Moses and the Burning Bush.


And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you." ~ Exodus 3:12

The minister talked about when Moses was living in exile. He was just trying to mind his own business and live an ordinary life, when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a Burning Bush. God commanded him to take off his shoes and go Barefoot on the Holy Land. God had different plans for Moses, to mind God's Business by being a part of the Deliverance of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God made that Moses' business. When Moses questioned God on how he could do it, God assured him that he would be with him on his Journey. 
God comes to us in many ways, are you listening, or are you just walking by that Burning Bush? Minister Miller shared with us that Once your World is Ablaze with the Glory of God, it is hard to go back. In the end, the only thing that any of us need is that God will be with us in all that we do. 

"But only he who sees, takes off his shoes." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do you know that God has not sent you a Burning Bush, are you paying attention?

After the sermon, there was offering and communion. It was an altar communion with loaf bread and trays of individual glasses. The service ended with the Benediction and a send off Blessing. 


There was something very peaceful about the outside service, I really like it. 
THANK YOU First Presbyterian Church for your peaceful service.  

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Brethren in Christ Church

Brethren are a Brotherhood in Christ that came out of the Anabaptist Faith, just like the Mennonites. They also are a blend of Pietism and the Holiness movement. The denomination emerged in the late 1700's in largely German Immigrant areas of Pennsylvania. There are many different Brethren groups. Early Brethren in Christ members avoided “worldly” activities such as politics and certain amusements like card playing. Dress was simple and unadorned by jewelry, bright colors, or frills. Their plain uniform dress made them stand out in their communities which suited their belief of being a "separate people called out by God." Today many of the conservative congregations still hold true to the Plain living. Most churches, however, these days stay true to the strong religious doctrines and beliefs, but dress and live just as the average person. 

I visited the Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church's 10:30am service.


It is a Little Church with a Big Heart


As a newcomer they gave me a cross for my pocket and a small loaf of bread. First they sang their hearts out with Praise for the Lord. There was prayer and then communion. They had fellowship, or as they called it "loved on each other." The sermon was given by the music director about Grace. 

It was the story of Simon the Pharisee whom invited Christ to his house but did not provide him the common courtesy of washing his feet. The speaker said, Do not be like the Pharisees by not giving something to someone because they have nothing to offer you. The woman, that was labeled a sinner washed his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed him with oil. Grace is giving without any expectation of return; not because someone deserves it, rather it is what Christ would do. Grace is glorified simply by the object of Grace. God's Grace qualifies you to serve him instantly so open your heart to the Grace of Jesus.  When the father looks at you, he looks at you with love even when what you bring to him is broken and burnt. 

For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God. Not of works, that no man may glory. Ephesians 2:8-9 


Your Faith has saved you, go in peace. 


The church puts a heavy emphasis on mission work, such as fundraising for Navajo children and working with the Albuquerque Rescue Mission. They also have a 5pm Sunday service in Spanish

They were a super friendly church, very welcoming. 
THANK YOU Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church for graciously welcoming me into your family. 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Christian Science Church

The History of Christian Science dates back to 1866 when Mary Baker Eddy discovered what she considered to be the Science of Christianity which Jesus taught and lived. She dedicated her life to using this system to teach, preach about, and heal others. She learned to apply spiritual laws or Christian Science and in 1875 she published a book about her experiences, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In 1879, she founded the Church of Christ, Scientist, “to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.” (Church Manual, p.17) They believe in a Father-Mother God and consider Christ, the title given to Jesus, as the source of healing power, "that dissolves suffering in exchange for the profound feeling of being loved and being well." Church of Christian Science is in no way affiliated with Scientology. 

Christian Science is known to many as the Church that does not believe in modern medicine or that their members do not seek the advise or care of medical professionals. The official stance the Home church takes is, "it's up to each person who practices Christian Science to choose the form of health care he or she wants. Many Christian Scientists decide to pray first about every challenge—including health issues—and find it effective.

Christian Science reports that over 80,000 healings, minor to severe, have been documented over the last 140 years.
I visited the 10:30am service at Church of Christian Science in 
Albuquerque.


The Way, The Truth, The Life 
It was a unique service. They have 2 readers who led the service. Readers are elected by the congregation for 3 year terms. There are no formal clergy in the Christian Science faith. They sang hymns first. The way they sing is - one of the readers speaks the words of the hymn first, then the organist plays the melody one time through, and then the congregation sings. They had a silent prayer, then recited an interpretative Lord's Prayer. The sermon was different than most. They read passages of the bible and then read the interpretations of those passages from Science and Health, the book written by the church's founder - Mary Baker Eddy. I honestly cannot summarize exactly what the sermon was about, but there were some very poignant points made. "Man is not God, but like a ray of sunshine - man reflects God. Man cannot be separated for an instant from God. If we look to the body for pleasure, we find pain, look to the love.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  ~ Psalms 23:6

They then had offering and ended with another hymn. 

Both the readers and several church members came and spoke with me to welcome me to the church. 
THANK YOU Church of Christian Science for welcoming me into your unique service.