Advent Lutheran Church

Today we went to Advent Lutheran Church, where a good friend of the family happens to be the presiding minister, and another good friend sings and plays guitar. Our whole family was delighted to be going to this church for several reasons: First, we really love the pastor and his family & a member of the music team; Second, we felt like it was a sort of "homecoming" to be back in a Lutheran church; Third, the service we were attending was a contemporary worship service.

Advent did not fail to deliver. In fact, it far exceeded our expectations.

We were greeted warmly by everyone from the parking lot to the pew in the sanctuary. There is a really nice blend of generations in this church. We saw young families, young people, empty nesters and retirees. All of them were joy-full!

The music was contemporary Christian songs with simple accompaniment of a couple of guitars, a set of bongo drums and a tambourine. Our good friend in music was actually serving as the presiding Minister of Music/Music Leader. He did an outstanding job, creating an atmosphere of serenity, worship and praise, while allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our spirits and recharge us for service.

Pastor Myers' message was breathtaking. He held every one's attention- even my children's- during his entire talk. He spoke to us from sitting on a stool and, amazingly, used no notes.

The Eucharist was simple, yet very meaningful. The music during the Communion was soft and soothing.

When we were dismissed into the world and charged with the command to go and love our neighbors, we left with smiles, ready to accomplish our task. We all very much enjoyed the service, and I personally hope to go back and visit again soon.

I loved the Lutheran liturgy mixed with the contemporary music. I felt comfortable, welcomed and at home with the more casual-style service. Advent Lutheran Church is a wonderful church, which I would highly recommend for anyone to visit and with whom to worship.

~Amen

Advent Lutheran Church

2505 Manchester Pike

Murfreesboro, TN 37127

615-893-9705

http://www.theadventchurch.com/

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

Today we went to Good Shepherd in Madison, AL, on our way down to Florida. As we drove into the parking lot, we had a lady approach us to welcome us before we had ever gotten out of the car. To our surprise, she redirected us around the other side of the building. Apparently, the church parking lot we were in belonged to a "daughter" church of Good Shepherd, who was renting space in Good Shepherd until their own building was developed. (Talk about utilizing your space to the max!)


When we got around to the back, dozens of youth in teal shirts were swarming around at least seven big passenger vans. We were informed that 47 youth, and many adult supervisors, were going on a mission trip to East TN. Simultaneously, the church had two other mission trips to other places. All I could think was: If my home church had this many mission trips going on, there would be no one left in the church!


When we walked into the church, the immediate entrance was inviting and engaging. There were all sorts of people milling around and greeting one another and us. They had a small area set up very much like a cafe, with covered tables which had flowers in vases and condiment stations. Their church serves breakfast each Sunday. And I'm not just talking some donuts; they had bacon, eggs, biscuits & gravy, and a table loaded down with so many different kinds of pastries, my children's eyes were as big as saucers.


The minister of the younger children greeted us and took time getting to know my niece and my youngest daughter. She invited them to come in to her class, if they wanted to, during church. Had we pressed the issue, I think they would have gone. But we really wanted them to sit with us during church, so we thanked them and headed to the sanctuary.


There was a praise and worship band up front, who sang some wonderful songs, whose words were posted on a big screen up front. The back had a big glass window. When the room behind it turned on the light, we were able to see that it was a large room set up as a nursery/play room for children. The service was piped into the room so the parents could still enjoy the service.


There was also a glassed in balcony, for presumably the same purpose. From where we were, it almost looked like the balcony room could double as a meeting room of sorts.


A wonderful gymnasium was off the side of the sanctuary. The kids looked like they were ready to bolt through the door and just run. It looked like it was rather new, well-maintained, and well-used.


We sat down to worship behind all of the kids in the turquoise shirts, who were to receive a blessing before leaving for their mission trip. After some opening praise songs, one of the first things they did was pass the peace. We were greeted warmly by the people around us.


The sermon was about Moses and what an important figure he was in the bible. It was even proposed that he was the second most important figure, Jesus being the first, because he made the first covenant with God.


The worship band did a fabulous job of coming up with songs that tied into the Moses theme. In fact I was surprised by how many songs they were able to find! And they were well-suited for all ages, fun and up-tempo.


They did a wonderful picture/video presentation of their just-completed VBS. The kids from VBS all went up front in their VBS shirts and sang several songs from the week.


They blessed all of the mission trip volunteers, and blessed their journey. Then they spoke briefly about the offering: They do not pass around a basket. Instead, they have collection boxes in the back of the church, which they invite you to use for your offering, as you are so led. From the looks of their facility and the energy in the church, it did not appear as though they had any problems with this practice.


We sang some closing songs, and then were given a blessing. Afterwards, we were greeted by more people and made to feel welcome.


For this congregation, the energy was palpable. The room was actually buzzing and vibrating with the Holy Spirit. It was a definite testament to their love of the Lord.


When we left, we definitely felt (though sleep-deprived and weary from the drive) that we had worshiped God that morning. Many thanks to the kind folks at Good Shepherd for the wonderful worship!



~Amen!


Good Shepherd United Methodist Church


1418 Old Railroad Bend Road, Madison, AL 35757


PHONE 256-232-3331 • FAX 256-232-3306


http://www.gslife.org/

Mount Zion Baptist Church

Mount Zion Baptist Church is a multi-campus church, with over 22,000 members. We visited the Old Hickory campus with some friends. Before we ever stepped foot in the church, we were greeted warmly by everyone who passed by on their way in.

In the sanctuary, the baptismal font in the front has a beautiful stained glass dove descending right above the baptismal alcove. Large screens flanked the baptismal font that allowed announcements, video, song lyrics and other sorts of media to be broadcast out to the congregation.

Most impressive, though, was the musician's orchestra pit and choir. While I couldn't see all the instruments, I could hear at least two drum sets, a full brass section, guitars, keyboard and many others. Directly above the musicians was a choir whose every member, in my opinion, could be professional singers. They offered up a praise and worship service that had my seven-year-old declare, "The music is so loud it makes my bottom wiggle." And, indeed, the vibrations from the bass and drums wriggled all the way up my spine and I could not help but smile.

After the choir seated themselves, a gentleman greeted the congregation and welcomed the Bishop and his new wife, just back from their honeymoon. Several well-wishes from outlying Bishops were shown on the screens, and their newsletter/magazine, "The Trumpet" featured a large article about the newlyweds, focusing especially on The First Lady, Dr., Mrs. Stephanie Walker.

The gentleman in the front asked visitors to stand. Our family stood together and felt waves of welcome from the congregation, as well as the choir, who sang a complete (beautiful) song of welcome to us and the other visitors. After the song, we were hugged by at least half of the congregation, who made special trip across the aisles and the sanctuary just to make us feel welcome.

After another hymn of praise, the Bishop Joseph Walker stood to give his message. He was a very talented speaker. He was personable and engaging. And you could tell he was much beloved by his congregation.

He had written a book about his life with his first wife, who had died from cancer, and how the illness affected them both. My seven-year-old begged for a copy of the book.

Finally, we had one last hymn that was awesome, in the truest meaning of the word. Every person was lifting his or her voice to the Lord.

After service, we were greeted by more members and received more hugs and well-wishes. And, to my understanding, the Bishop was on his way to his second out of four sermons for that day.

This was certainly one of the most spirit-filled, joyful, hospitable churches I have ever had the privilege to visit. Many thanks to all of those wonderful people who made our visit so delightful!

~Amen

Mount Zion Baptist Church

(the campus we visited)

7594 Old Hickory Blvd., Whites Creek, TN 37189

(615) 254-7296

http://www.mtzionnashville.org/