I’m accustomed to visiting a lot of churches. In a 24 month period ending in November 2017, I was blessed to worship with more than 40 different communities of faith in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Over the next four months, however, I only managed to worship in one while serving as that congregation’s visiting minister.
Choosing Where To Worship
The last three congregations I served were all affiliated with the United Church of Christ. With these positive experiences in mind, I opted to spend my first two Sundays after my role as visiting minister ended worshipping in two area congregations affiliated with this tradition:
- First Congregational – located a few miles from downtown Fort Worth
- Cathedral of Hope – located a few miles from downtown Dallas
First Congregational
I moved to Fort Worth at the beginning of 2018. Prior to relocating I had not visited any churches in Fort Worth. I was delighted to make my first ever visit to First Congregational on Easter Sunday. Even though I arrived quite early, the campus was already alive with activity. I was greeted warmly both by those who were volunteering in welcoming roles as well as many who were not. As I sat down in one of the few remaining pews available and watched people bring in additional chairs to expand the seating, I read these words in the bulletin
We are an openhearted, justice-oriented, everybody-loving progressive Christian community seeking to live into the realm of God more fully by cultivating community, practicing hospitality, learning, serving, and intentionally advancing God’s peace. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
While the service contained the elements I expected, it also featured some pleasant surprises including
- news of the congregation’s capital campaign achieving a financial milestone in giving commitments
- a message that helped me think new thoughts about resurrection by way of the story of a Pentecostal preacher and songwriter
- a variety of musical styles and leaders
Cathedral of Hope
I joined Cathedral of Hope – one of the largest UCC churches – in February 2017. In the 15 months since, I’ve worshipped there 10 times on Sunday morning.
For some time this community of faith has offered nearly identical traditional services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. as well as a Spanish language service at 1:00 p.m. They also feature a Wednesday evening service at 7:15 p.m. that is more casual and contemporary in nature.
On the second Sunday of Easter I attended the launch event for a 10:00 a.m. service that they describe as “fresh and modern.” Unlike the other Sunday morning services, this one is housed in the Chapel and is simple named “The Chapel.”
Again, I arrived quite early. On this occasion I was greeted by people holding signs directing me to the Chapel and then by others standing just outside the entry to the Chapel. Once inside I experienced the warmth of the room and of those filling the space while many enjoyed coffee and donuts until they opened the doors and let people enter the sacred space for worship.
Again, this service was a beautiful blend of elements I anticipated alongside those I had not expected, including
- a band that featured a core group that led worship throughout the hour alongside others who joined at varying points
- an attendance card that invited participants to provide feedback about the experience
- an announcement that the second “The Chapel” service is scheduled for May 6
So What?
I have not enjoyed and at the same time been challenged by worship in consecutive weeks more than the last two in quite some time. While both are progressive, open and affirming, urban congregations affiliated with the United Church of Christ, they differ considerably in size, geography, and demographics.
As I reflect on these two experiences I am thankful for new connections and encouraged by new understandings of some of the many ways God is still speaking. I am also reminded that while the narrative of Mainline Protestant decline remains troubling on the macro level it need not inhibit creativity or growth in any community of faith. And, I’m determined to be part of the group who tell the stories of those faith communities who are making a real difference while making real God’s realm on earth as it already is in heaven.
- Share an example of a vibrant congregation that is making a real difference while making real God’s realm on earth as it already is in heaven.
- Brag a bit about your community of faith – share about how it inspires you and/or impacts your community.