Thanksgiving

 My first adventure took me to a Presbyterian church in my neighbourhood. I have studied with, worked with and collaborated with Presbyterians over the decades, so I brought with me two particular stereotypes: Sunday worship in a Presbyterian church is more formal and, as a broad generalization, theology is more conservative than most UCCanada congregations. 

Our neighbourhood is very multicultural, and this church is one of the only church buildings in the neighbourhood. Instead of the usual WASP congregation and aging demographic that I associate with the mainline denominations, the members were very diverse. There were people of various age groups; a large Sunday School; and leadership in the service was also shared between the paid minister and members of the congregation. 

Theologically, it was more conservative than I was expecting, and it reminded me that, worshipping ecumenically, there are aspects of worship in other denominations that will not meet my needs - for inclusive language, feminist liberation and creation-centred theology, progressive interpretation of scripture, etc. etc. This was not worship designed to meet my spiritual needs.

What it was, however, was worship that reflected the changing needs and residents of the neighbourhood.  It is very much a ministry that listens and follows through on the faith of the worshippers. This was expressed in very accessible printed sheets of praise music, with only one hymn from the Presbyterian hymn book.  Part of the service invited us out of the pews to take markers and write or draw what we were thankful for on flip chart sheets on the walls. At another point lay people offered "testimony" to how their faith has anchored them in life. It was clear that the congregation are loved for who they are, and all that they bring to the faith community.

It was a warm and welcoming place to worship on Sunday. I missed United Church music and ethos - but isn't that what this adventure is all about??