Day 75 ~ Communion Reunion

Day 75 ~ Communion Reunion 

Mar 16, 2014   

My first: I attended the Sunday service at the Apostolic Church in Belleville. 

I knew at some point during the course of this year of “firsts”, I was going to attend a service of a new church. And I always had in mind that this church would be THE one because I had met this nice young mother on a camping trip with my kids last year and she had encouraged me to give it a try. 

It was a blustery morning as I made my way from my car to the church. I arrived a little late and made my apologies to the two greeters at the door. I sat about mid-way up the aisle and began to acclimate myself to the nuance of this service. There was a band consisting of a woman on the keyboard, a man on a set of drums and another man playing the guitar...a nice trio! 
 

I can only assume that because of the nasty weather, the congregation seemed a little sparse. But I have no way of knowing this for sure since I have no previous visit from which to compare. Everyone was singing along with the three cantors in the front from the lyrics posted on the overhead screen. Being raised Catholic, this is something I have only seen in non-Catholic churches. Good idea ‘cause it keeps you looking forward instead of your head down in a book…perhaps even catching a wink or two!  
 

I peered around the room and discovered my cousin Bonnie and her husband in the front row and her son Nathan sitting more towards the back. I thought that odd that they were not sitting together, but when I witnessed Nathan’s “enthusiasm”, I understood.  
 

The service continued with the all too familiar requests for money. Unfortunately, this congregation looked like they might lean more towards being on the receiving end of someone’s generosity.  Then the young pastor emitted a spirited sermon with intermittent “amens” and “halleluiahs” interjected from various parishioners.  Songs and exuberance were a big part of this Sunday’s agenda, as I imagine they are every Sunday in this humble little church in Belleville.  
 

I have to admit I did tear up a few times as I was filled with the purity of heart of these people. There was NO pretense, no fashion statements, no stares of judgment, at least not the negative kind. My cousin was so sweet when she finally saw me. She and I went up to the altar with so many others and prayed…just prayed. The pastor embraced us and gave me a special blessing of welcome and then guidance in my future life’s decisions…very appropriate for me and my new course for this year.