Church 55 – Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church

My sister and her husband recently move to San Bernardino, California for his job with the City. She had been there about a month and this was their first time to attend the neighborhood church. My kids and a boyfriend were in tow so there were seven attendees in our group. The church a chapel feeling. It reminded me of a Swiss Chalet with the big mountain in the background and was very charming.

The moment we sat down one of the ushers asked my brother-in-law if his family would present the gifts. OMG! It’s our first time here. The pressure mounts. We have never done this before and there was no way to wiggle out of it graciously. Two days later I couldn’t stop laughing at the bumbling gift-givers that we must have looked like as we stumbled over one another and I begged my BIL to hold the book and go first. Our reverent bow at the altar was anything but. Our timing was off. My sister wants a do-over at a later date.

My favorite part was when the prayers were read. With deep sincerity the congregation prayed for the leadership and financial well-being of the city of San Bernardino in the midst of its recent bankruptcy. The mismanagement of money affects so many people and the can has been kicked as far as it will go. People in the congregation are directly or indirectly impacted; including my sister and her husband who recently relocated there.

May God smile upon the people and families of San Bernardino.

http://www.olotasanbernardino.parishesonline.com/scripts/HostedSites/Org.asp?ID=17281

Church 54 – Redemption Church Gilbert – Christian

At Tess’ request we attended Redemption Church in Gilbert. For the most part I feel finished blogging about my experiences but if I don’t have to worry about my writing style I am still happy to share.

In a Nutshell:

Failure and Pain are great teachers.
God disciplines up like a loving father.
Pride is our greatest sin.
It’s not about us, it’s about God.
God is the most powerful.
We struggle to keep our goals, vows, plans – let it go – God will liberate us.
God does everything through us.
The goals are all God’s goals.
God will discipline us as long as it takes for us to learn the lesson.

God gives grace to the humble.
God always wins the battle. We cannot win in a battle against God.
Pride blinds us and is a lie.
God takes his relationships with us very seriously.
Rebellion = pain.
We learned about Daniel and his interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and ensuing humiliation as God brought him to his knees and humbled him.

It was actually fascinating and see a little of this knee bringing thing being played out in my own life. I feel a 12 step program coming on – We admitted we were powerless and that our lives had become unmanageable.

Ah, the joys of the journey!

Church 53 – Lakeside Christian Church – Montana

Attended Lakeside Christian Church this Father’s Day with my children while my Buddhist husband installed the tile around our Amish wood stove. Church was amazing and really helped my children finally feel part of the community. They finally bought in to the whole Montana thing and it was because of the people.

We heard that a man should be strong for his family and that young people who cannot take care of themselves or get out of bed in the morning are not ready to look for a wife. We heard that a man should earnestly determine if he was a weakling or not. Children should listen to mother and mother should not ever have to beg twice for a chore. I was loving this and was seriously hoping my children would listen. It was awesome. He was on fire! One of his favorite movies is Courageous. It’s a Christian movie about the importance of fathers in our lives. The neighbors lent us this movie and it is so good. Two thumbs up! The interesting thing about this service was that we talked about the Pastor’s message for days. It validated me as a parent and possibly made my job a little easier. I was happy that I could share the experience with my children and then ever so sweetly remind them that mother should not have to beg for chores to be completed. Now that is true joy!

After the service we attended the pot luck and the girls made so many new friends. Later in the day the kids attended an Open House while I frantically finished painting my house. They met the neighbors and played in the rain in their long prairie girl type dresses. They returned with a borrowed chainsaw and happy faces.

Week 52 – Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center – Roman Catholic

Four weeks ago I completed my 52 Churches in 52 Weeks journey. It was a crazy big day for me followed by a trip to Montana. We are now back in our summer routine and I felt as if there wasn’t any closure because after all that I never completed my final post. So here it is. Finally. Candace and I attended the Church where it all began – The Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center. I could be completely wrong but I think last year it was simply The Franciscan Renewal Center. We attended the 7pm Sunday evening mass. I’ve probably said it plenty but I love that there are so many chances to go to church within the Catholic community.

