Welcome Home...

This Sunday was going to be like any other Sunday in our home church-- Except that the new council was being installed during the service. Hubby has been elected Vice President, which means he will serve as President next year. So, we knew that was going to be pretty special.

As we were sitting down, we were approached by one of the gentlemen in our congregation who said they were short acolytes. Both my older kids were asked to acolyte.

There is nothing quite like watching your children walk in carrying the torch to light the alter candles. They had on their long robes (which nearly drug the ground on the younger child) and the acolyte's cross.

As the service progressed, they sat still and/or participated in the service, as the need required. They didn't slouch, pick at their shoes, stare at the ceiling or even yawn. They were respectful ministers of the service.

Our family might not have sat in the same pew together, but we were definitely all worshipping together. And what joy to get to serve our Lord in these very special ways!

~Amen

St. Timothy Lutheran Church- Coming Home

This past Sunday, we went back to St. Timothy. We are not "done" with our Faith Walk-About. In fact, I hope that we continue our Walk-About to a lesser extent indefinitely.

It was somewhat of a "Homecoming" for us, even though we had been there last week. We had a congregational meeting to vote in the new council members, and David was elected VP. Courtney was trained to be an acolyte. And we all recommitted ourselves to all of the day-to-day activities of St. Timothy.

The service was like slipping into a pair of your favorite jeans. It was familiar, comfortable and easy to settle into. We sang my favorite song, "This is My Father's World."

Pastor Maier's sermon was aimed, once again, at the transition the congregation is experiencing, and has been experiencing for about five years, total. These sermons seem to be lightening the spirits of our weary souls.

Prior to service, Jill, our new Sunday School Superintendent, asked for Volunteers. She did so with such enthusiasm and cleverness that she had a nice response.

It is gratifying to see, especially after our various experiences in the various churches, that St. Timothy is getting a fresh breath of air. Our energy level seems to be rising again. People are beginning to try to figure out where they can "plug in." There is a feeling of joy, rather than the feeling of diligent duty.

As we continue our Walk-About, I will continue to post on this blog. And as wonderful things go on in St. Timothy, I will share those here as well.

If I was asked to sum up our experience (thus far), I would say that we all had a wonderful opportunity to see God's love in action in very many different ways. All are brothers and sisters under God. We just worship and praise Him differently.

What a blessing to share this with my family! Glory be to God!

~Amen


St. Timothy Lutheran Church is located in Hendersonville, TN

St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Today we went back to our home church, St. Timothy Lutheran. It was so familiar, we were able to recite it without consulting a book or bulletin. And it was wonderful to see friends we hadn't seen in a while.

The highlight of the service was the sermon. Pastor Meier is our transitional pastor, and his job is to help us as we are in a holding pattern while hiring a new permanent pastor. Today he addressed the idea that any kind of congregation in this position finds themselves at a point when they are tired of the process; They are tired of the wait; They are ready things to move along.

He acknowledged that in any organization, it is typical for 20% of the people to do 80% of the work. And when people are tired, it becomes harder to keep up responsibilities and excitement.

However, the church has to continue. And they have to keep strong. The congregation needs to keep their spirits high. First, for the life of the congregation. But, secondly, pastoral candidates are looking at us and interviewing us as much as we are to them.

It was not a sermon that made us feel guilt or that anyone was pointing fingers. Instead, it was more like a rallying cry, encouraging us all to look in our hearts and listen for our individual calling.

After the service, my two older children excitedly volunteered to help as ministers of the service. And hubby threw his name in the hat for Vice President of council (provided no one else felt called to do it). My youngest is thrilled to follow behind siblings or family members, helping in any way she can.

I am still helping and volunteering behind the scenes, which is just fine with me. And I am still enjoying our faith walk-about.

We may not go somewhere new every week. But we will still visit places from time to time. It is a great way to appreciate what you have, find inspiration to take back to your home church, and remind ourselves that God is a God of wonder, Who is worthy of all kinds of worship & praise- no matter what the religion or what kind of service is practiced.

~Amen

St. Timothy Lutheran Church

650 East Main Street

Hendersonville, TN 37075

615-824-6244

http://www.sttimothyonline.org/

St. LaPointe Lutheran Church

Today, David was going to be leaving town for a while. We talked about what church we would attend, and it was decided that the children would be in charge of our worship service today, and that we would have it at our home.

The children spent hours upstairs working on their service. It was decided that Caitlin would be the music director, Courtney would be acolyte and lector, and Connor would be the worship leader.

They started out by lighting two candles. Then they asked us to bow our heads while we all recited the Lord's Prayer.

