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 God. I 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.

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-respect. Thursday 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. 

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. 

Hope Evangelical Free Church

The Evangelical Free Church is the product of the merger of two revival churches - the Swedish Evangelical Free Church and the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church Association. The Swedish group had its formal beginnings in Boone, Iowa in the late 1880's. At the same time, two Norwegian-Danish groups began to fellowship together in Boston, Massachusetts and Tacoma, Washington. These groups respectively became the Swedish Evangelical Free Church and the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church Association. The two merged in 1950 to the form the Evangelical Free Church of America. 

Evangelical refers to a commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel and to the authority of Scriptures. 

Free refers to the way the church is governed - by the lay people of the congregation. 

I visited Hope Evangelical Free Church today for their 10:45 am Sunday Service. 

Jesus Christ pronounced Yes over You!

The service was simple and sweet. There was much musical worship to start the service off. I do not know if it was the decorations or something else but the sanctuary was very serene.  Pastor Josh Swanson gave a sermon entitled, "The Martyr." He spoke of St. Steven who was stoned to death by the Israelites. Stephen has been brought before the Sanhedrin for being a missionary of Jesus of Nazarene. Rather than defend himself, he gave a speech about Abraham, Moses, and the legacy of Jesus. He also chastised the Israelites for the prosecution of prophets. He knew his fate was sealed so he used his audience as an opportunity to give Testimony of his faith in Jesus. Stephen was then stoned to death and became the first recorded Martyr (other than Jesus) in the Christian religion. Pastor Swanson spoke of the courage Stephen had when facing death. He talked about the everyday sacrifices that people make - for jobs, for fitness goals, for monetary gain and status but how many sacrifices do we make for God, our Religion, or to live a life according to Jesus' teachings. 

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ~ Acts 2:44-45

It is very Cool to love Jesus these days, but it is not too trendy to dedicate your life to sacrifice and selfless acts. The minister talked about the criticism that people receive when they make sacrifices in the name of Religion and how they are often labeled as extreme or overboard. 

After the sermon there was an offering, more music, announcements, and a prayer to send the congregation off for the week. 

THANK YOU Hope Evangelical Free Church sharing your service with me. 

Coptic Orthodox Church - Richardson Texas

The Coptic Church is considered to be one of, if not the first, Christian churches that is still in existence. It traces its history back to sometime between 41 and 44 AD as being established by one of the original apostles - St. Mark, the Evangelist. In Alexandria Egypt, St. Mark established the church, ordained one bishop and seven deacons, founded the School of Alexandria, and became a martyr in 68 AD when he was killed by the Romans. 

In 451 AD, the Church split from other Christian churches at the Council of Chalcedon over the nature of Christ. The Coptic Church became part of what is now considered, the 'Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches'.

Copts, as they are called, are unique and distinctive in their beliefs in the predominately Muslim culture of Egypt. They increasingly are targets of ridicule and restrictions in their home country. Copts consider themselves the successors of the ancient Egyptians, the sons of the Pharaohs. Ancient Egyptians embraced Christianity because it, "puts no limits to spiritual progress, for it raises the believers towards the bosom of the Father that they might enjoy the likeness of God, fast communion with Him and acknowledgment of the eternal divine mysteries."

The Coptic Church has a distinctive Pope - of Alexandria, who is based in Cairo. The way the Pope is elected is an interesting process. Candidates who are at least 40 years old and have been monks for over 15 years are voted on by the Holy Synod, the church's highest council. The names of the three candidates with the most votes are written on pieces of paper and one of them is picked by an altar boy. Their current Pope, Tawadros II, is the 118th successor to the apostle Mark.

The role of women is limited - they don't read scripture aloud in church. The highest rank a woman can hold in the church is a Deacon. They can also be nuns, members of parish councils, and contribute to the church in other non-public ways. They can teach children or other women but they do not teach men. 

While most Copts live in Egypt, there are over a million members of the church outside of Egypt; many living and worshiping in the United States. I visited the St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church in Richardson, Texas 

Their Liturgy is formal and traditional and lasts almost 3 hours. Modern day worship services strive to follow the same services that were held in the first century. They ask that all congregants respect the presence of God by dressing modestly and that women cover their heads (I Corinthians 11:5) during the Liturgy service. They have head scarves available at the entrance of the church. Many of the head coverings have the Coptic cross or a picture of their Pope printed on it. The men sit on the right side of the sanctuary and the women on the left. Entrance to the seating is made from the outer side of the aisles and the center aisle is avoided out of respect. At the front were deacons, bishops, and altar boys who assisted in the service. 

Church started at 8:30, but not many people were there at the beginning. They filtered in throughout the service. By the time communion was given, the sanctuary was very full. 

May Good Will and Peace fill your Lives! ~ 1 Peter 1:2

بِمُقْتَضَى عِلْمِ اللهِ الآبِ السَّابِقِ، فِي تَقْدِيسِ الرُّوحِ لِلطَّاعَةِ، وَرَشِّ دَمِ يَسُوعَ الْمَسِيحِ. لِتُكْثَرْ لَكُمُ النِّعْمَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ.

1بطرس 1 : 2

The liturgical text and directions were projected on an overhead screen in three languages - English, Coptic, and Arabic. Most of the Service was in the Coptic language. The Nicene Creed and sermon were spoken in English. The Abba, or Priest, offered the incense to the altar and gave Communion. Other members of the religious team, bishops and deacons, performed the liturgy chants and sermon. 
 