The Priest spoke about relationships and community. He stated that there is no reality outside of relationships. We could live alone in the wilderness and still have a relationship with nature. Our lives are a web of deep and interconnected relationships. He asked us to reflect on all the potential relationships that existed for us to just attend church that evening. The auto worker who built our car; the gas delivery guy who dumped the fuel in the hole at Circle K; the debit card swipe machine and the electricity to run the machine. A lot of people had to show up and do their job so that we could be present in church that evening. The network that allows for our lives to flow and function really is intricate and complicated.

He explained that the Trinity is also a relationship. A community yearns to be together. He asked us to be willing to abandon ourselves to one another, be willing to love who God loves. He shared that the universe will come alive for us and be meaningful and sacred and that God is the author of love. It makes me wonder about my own communities – family, work, kids, neighborhood, the boy sitting on my sofa hanging out with my daughter. Am I completely satisfied with the life I’ve built? Are you?

I really needed meaningful and sacred because sometimes I just have to wonder what the heck is going on. I was so happy that Candace was with me. She is such an adorable church buddy. We left after dark, took a few final photos and then I cried all the way to Ahwatukee. I just had this feeling like it wasn’t supposed to be over, that I was supposed to keep going but in all reality I was exhausted by plotting and driving and always being a voyeur. It’s really kind of rude to write about unsuspecting people who are so nice. I kept wondering – am I supposed to pick a church? There are several that I want to take my family back to. They were dynamic, motivating, inspiring places filled with Godly people. I want my girls to experience what I experienced.

I have attended church once since the end of the 52 weeks and loved the experience. I took the kids on Father’s Day while in Montana to the neighborhood church. It is a small community of mostly former Amish. They are so wonderfully devout that it makes me feel like there could actually be hope for someone like me. Candace and I drive by so many churches every day that we never made it to. She always says, “Mom there’s a church we haven’t been to yet. We have to go there.” She encourages me. Maybe I will continue on because now I know that God wants our hearts and minds for more than just 52 weeks.

Week 51 – Desert Hills Presbyterian Church

Have you ever noticed General Tso’s Chicken listed on the menu of your favorite Chinese restaurant? I swear, it’s on every Chinese menu. I see it there and occasionally wonder who is that guy? It’s a short-lived, passing and soon forgotten thought as I move through my egg drop soup straight to my Kung Pao Chicken. For me it’s the same with so much of the religious language that I know nothing about.

I will never forget this service. I am drawing to a close of my committment and the Church Goers at Desert Hills Presbyterian all wore Red today. It was quite a sight and I just had to ask the greeter. Pentecost Sunday. Darn it! There is another thing I just have no clue about! It’s always been words with no explanation, no research, no digging deeper, no asking questions. Just keep moving through the day to whatever happens to be next. The congregation looked like dedicated sports fans showing up for their favorite team. God. Today is Pentecost Sunday and my brain draws a parallel between the words Pentecost Sunday and General Tso’s Chicken. I probably need a Bible for Dummies book at this point.

Desert Hills is a beautiful church located on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway and sits at the base of the amazing Boulders that we all know so well. The church literally has rocks built right into its structure. The view from the pews is incredible.

Couple of interesting things from the service. The Minister speaks the Prayers of the People. He covered so much ground in an open prayer spoken from the heart. It was fascinating. He hit all the concerns, fears, hopes and dreams that swirl around most of us on a daily basis. Loved that!

The man who gave the sermon mentioned that he and his wife traveled to Israel several years ago and throughout their visit experienced a number of feasts and celebrations. He asked his guide about the feasts and was informed that this particular day’s feast was found in Leviticus chapter something, verse something. The feast was tied to Passover which was tied to Moses and the 10 Commandments and so on and so forth. The feasts were the result of harvest times and given as an offering to God with the understanding that all things come from God. And somehow this is all tied to Pentecost Sunday.