Next, they had Courtney read from Exodus 32:1-29 (the story about Moses and the golden calf). Courtney and Caitlin did a skit for the sermon, and Connor explained that the choice of the story of the golden calf was based on the need for patience.

To keep in the theme of the golden calf, our hymn of the day was "Old McDonald" (which I found pretty creative). Then they used some crackers and water for Holy Communion.

Caitlin, the Music Director, played the piano.

Finally, Connor pronounced the benediction.

Much work went into this service. And, it will forever be one of my very favorites. The kids worked together for a common good. And they displayed a wonderful ability to take a biblical passage and understand it and convey their understanding.

Considering all the fighting and bickering they have been doing lately, this was such a fresh, unexpected joy. For an entire morning, my children got along, smiled at each other, listened to each other, and worshiped together.

It was easily one of the best worship services I have had in a very long time!

Praise be to God!

~Amen

St. LaPointe Lutheran Church is not a real ELCA congregation

We worshiped in our home

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/

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

This morning we continued our "Faith Walk-About" at the Catholic Church. Growing up Lutheran, the Catholic Church felt like we were (almost) home.

I was glad to get to experience the Catholic Church on Pentacost, since yesterday we got to celebrate the receipt of the Torah (Shavu'ot) at the Jewish Synagogue. Today we celebrated the birthday of the Christian Church. Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of the Jewish Covenant with God.

Since this formal service is so familiar to me, I tried very hard to place myself as a first-time visitor, like we were yesterday. It was an interesting point of view.

The altar was in the front, and the choir was in the very back behind us. So whenever they sang, it almost sounded like the voices were coming from above. The choir was situated around the large pipe organ that was the only instrument used throughout the service.

We were greeted warmly and found a seat, with hymnals and worship books situated in racks on the backs of the pews in front of us. Kneelers stowed neatly away under each pew.

Especially after the service we had seen the day before, I was struck by the amount of heritage, symbolism and tradition are also in the Catholic church. Visually, the robes and vestments worn by the acolytes and priests, the large crucifix hanging from the wall over the altar, and many other symbolic images flooded the senses.

The service was, much like the Jewish service the day before, one that had been said so many times that many parishioners had no need of a book to remind them what came next. They were accustomed to symbols and traditions, which an outsider might find strange: bowing to the altar/crucifix upon entering or leaving a pew; making the sign of the cross across one's chest; kneeling during prayer; responsive singing and/or prayer from the congregation, and many others.

The pinnacle of the Catholic Mass is in the distribution of the bread and wine (the Host), which through prayer and blessing is miraculously transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. All Catholics who have been through classes to better understand this concept are welcome to come and partake. As a non-Catholic, we went forward, but received a blessing.

The parishioners have that time to make eye contact, one-on-one with the priest. Though it is a very formal setting, it feels quite intimate for the moment. It is though the priest, in a very Fatherly way, welcomes the parishioner and blesses them.

It also has been said, and I really saw for the first time, that Christian denominations have different focuses: Baptists put their emphasis on salvation through baptism; Catholics emphasize the gift of acceptance and forgiveness through the bread and the wine. But, at the end of the day, both are right. And both are concerned with being the best person you can be while on earth, out of love and respect for God and Jesus Christ. And, that through acceptance of Christ, we will join Him in Heaven.

As we finished up the Catholic service, I also tried to imagine what the service would have been like if it had all been in Latin, as it was prior to Martin Luther. I imagine, other than the fact that I would recognize the generalities of the service because of my lifetime of exposure to it, I would feel as lost as I had the day prior as the service was in Hebrew.

I understood even more the importance of having a worship service that was not only done on

behalf of the congregation, but with the congregation, all with one voice praising God. I recognized how imperative it was to have the bible in the people's language, so they could tuck God's Word into their hearts. And I realized how much we as people crave that divine experience of communing with God and each other.

The children didn't have a lot to say about this service, simply because it was so close to what they have experienced in our home congregation every Sunday since their birth. But they did say how much they liked understanding what was going on, and feeling like they were a part of it, instead of watching it go on around them. They were also taken aback by the large crucifix of a dying Christ behind the altar. They didn't like this picture of Christ, seeing Him suffer. I guess we all prefer to think of the Risen Christ, though, don't we?

I am grateful for both experiences this weekend. I think seeing them back-to-back as we did gave us a perspective and an insight we otherwise could not have had.

~Amen

St. Joseph Catholic Church is located at

1225 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115

(615) 865-1071

www.stjosephnashville.org

West End Synagogue

Chag Sameach!

This morning we got up early for us for a Saturday. We got dressed and drove to Nashville and were actually so early that we got there before the Rabbi. (Does this qualify as a miracle?)

