Our church is working towards a gospel meeting in April, and to prepare for it, the elders asked several classes at our congregation to visit some of the smaller churches in the metro area to promote unity. They, in turn, are invited to visit us on a Sunday evening soon. So we visited a small black congregation Sunday night. It was a true blessing to sing hymns with them! Only one other time have I been to a black church, and that was in Jackson, Mississippi. This service wasn't quite the experience that was, but their singing was loud, spirited, and most times didn't follow the notes in the book at all. We loved it! They had an "Old Testament reading" and also a "New Testament reading" and several song leaders. Also, the minister let us know that if we didn't say "AMEN," that he wouldn't know if we were really listening. So even tho it wasn't exactly the norm for us, I think several of our class members let out an "AMEN." We were truly uplifted by getting out of our comfort zones and worshipping along with them!
Afterwards, someone suggested we eat at a BBQ place not too far from there. We went and ate at "Spencer's Smokehouse." It was delicious and had a lot of good things on the menu! They are also known for their Cinnamon Rolls.
I got the BBQ Cornbread. It was a huge piece of cornbread with pulled pork and jalapenos baked right into it! Pretty good with a little BBQ sauce. A little warm for my taste, but really interesting...
Anyway, we all enjoyed the worship service and meal so much, several suggested we make it a regular event!
Let me know if you need directions...
3 comments:
I really like this post. I'm seeing more and more of this activity in the church than I saw in my younger years. I love it. We have several congregations in the Valdosta/Lowndes County area, and we do a lot of things together. We recently met at one of the all black congregations for an afternoon prayer meeting. Lots of area-wide singings, which I love. Also, in the summers here, we do our "preacher swap" and we get to hear the other brothers preach. Sorry to ramble. I like your post.
KWM
We went to Eastside C of C on Sunday & it was great too! I had goosebumps the entire time we were singing. So different than what I'm used to but it was a wonderful time of praise by all of us.....so glad we went & let our kids experience it as well.
Our class went to Putnam City c of c. We didn't get to go because our kids were practicing for LTC. My kids get the chance to see a very small congergation when we visit my folks in WI. There is only about 40 members. When we were there at Christmas, Will helped lead singing and Jemma helped my mom teach bible class.
I heard stories of others enjoying new eating estabishments.
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