Today was a reminder for me. All things come from God. We are able to do what we do and hang on and move forward through Him. We are not alone, not ever. I am grateful for today, for this moment, and for the thought that Our Lord and His Son might some day be as popular in China as General Tso Chicken is in America.

http://www.deserthills.org/

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Pentecost?s=t

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-05-27

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Tso’s_chicken

Week 50 – St. Francis Xavier – Catholic

For week 50 and almost at the finish line I was cutting it so close. It was 2:30 on Sunday afternoon and I still hadn’t committed to a church! That’s one great thing about the Catholic church – so many chances to get to Mass. Saturday afternoon before any possible sinning on Saturday night, three times Sunday morning after any sinning has occurred, a Sunday lunch Mass and finally, if you were really naughty and couldn’t drag yourself from bed, a Sunday evening Mass.

I picked St. Francis Xavier on Central and Highland in Phoenix next to the Brophy/Xavier campuses. I had not been to this church since I was a freshman in high school. It was so much bigger than I remember. St. Francis Xavier is in a great location and is a very beautiful church – which is something I just love. I see the expression of man’s love for God in architecture and art. I love the rich detail, columns, colors, flowers, alters, crosses and art. Beautiful.

I have mental checklist of churches I have categorized and for me, if you could cross devout Catholic architecture with a Rock ‘N Roll Christian church you would have something that would seriously hold my interest. I always feel like the Rock ‘N Roll churches are more of an entertainment venue with stage. I like to see Jesus and the Virgin Mary in church. It’s just me:).

The priest was an energetic, happy-go-lucky type of guy. Maybe it’s just a Jesuit Thing? He spoke about how we are not very good listeners and challenged us to live in this world as if we were already living in heaven. That is an interesting thought. Who will you be once you reach heaven? He cautioned us against being caught up in the world and asked us to make sacrifices to avoid the sin that is our free will. God could bring us into perfect order but that would limit our freedom. The spirit of God is the breath of life.

He closed with mention that we could all join him in the parking lot to see the eclipse and he was thrilled that God had created such a perfect universe that gave us these unique gifts every so often.

A beautiful church and a good evening.

http://www.sfxphx.org/

Week 49 – Satellite Religions TV – Breakfast & Church in Bed!

I was saving “Church in Bed” for a time when I might be ill and that just never happened on a Sunday so I used it on Mother’s Day instead! What an awesome option for people who just can’t get there due to age, health, circumstance. I woke up early to get church done before the big family brunch at my parents home. Worried that my day might spin out of control, as it usually does, I hid in my bedroom so that I could focus and hear. I found the perfect channel somewhere on the dish between the Brazilian Butt Lift and the Chinese International News Channel. Ahhh Modern Technology.

The first religious show I came upon was the Jewish Voice Ministries International on the Angel Channel featuring author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn. He wrote a biblical explanation of our trying times called The Harbinger. It was frightening and fascinating. He was so compelling that I ordered his book. The Amazon synopsis of his book describes the following: “Before its destruction as a nation, ancient Israel received nine harbingers, prophetic omens of warning. The same nine harbingers are now manifesting in America with immediate ramifications for end-time prophecy. Hidden in an ancient biblical prophecy from Isaiah, the mysteries revealed in The Harbinger are so precise that they foretold recent American events down to the exact days. The revelations are so specific that even the most hardened skeptics will find it hard to dismiss or put down. It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller with one exception… IT’S REAL.”

The host of the show, Jonathan Bernis, sees that the cloth is falling off the eyes of Jews with respect to the second coming of Jesus. There was talk of famines, pestilence, rise of natural disasters, wars and rumors of war – at this point I was starting to question the wisdom of Church in Bed. What a way to start a beautiful day. The Rabbis spoke of our “last days” and that we must occupy a place for Jesus until his return. His organization will go anywhere in the world where Jews need their help. He was not attached to a Mayan collapse in 2012 as so many are – whew! I am a big believer that the Mayans just need to get a new calendar. Barnes and Nobel has an amazing year-end selection. Still, I was riveted and I am going to read the book.