We went in to the Synagogue entrance, which had commemorative plaques on the walls to name the donors of various religious symbolic items. The members and Rabbi were all very welcoming and made sure we knew where to go for the worship service.

Before entering, we were each given head coverings to wear: black satin fashioned skull caps for the boys; lace circles with a bobby pin to hold it in place for the girls. We were also given a bible (with only the Old Testament, of course), another book that had the worship service(s) in it, written in both Hebrew and English, a booklet that gave some explanation of the service and how to use the books and a newsletter to tell of the goings on in their synagogue. Both the bible and worship service books read from right to left, but the page numbers read left to right. The children's eyes were as big as saucers as they tried to comprehend how to follow the books.

As we settled ourselves, I reminded the children that this was much like how Jesus would have worshiped when He was on earth. And that He was possibly even called upon to talk, as our guest speaker would be later in the service.

And, we were in for a treat: we came on the day they were celebrating the receiving of the Torah (Shavu'ot). We not only got to worship with them; We got to participate in a celebration with them.

It was fairly obvious we were visitors: All the members had very unique head coverings and prayer shawls. Some looked quite expensive; Others were simple. One gentleman's head covering was a soft pink, and matched his shirt. Several ladies' coverings were more like a circular piece of jewelry held in place by an attached hair comb.

It was explained to us that this Synagogue had both men and women participate in readings and such in the service. Therefore, both the men and the women were asked to wear the head coverings as a sign of respect. In fact, they pointed out that while the bible does instruct the men in doing most of the religious tasks and pilgrimages, it was probably mostly due to the fact that pregnant women and young children would be unable to meet the physical demands of pilgrimages.

The sanctuary was set up "in the round." The altar was in the middle of the room, and the seating was all around it. Stained glass windows were along all the walls with plaques of explanation and memorandum next to each pane.

At the back of the room, where one would expect to find the baptismal font in some churches, or the home for the Host in others, there was a sheer veil across an opening in the wall. Above, was the explanation that this was where the "Word of God" was held.

There were no musical instruments anywhere. But the Rabbi, when singing or chanting, would sway to a rhythm and keep time by patting his hand on the altar.

They began by greeting the congregation, which was still quite sparse at that time. Then they began with prayers. For the rest of the service, 99% of everything spoken or sung was in Hebrew. The books had English and Hebrew, but since we couldn't read the language, it was somewhat difficult to keep up. And there was no way to sing/chant along. We simply listened to the melodic chanting as the Rabbi, the Cantor or one of the congregants uttered the words that had been spoken for as long as there has been Judaism.

Though there was no musical instruments, the entire service was sung or chanted. Even congregants selected to come and read out of the Torah sang the words. It was like being enveloped in God's song.

Since it was the celebration of the receipt of the Torah, at a special point in the service, several congregants went to the veil in the back of the room and lifted it. They brought out their representation of the ancient scrolls and brought them out among the rest of the congregation. Many leaned close to touch them in reverence.

A gentleman was invited to speak on this festival, instead of having the Rabbi deliver the message. This gentleman was a recent convert to Judaism. He spoke (in English) of the importance of God giving the Torah to the Israelites. He reminded the congregation how they were indeed special and chosen, for God had offered the Torah to other nations, but none would take on the burden and responsibility that went along with the covenant.

As a Christian, it reminded me of how many don't want to accept Christ because they want to continue doing things their own way. I suppose all such grand gestures and blessings can be considered a curse if you are unwilling to put down your will.

The mood of the Synagogue was very casual, yet joyful. The Rabbi came around and visited a little with each member. People reached across the aisle to give hugs and whisper words of greeting. There was a constant movement of people coming in and out of the Sanctuary. But the prayers and songs and traditions kept going up at the altar.

Much of the chanting was very rapid, which we were unaccustomed to, since most of our hymns, prayers and readings are infused with pauses and silences, in order for us to really think about the moment. In comparison, their prayers and readings sounded more like a somewhat staccato version of when we say the Lord's Prayer. There was no less reverence. It was simply that they had heard and sung the words so many times, they were practically written on their hearts. The service served as a reminder and a time for them to worship together.

The service lasted two hours. By the end, the Sanctuary was completely filled.

There was another service immediately following the one we were in. That service was to remember those who had died. The Rabbi made mention (in English) that some of the congregants were more accustomed to celebrating this in private. He encouraged those who wished to stay, to do so, but gave permission for those who wished to go to leave.

As we left, a woman sitting behind us stopped me. She said, "Your children are so well behaved. It was a pleasure sitting behind you." Of course I beamed like the proud momma I was, and thanked her.

Afterwards, the children commented on how hard it was for them to understand. I reminded them that if they had grown up in the faith and its traditions, it would seem as common-place to them as our own church does to us now.

