Today I visited Bethany Lutheran Church, at which my friends Jason and Dan are doing their pastoral work. I have never been to a Lutheran service/Mass before, but I figured it would be fairly similar to a Catholic Mass. It wasn't!
I was one of only 3 white people there- Jason and Dan were the other two - this is one of very few African American Lutheran churches. And it was everything I hoped an African American church would be. There were Amen!s and Hallelujah!s. There was singing, and swaying, and handclapping. And such a vibe of love and grace. From the opening song I had a thrill of anticipation, that God was in this place, and that God was going to move among us. 
The service had all the elements of a Catholic Mass, just rearranged and enhanced. They use the same scripture readings as we do. There is a creed, a sign of peace, and a shortened eucharistic prayer prior to communion. But there was a preliminary bible study/sunday school, plus lots of singing, individual prayer time, and blessing, and lunch to follow. It's a whole day at church - we were there from 9.30 - 3. And the time flew. A great, great experience. Hallelujah!
Pictured here is Jason drumming with Pastor Powell (he's got pretty good rhythm for a white boy!)
1 comments:
Ahhh... That had all the makings of an AWESOME experience: Protestants and their passion for God + African background + being the only white people + it was Catholic = AWESOME
9.30-3 is hardcore. That's longer than the pentecostal services in Tanzania... but i'm guessing your pastor was speaking English???
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