Link to his book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Harbinger-ancient-mystery-Americas/dp/161638610X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336921383&sr=8-1

The TV Show’s Website – http://www.jewishvoice.org/site/PageServer

Shalom and God Bless.

For my second 30 minute segment I watched Dr. David Jeremiah on Turning Point. The discussion was on Changing Your Mind to Change Your Life. God doesn’t want us waiting around to figure out what his will for us is. He wants us to take action right now to do his will right now with what we have and who we are. He asks us to make a radical decision right now, to avoid being conformed to the world, and to fight the battle of TV, Internet, and the World on behalf of our young children. We must conform our lives to God and he will transform us. God will renew our minds. We need to fill our lives with the Word of God. The Pastors whole life is dedicated to sharing the Word of God through ministry, cds, books, sermons, classes, etc. A sharp contrast to my own life where I my time is spent jumping pond rocks day-to-day to get to the other side. He asks us to become submissive to the Word of God and we will become New in Him.

If we listen to our Creator he will give us the most exciting, thrilling lives on the planet. We must be strong examples of Christians. No one drifts toward holiness. We drift toward sin and must be proactive in life for God. It is a conscious choice. I have to admit I was no longer afraid by the 7:00 a.m. segment, although I have ordered that scary doomsday book to add to my growing collection!

I was inspired and wanting to make big changes in my life. I will start by cancelling my extra 200 channels. No more Disney and Cartoon channels with snotty, overly cute characters setting the example of how to act for my impressionable 5-year-old. Do these shows make your kids feel like their lives just aren’t good enough or what? We need less drama and way more rock solid real.

Turning Point TV Show: http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/default.aspx

It’s so interesting to see the contrast between last weeks start-up church in Ahwatukee and churches that have made it to satellite tv. There is so much variety in pace, personality, scope and mission. It’s another way that God reaches out for us using his sales force of rabbis, pastors, ministers, nuns and priests. Love it.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s in your life.

Week 48 – Relevant Church – Christian

At Markyay’s encouragement we attended a very new start-up Church in a school cafeteria in our neighborhood. We saw their signs posted around the neighborhood advertising their Saturday night 5:00 p.m. service. I was game for church, dinner and the Avengers at AMC. It was such a fun evening and I loved it because I am perpetually behind on everything in our personal lives. Family Management needs to be a career choice. Is it just me or is there so much stuff to have to pay attention to – insurance, investments or lack thereof, college apps, SAT exams, schedules, doctor appointments, etc?

The Pastor and Assistant Pastor had both recently moved their families to Ahwatukee at God’s encouragement. At the 5pm service it was basically the families of the Pastors, my girls and I and three others. Maybe less than 20 people in the cafeteria. It was interesting that for such a new church they have all their marketing materials, slide shows, music and service all worked out. I was reading on the St. Helen Catholic Church website that they started in 1977 with a handful of families and 30+ years later they serve over 2100 families. All churches must start somewhere and it was kind of exciting to really see a church in its infancy. The Pastors are very experienced and their kids served as greeters. It was so adorable.

Pastor Dan Rogers is an engineer which is really cool because sometimes science minded people don’t believe in God; they believe in science. He is a student of Hebrew and referred to the Greek several times. The language aspect, translations passed down through time and the cultural understanding of religion or scripture are fascinating. He recommends that if we have trouble reading and understanding the Old Testament the best book to start reading in the bible is the Book of John. I am actually going to try to do this. He explained that God is not simple but complex. God exists outside of time and views time from the end of time looking back toward the beginning of time. Hmmmm…that’s cool. He reminded us that we are fallen people living in a fallen world and sin corrupts us. It is just so.

