Church Visit

This weekend we were planning to attend a small presbyterian church in North Vancouver. However, a bit of a bug has hit our home and left Heather rather under the weather. Instead, I took the girls to one of the large churches in town. It was an interesting experience. One of the first things I noticed in the auditorium (they don't call it a sanctuary) was the absence of a cross. The second thing I noticed was the absence of any natural light. While it would be nice to have natural light I found the lack of a cross rather unsettling. The music was led by a band. It was a bit too loud--actually way too loud--but it was very professional. That being said, I found it hard to sing. I was familiar with all the songs but I couldn't hear myself and I couldn't really follow very well. If I was a spectator listening to a worship band, it was great. But as a worshipper in a worship service, I found it kind of hard. In fact, I think its easier to sing at Bethel on one of those days that we have to sing acapella than it was with that full worship band. The preaching was great. The pastor (one of several at the church) was dynamic, practical and very biblical. Its the finest sermon I have heard on my whole sabbatical.

My biggest problem came at the end of the service. I don't get too easily riled up, but I was panicked. Let me explain. When it was Sunday School time, the children were invited to leave to another big room. I brought Hannah there to that large room (Rebekah was too shy) and left her for Sunday School. After the service, I returned to that location and found the room empty and locked. OK - where is my child. This huge church is foreign to me and I'm trying to figure out where the kids might be. At this point I'm concerned, because I know Hannah was already rather nervous about the strange place. I ask a few people where the kids are, and they don't know. After about five minutes, I see a little sign that points to the education wing. I follow it, up some narrow stairs, down a hallway and find some class rooms with grade numbers on them. I go to grade two, and Hannah is not there! Now I have visions of here sitting in some place scared. I ask some parents where my child might be and am told there is another grade two class. I find that and the room is locked and empty. Great. After a couple more minutes of searching I find Hannah in a grade one room. Needless to say, I was a bit panicked and concerned for Hannah. I was also mildly upset. How can they take my child without my permission to some strange portion of the church building without telling where she is?

This serves as a very good lesson for us--even though we are small--to be clear with parents about where their children are and where they can be picked up. If I was looking for a church, this large church--with all its programs--would have lost me. I left the building forgetting about the worship and the sermon, and bothered by this whole incident. I'll be calling them on Monday.

Blessings, David