The sermon talked about the main goals of faith and religion:

• To bring us and others back to Christ
• To use our Time, Talents, & Tithes to - 

• Bring People to God
• Serve God
• Honor God              

Draw on God and All Things are Possible

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the Communion was given. There are many preparations that one must do to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Only someone baptized from one of the Oriental Orthodox/Non-Chalcedonian Churches may partake of their Holy Communion. Anyone who comes after the Bible reading during the service, should not partake. To receive Communion, the women lined up on the right of the building and the men on the left. People should remove their shoes when approaching the altar for any reason, including Communion. As they reached the entrance to the side room where communion was given, they were handed a handkerchief. The sacrament is placed directly in their mouth then they cover their mouths with the handkerchief until they swallow the sacrament. 

After Holy Communion, the ‘Prayer After Holy Communion’ is read and a prayer of thanksgiving offered to God.

The rituals are far greater than I can even begin to explain here. It was a fascinating service to experience. I found it very similar in structure to the Greek Orthodox Church. 

THANK YOU St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church for allowing me to witness your ancient, sacred service.

Metropolitan Community Church God's love is ALL Inclusive

Metropolitan Community Church, is a worldwide denomination with almost 300 congregations in 22 countries. It was founded in 1968 by the Rev. Elder Troy Perry as a Christian church that promotes the inclusive & unconditional teachings of Jesus Christ by offering worship specifically welcoming to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community (LGBT). Of course all are welcome to worship at a MCC church and Ministerial positions are attainable by both men and women. Many Christian churches are LGBT friendly - Episcopal, First Congregational UCC, Unity - this, however, is the only denomination with a ministry specifically focused toward the LGBT community. 

Statement of Beliefs

“Christianity is the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and is the religion set forth in the scriptures. Jesus Christ is foretold in the Old Testament, presented in the New Testament, and proclaimed by the Christian Church in every age and in every land.”

I visited the 10:30 am Sunday service of the Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque 

Each one of us is loved Equally by God 

The service began with several group hymns. Since June is LGBT pride month, they highlighted a champion to the civil rights movement, Mandy Carter. The congregation greeted each other after the initial announcements and songs. The sermon was short but sweet. Reverend Judith Maynard spoke of the gospel of hospitality. She encouraged the congregation to share the blessings that they enjoy in life to those less fortunate, without judgement. She spoke of the Gift of Radical Hospitality and how it frees us to give the love of God to others and creates a God space where we can learn from one another. 

 The person who welcomes you welcomes me, and the person who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ~ Matthew 10:40

The Reverend blessed the foster children of one of the families. 

Their communion was open and very unique and personal. Leaders in the church, including Reverend Judy, went to the front of the church with the sacraments. People received the sacrament as individuals or groups, your preference. After receiving the sacrament, the individual or couple were prayed over by the Reverend or church member.  

It was obvious that they are a very close community. Reverend Judy offered a closing prayer and sent the congregation forth with these words:

I hope you leave this place with your spirits uplifted and your hearts filled with love.

I really appreciated the fact that MCC stepped up in the 1960's to fulfill the spiritual needs of those who may not have felt welcomed elsewhere. Since Jesus' love for this world and his believers is without bounds, I also felt very saddened by the notion that this denomination arose due to possible outcast or alienation from other Christian denominations.

THANK YOU Metropolitan Community Church for reminding me of the unconditionality of God's love. 

Mystics ~ Center of Light

Mysticism is not a religion, it is rather a way to practice a certain religion. Mysticism is defined as distinctive practices, discourses, texts, institutions, traditions, and experiences aimed at human transformation, it is expressed differently in each religion.  There are mystics in Christianity, but there is also Judaism mysticism called Kaballah. Muslim mystics are Sufi. 

Christian Mysticism is the "spiritual process of coming into the experience of God at the center of one’s being." Mystics do this through practices of meditation, prayer and being in relationship with God on a daily basis, all in an attempt to know God with a personal relationship. Famous Christian mystics are St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine of Siena. 

Centers of Light otherwise called Order of Christ Sophia, are a Christian Mysticism self proclaimed Holy Order with multiple centers around the United States. They "teach, share, and cultivate spirituality through sacraments, meditation, seminars, classes, and practical instruction" and are unique to other denominations that they believe Jesus represents the masculine aspect of God and Mary represents the feminine aspect of God. The Order's Co-Founder, Peter Bowes, left in 2012 and the group saw a major shift to a more inclusive and collaborative spiritual community. 

I attended the Santa Fe Center of Light Church's 9:30 am service. 

The center was in a small commercial area in a suburb of Santa Fe. There was a small group. They start out with a 30 minute guided meditation. There were two licensed ministers who performed the service. There were hymns sung, then a reading from the bible. 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.         ~ Mark 12:30

One of the ministers, Leah Johnson, gave a sermon from The Poem of the Man God which is a text that was a forbidden text by the Vatican until the 1990's. It is an Italian nun, Maria Valtorta's, interpretation of the Gospels. The story told was one that compares Mother Mary to Lilies of the Valley with her humility. Then she talked to the two models that spirituality often speaks of - Wholeness and Perfection. The Wholeness approach is often referred to as the feminine model - inclusion, cooperation, and acceptance of all aspects of life and the world as some level. The Perfection model, often considered more the masculine of the two focuses on achievements, competition, and a results oriented approach. Johnson spoke of how the two should both be integrated and honored in spiritual studies. 

There was then Communion which everyone was welcome to receive regardless of their affiliations or beliefs. They first prayed over the wafers and wine. Their prayers, even the Lord's Prayer, incorporate Mary into them. The way they hold the Mother Mary in esteem and include her in their rituals and prayers, reminded me of some catholic practices. After the service, the members hugged one another. 

They offer a variety of classes, meditation times, and social events. 

THANK YOU Center of Light Church for allowing me to share your service with you.