The first Sunday that Joe and I were in town, we visited this friendly little baptist church that sits up on the hill.
When we entered, a couple of gentleman greeted us at the door; we exchanged names and they welcomed us.
Joe and I found a seat. It was a small community church with about 30 in attendance.
A few minutes later, the service started. One of the men who greeted us stepped up to the front and began with the welcome and announcements. He was the pastor, and proceeded to welcome us from the pulpit... by name. "We'd like to welcome Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien to our congregation this morning." Hmmm, we were surprised by the intimacy of the welcome.
We were even more surprised when after the service, the pastor asked their guest speaker, a missionary from Mexico, to step to the back with his wife so everyone could greet them on the way out... "And Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien, why don't you join them? I'm sure we'd all love to say hello."
Huh? Uh, okay.
We haven't been back... and it would seem that's the reason why. But not really. We didn't mind. We're looking for a church that offers a sense of community, a familial feel. But that was just a little too small.
It looks like we may end up at First Baptist Church of McCaysville. It's the only one that has received multiple visits so far. It feels like home... it reminds me of what FBC Cape Coral was 15 years ago.
I've gotten used to contemporary services, but that's not common place up here. FBC McCaysville offers a traditional service where the choir (not praise team) still wears robes and the organist is situated on the right, with the pianist situated on the left. There are no guitars, and there are no drums. It's okay... gotta love those old hymns, rich with history and gospel truth.
Last Sunday we sang How Great Thou Art. One of my favorites.
When I consider the lyrics of this verse, and then the chorus; I realize it reflects my exact sentiments...
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,(history)
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
... and I realize how blessed I am that I live in such a place!
2 comments:
I pray that you will soon find a church home. Beautiful pictures! They capture the wonder of God's creation.
Love the photos, Pam, especially the one with the waterfall!!!! I too love "How Great Thou Art". We don't sing it as often as I would like but it's one of those songs that gives me chills when we do sing it.
I hope you settle in to the second church you mentioned. Sounds like a good fit.
Thanks too for visiting my blog. You are right, life just gets in the way most days but I guess that is good too. Blogging is fun but some days the real flesh and blood of our lives need us more than our PCs do...
Take care. I'll make it a point to touch base if I see you on FB when I am on.
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