Drew and I took another Sunday morning to visit another church. There was a church that Drew had heard about called “Church at the Movies.” It was a Baptist church that decided that it wanted to reach out more to younger people. So, rather than meet in a church, they decided to meet in one of our local movie theaters. Drew checked the website and we found that the service started at 10, with the coffee bar opening at 9:30. Coffee bar was all I needed to hear.
We got to the theater a bit early, so we sat in the car and read the paper for a bit. When we got out of the car and walked toward the theater, there were people greeting us before we even got to the door. “Welcome! There are coffee and bagels inside!” Two more steps. “Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here! Coffee and bagels are right over there!” Three more steps. “Hi! Welcome! I’m *insert name.* Are you new? Coffee and bagels are right there! Help yourself!” I kept thinking to myself, “I SEE the coffee! I want to GET to the coffee!” I’m always thankful for a warm welcome, but this was borderline excessive. Since Drew and I aren’t looking for a new church, just simply trying to participate in different worship services, we’re not anxious to check the “First time visitor” section of the sign in pad. I do appreciate a warm welcome and a church that is genuinely glad that you are there, but there is a fine line between that and smothering. I can understand that struggle. It’s hard to find a good balance. How can I make you feel welcome without making you want to run screaming for the car?
So we finally got to the coffee (I was relieved that it wasn’t Maxwell House.) I was fixing my coffee when yet another person was greeting me (this time not in a smothering way, just a genuine smile and “welcome.”) and then I heard, “She’s cool. I know her.” I looked up and saw the bagel and muffin man (why yes, I do know the muffin man) who often delivers the muffins and bagels to the coffee shop I work at. He and I have had many lovely encounters in the wee morning hours at 6 a.m. We chatted for a bit, and he introduced me to his fiance (they get married THIS Saturday!) and I introduced him to my husband. It was nice to see a familiar face.
We headed into the theater and found the band ready to begin worship. They started with a David Crowder song and then a Charlie Hall song. I enjoy both of these worship leaders/songwriters, so it was an enjoyable way to start. I didn’t recognize the rest of the songs, but they were enjoyable, and it was nice to hear some new stuff. There was only one vocalist, and I found I enjoyed that. It was simple. He wasn’t a “trained” vocalist, which I found refreshing. He kept it simple and didn’t do any crazy vocal aerobics like us vocalists are often tempted to do.
There was a movie clip they used in the middle of the service. I think they do that every week (hence the whole church at the movies thing). I can see how it would be hard to find a clip that fits in each week. The clip we watched didn’t really make sense to me. I couldn’t see how it fit in. I guess they can’t all be winners.
The pastor was a good speaker. Drew and I enjoyed his speaking. He spoke on the blood, and why it’s so crucial to Christianity. He acknowledged that talking about blood is weird and not many of us want to hear about it, but that it is so important. He was funny, and I liked how he actually taught from the Bible. He referenced back to Scripture a lot, and tried to explain it as he went. I feel like so many sermons I’ve heard lately don’t really teach much from the Bible. I miss that.
He did start to get a bit long winded toward the end. He had four points that he wanted to leave us with. I can’t remember what they were. He spent so much time explaining the first one that by the time he got to the second one, I couldn’t remember what the first one was. But overall, he did well and I enjoyed listening to him. It was the longest I was able to focus during a sermon for a long time.
He finished with a prayer, and it was a typical Baptist prayer. With our heads bowed, he led us in prayer, then started addressing the audience about accepting Jesus, without closing the prayer. A bit later he closed the prayer. I realized this is a pet peeve of mine. I don’t like to combine the prayer with the “altar call.” Pray if you’re going to pray. Talk to me if you’re going to talk to me. But don’t combine the two. Don’t start talking to me when you’re praying to our Holy God. It just doesn’t work. I never know if I should open my eyes or keep them closed. It’s awkward and… annoying.
Other than that, the service was enjoyable. Drew and I walked out refreshed, which was… refreshing. And passing the popcorn bucket as the offering plate was fun.