We also discovered that we found things in the Old Testament we never realized were there. As we had listened to them chant in Hebrew, we read along in English. I don't believe any of us had paid that much attention to Deuteronomy prior to that service.

What a rich heritage. What an honor to worship side-by-side with the Chosen People of God! What a blessing to share such a wonderful celebration with them!

Shabboat Shalom


West End Synagogue
is located at 3810 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37205
615) 269-4592 Tollfree (888) 335-8993
http://www.westendsyn.org/

Long Hollow Baptist Church

Our first visit was to Long Hollow Baptist Church. This was not the first time we had gotten to enjoy this energetic, spiritually charged church family. We have several wonderful friends who belong to this church, and we were fortunate enough to have some of them roll out the red carpet for us on this visit.

The facilities are mega-everything: mega-big, mega-beautiful, mega-technological, mega-family friendly, and mega-faith-ful. Each of the three young children's chapels could have held our one sanctuary. The main worship room was enough to hold at least six of our sanctuaries, plus some.

Their main worship room is set up more like a lecture hall, where worshipers are invited to sit/stand/sway/raise their hands and voices in praise and worship. The band that plays songs (with the words shown on large screens for the ultimate convenience) rivals any recording/performing band I've seen. I didn't recognize their faces, but their voices could have been the same ones I hear on The Fish or The Way FM.

Their guest minister even wowed my son. David Nasser, from Alabama, injected humor, facts, and faith into a spirit-filled message that had our whole family talking over lunch. My son's comment was: "He got to the point and made it so I could understand it." (High praise from my pre-teen, by the way!)

The girls went to worship services, each with students their own age. They said they enjoyed the songs and the message. The younger daughter watched a puppet show, while the older got to experience Christian Drama.

The whole family agreed this was a wonderful place to experience God- not only through their worship, but especially through the people. Our reception was warm and welcoming, but not pushy or pressured. It was a really wonderful experience over-all.

There were, of course, differences from their service from our traditional Lutheran service. First of all, our services tend to be much, much more structured. We are more accustomed to a formal ritual of confession and forgiveness of sins, then specific bible verses read, in accordance with the Church calendar. We have formal prayers, and we have Communion every worship service.

Our ministers wear robes, and we have acolytes who light candles on an altar prior to the beginning of the service. We have an organ, as opposed to a band. And we are a pretty quiet group, unless it is scripted somewhere for us to speak/sing/pray.

Our conclusion was, we did miss some of the aspects of our Lutheran service: Communion for one thing (although my son said he was okay without it). However, we really enjoyed the more contemporary music and easy-going, come-as-you-are feeling we got from the minister and the musicians.

What a wonderful day it was! And what wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ are at Long Hollow Baptist Church. Praise be to God!

~Amen

Long Hollow Baptist Church is located at

3031 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Phone: Main615.824.4006Fax: 615.824.4506

www.longhollow.com

Faith Walk-About

We have three beautiful children, who are smart, curious and happy. And they have been raised in our church to be Christians, who happen to be Lutheran.

Our oldest son is getting ready to start confirmation this fall. As he is preparing for this time where he will assume the vows we took for him at his Baptism, as well as be considered an adult member of the congregation, we felt it was important for him to understand his religion's heritage, as well as how it was like/different others.

We proposed that our family would join him on a "Faith Walk-About." We are going to other churches of other religions and/or faiths to worship alongside of their congregation to praise and honor God.

We are selecting a different church each weekend. We are trying to experience as many different types of worship as possible.

When possible, we go along with friends who are members of the church we are visiting. If we know no one, we contact some elder/minister/leader of the church beforehand to ask if we may come. We want to make sure we are respectful of each congregation's preferences, whether it be how we dress, or when/if we join them for communion, or any other special circumstances/rituals of which we should be aware.

After each service, our family has a meal together. Here we discuss what we liked about the church we visited. We talk about their similarities/differences, and how we feel about them. Inevitably we end up discussing doctrine, beliefs, opinions and matters of faith. That is the root of the "Faith Walk-About:" to allow ourselves the time and space to question so that we may strengthen our walk with our Lord.

We anticipate that, yes, we will do this again with each of the girls at this time of their lives, as well. We understand that it is an entire family commitment, and that we make sacrifices to make this happen. Overnight sleepovers prior to church have all but ended in deference to picking out appropriate clothing and getting enough rest. The family has suspended responsibilities in our home church that would possibly interfere with our "Walk-About."

Ultimately, we feel this will be a wonderful learning experience for us all, and a fabulous bonding opportunity for our family. We look forward to seeing all of the ways people worship our Lord, and joining them in their praise of Him.