One of the sabbatical benefits that I have enjoyed has been the opportunity to attend Sunday morning services in other denominations. I have attended small churches and large churches. I have been in congregations where the mood is, shall I call it staid, and others where the sanctuary hummed with spiritual energy.
This past Sunday I happened to be in the city of Chicago so I went to Trinity United Church of Christ in South Chicago. This is the church that the Obamas attended before they went to Washington. I arrived a bit late (taxi challenges – long story – another time!!) and was told that the sanctuary was full but I could sit in the gym and watch by video link. I asked if I could stand and they said that would be okay if I stood by the side wall. It was already lined with people but I found a place to squeeze in. The sanctuary holds about 2000 and every available pew was crammed with people. The choir of 200 led the singing with a definite gospel vibe.
The preacher for the day was their retired pastor as the regualr preacher was away. The service started at 11:00 but there was so much going on that the preacher, The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright did not get up to preach until about 1:00. If Dr. Wright’s name sounds familiar it is because he was accused by the media and the Republican party of being racist in the campaigning prior to Obama’s election as President. He was nothing like the media spin. He was kind and humble, loving and spirited, witty and inspiring.
At 1:40 when the congreation surged out of the church I was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a cab. Nearly every person wished me a good day, invited me to come back another time, and God blessed me. It was live theatre from beginning to end and I loved it. I don’t like generalizations or categorizing people but there is no denying that the American style of relating is very different than the Canadian way!
I don’t expect BUC to starting calling out “Amen” during the sermon and the prayers or that the choir will take about ten minutes to sing their anthem because they sing the chorous over and over until all the congregation is on its feet. But I think we could loosen up a little. I have to say I felt that Spirit last Sunday and it felt good.
