The Many Faces of A Church

I had the pleasure of seeing Middle Child perform Bloch's "Sacred Service" in Hebrew with her school choir at this magnificent church on Palm Sunday. It is located in an old Polish neighborhood near the city. I've never traveled to Europe, but I can say it was at least as impressive as the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Personally, it was ornate to the point of distraction, but I suppose if you are a member of the parish, you get used to it. While there, I reflected on the different churches I have been a part of over the years. Sadly, the church where I was baptized no longer exists. That part of the city became very run down and I believe it sits empty or has been torn down. However, I found this photo of a church founded by my great-grandparents in a small rural town in 1900. You have to appreciate the plain and simple design of German Lutherans. My parents were married here and I've attended a number of family weddings and funerals here, so it holds a special place in my heart.

These are some photos of the interior of the mega-church I attended as a junior/senior high youth. It definitely has an auditorium feel and I would not like to go back to this as a way of worship, but considering how many churches like this have sprout up around the nation, I'm probably in the minority.

This is a shot from my wedding day. Husband and I found a small country church for our morning wedding. It was perfect for our small wedding party and intimate gathering of friends and family. There was a bell tower where my brother-in-law rang the bell right before I came down the aisle.

Here is the outdoor chapel at our previous church. I have fond memories of sunrise services began here on Easter morning. In warm weather, it was a delightful place to worship.

In contrast to all of this, we now worship in an old brick house that was converted into a church space. It seats almost 80 people in a living room style "sanctuary" with a small kitchen off to the side. There is no altar, just a podium and the band behind that.....so-called "modern worship." Our friends joke that we go to the rock-n-roll church. It's come as you are....whether that be jeans and a t-shirt or those who enjoy dressing up. Our kids love it and have never complained about going, so I guess that's saying something.

Wherever you choose to worship this Easter, may you feel His presence and love.