So What Faith

Greg Smith

My Visit to Mosaic Community Church (#2126)

By

This morning, I was a first time guest at Mosaic Community Church (a United Church of Christ affiliated congregation) in Oklahoma City.

My wife and I attended their sole Sunday morning service, which begins at 11:00 a.m.

Mosaic Community Church (photo by Greg Smith)

When we arrived in the parking lot fifteen minutes before the hour, we were surprised to find a few dozen vehicles already in place. Since the lot in use was located adjacent to the sanctuary, no exterior signage was needed to help us find our way.

Once inside we were greeted by someone who was happy to welcome us in and who did not believe they had met us previously. Then, we were greeted by the person officially tasked with greeting and handed a worship program. These folks did a lovely job of asking genuine, helpful, and purposeful questions while also making sure we felt welcome.

Worship Bulletin Cover (photo by Greg Smith)

Once inside the sanctuary we chose seats in a pew about two thirds of the way back on the right hand side. In the time before the service started several folks stopped by and introduced themselves.

Worship Service (photo by Greg Smith)

Having visited Mosaic’s website and social media in advance of our visit we were surprised to learn that we had happened upon a unique day. Part of this uniqueness was planned, including the inclusion of guest speakers for Pride Sunday and an announcement of the congregation’s ninth birthday. Part, however, was unplanned, including the inability to use the screen as is their normal custom to guide worshippers due to technology troubles (this was largely overcome by distributing additional bulletin inserts for the music not in the bulletin and not available in the two hymnals located in the pew back).

Rev. Scott Spencer presides at Communion (photo by Greg Smith)

The service was easy to follow and worship leaders provided verbal cues or instructions about when to rise or to be seated as well as more detailed information about receiving Communion when the sacrament was celebrated.

Inclusion was emphasized and modeled throughout from the choice of a text for the children’s message to the number and roles of folks who led various elements of the service to choosing allies as guest speakers in lieu of a traditional sermon.

And, some additional people came by and welcomed us during the passing of the peace.

Mosaic Choir (photo by Greg Smith)

Near the end of the service first-time visitors were encouraged to pick up a swag item on their way out. We selected a Mosaic branded coffee mug.

The service lasted 80 minutes or about 15 to 20 minutes longer than expected. It is unclear if this is normative or if the length varied due to the unique nature of the day.

While today’s experience certainly offers a first-timer’s perspective, another visit would be needed to fairly evaluate the typical worship experience. Nonetheless, it is clear that this congregation takes seriously and effectively lives into their shared vision of welcoming all people.

Church Selfie (photo by Greg Smith)

Trinity is the tenth congregation I’ve worshipped with in 2024. For more of my experiences in a variety of churches, check out