The Pastor spoke of Tithing and it’s importance in our lives. Interesting twist that I just finished the final class of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class this week. The chapter was on Giving. Dave Ramsey says that God is so awesome that he doesn’t need our money – he is God after all. ALL the money is already his. The act of tithing is a reminder to us. God literally gave his only son to wipe away our sins. The least that we can do is be generous and Give 10% of our income. I believe that giving and being generous offers my family a certain level of protection.

The Saturday night service is held once a month and is a bible study of sorts. I learned a lot about how God humbled himself by becoming flesh and Jesus is our way out. During his time on earth Jesus did everything we would expect God to do. He lived without sin, he stated that he is one with the father and that the father lives in him. It was so interesting.

The families were so nice and I hope they grow an amazing church that furthers Gods goals on our planet.

http://relevantchurchaz.org/

Link to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University which teaches a bible based approach to managing your money and finances. http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu

Week 47 – Impact Church – Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton

On Sunday for round 2 of our Week 47, and at Marykay’s request, we re-visited Impact Church near Scottsdale airpark with our cousin Natalie. The guest speaker was Bethany Hamilton, the surfer whose arm was bitten off by a shark in Hawaii. We have seen her movie Soul Surfer at least 5 times. It is such an amazing story and makes you think if she could overcome a shark attack and be back in the water 30 days later, you could probably survive just about anything. Her story and faith in God’s plan for her is truly inspiring.

Bethany has a great sense of humor and she went on to become a professional surfer who does speaking engagements all over the country. The crowd was predominately parents and their young pre-teen girls. The Pastor was very funny and casually mentioned that he was used to the paparazzi environment in church because he gets that all the time too. The cameras and video cams were out in full force. He also asked her not to tell Larry Fitzgerald that she brought in a LOT more people than Larry did the week before. Amazing!

Her goal with the movie was to glorify God. She and her mother have spent time praying for guidance in how to best glorify God through their lives and had to work very hard to keep the “sharks” in Hollywood from changing the direction of the movie. Each day they felt that they had to keep Hollywood honest through script re-writes so that the faith aspect of her story was honored. I think The Vow with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum suffered a similar predicament.

Bethany talked about a surfing phenomenon called the Impact Zone where you are pummeled again and again by brutal waves. The Pastor felt that when our lives were in the Impact Zone; even though it is painful and exhausting we come out in a better, stronger place afterwards. I also thought it interesting that when they surf through those gorgeous tunnels they are lucky to get 1 second of tunnel time. Bethany said 5 seconds of surfing the wave tunnel was rad. Can you imagine all that work for 1-5 seconds? Now that’s dedication.

Bethany does raise money for her foundation: http://www.friendsofbethany.com/
Soul Surfer the Movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596346/
Impact Church: http://www.impactchurch.com/

Week 47 – St. Helen Catholic Church and Impact Church – 2 for 1 Weekend!

In week 47 I attended St. Helen Catholic Church for the First Communion and Confirmation of my youngest nephew, Troy. It was such a special experience for the family and we celebrated with a party and gifts afterward. We were in the hall in overflow seating and it was a little difficult to hear but we snuck into the main church right before communion and were actually able to see the whole thing. It was fun.

The Priest was from Uganda and spoke of past turmoil in his country. I believe it is very difficult to attract men to the Priesthood in America but can you imagine being a young man in a far off land where the possibility of the priesthood might be the difference between your next meal and starvation. He spoke of being a Catholic as a young boy but going to services with the Protestants for Easter and Christmas because they served meat and bread. This meal nourished him physically like the Holy Eucharist nourishes us spiritually.

I recently heard that 1500 Pastors leave their ministries each week because of all the stress related to the responsibility. That just sounds so high and so sad. Makes me wonder what we can all do to support those who serve in this capacity just a little more.

It was a very good day and we were so happy to share it with Troy.

Link to St. Helen: http://www.sthelenglendale.org/

Week 46 – Jain Center of Greater Phoenix – India

Candace and I ventured out for a new experience Sunday when we attended the Jain Center in Phoenix near Southern and 23rd Avenue. The Jain Center neighbors a new Hindu Temple so I will have to add that to my list.

This center reminded me so much of the Sikh Temple my mom and I visited in Glendale. Men on the left, women on the right, seated on the floor, amazing silks, colors, jewels, make-up. Love it and I really need a Sari. They are fabulous and so feminine. Candace and I brought scarves to cover our heads but this was not a requirement here.

According to their brochure the Jain religion is predominately found in India and is one of the worlds oldest. Jains believe in conquering their passions, desires and wild animal instincts. I think the early humans must have been very naughty as this concept of self-control is present in many religions. Jain philosophy harmonizes the religious, scientific, spiritual and physical aspects of daily life. Jains believe in Karma and practice compassion, forgiveness, vegetarianism and meditation.

There are three tenents: Non-Violence and minimizing injury toward humans, animals insects and plants. This new-found knowledge has me pondering my use of weed killer and bug spray. And I now feel sorry for all those scorpions we flushed down the toilet. Even the ones we found in the sheets and crawling across the kitchen counter. I am a big believer in the delicate balance of my karmatic universe and now I am concerned. So much to consider!

The second Tenent is Non-One-Sideness meaning that what is true from one point of view can be open to question from another. Perception of reality changes depending on the state, time and place of the viewer. I know this to be true when I factor in my husband Goro.

The third Tenent is Non-Possessiveness or a vow to limit our consumption and accumulations to avoid greed and help the ecology. We must restrain ourselves. Again, the concept of restraint. Interesting because we live in such a consumer driven society. I am guessing that many of us are more aware of our consumption and its cost these days. It is ever-present on my mind!

Sunday was the children’s program with skits, songs and the presenting of religious artifacts. My favorite pictures is the one of all the dads lined up with their cameras. So many cultures adore their children and just enjoy capturing the moment. The adults took their turn in singing and leading prayer but by this time Candace had grown tired and was ready for lunch. Taking Candace with me to places where I obviously “don’t belong” allows me to be viewed, I believe, with less suspicion and at the same time it’s a little hard to focus on the message because she can be such a handful.

We were fine for the most part because this Center was loosely organized and had a free-flowing, noisy, come as you please type of environment. It seems that with many of the eastern religions being on time is not that important. A good day in all. Glad we went.

Here is the Link to the Jain Center: http://www.jcgp.org/

Week 45 – Our Lady of Sorrows – Roman Catholic Latin Mass

Set out Sunday morning without a plan and ended up at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Latin Mass. Sometimes God just puts you where He wants you to be. This church is located on a narrow stretch of land, tucked behind a gate and pine trees at 7th Street and Baseline in South Phoenix.

Our Lady of Sorrows is very traditional. The women wear modest clothing and lacy veils covering their heads. The men wear proper suit type attire and there is not a pair of jeans or flip-flops in sight. I had the sense that I was among very devout people. The altar boys wore frocks that harkened back to days long gone – for most of us anyway.

I entered the Church just a few minutes late and realized I had placed myself in line for confession. Old fashion doors with a light indicating “occupied” awaited. Yikes! I haven’t done that since I was 14 years old. Amazing how long the line was. And so many children ready to give away their sins. How brave.

The Priest was a passionate, compelling, convicted, imploring speaker focused on the care of our souls and sacred places. He cautioned us against letting darkness into our lives through tv, video and music. We must protect ourselves and our souls. I was so moved that I actually considered joining this church when my 52 weeks are up.

The altar was amazingly beautiful with the Virgin Mary in soft pastel creams, pinks and blues. It was adorned with crisp white cloth trimmed in golden thread. As a big believer in honoring God through art and creating beautiful spaces as an expression of our love for Him, I was in love with this church.

The Mass was conducted in English with all the prayers in Latin. I had expected the entire Mass to be in Latin so this was just perfect. I am open to not having a clue via language but it’s good to really hear the message in the vernacular. The kneelers were much harder than I was used to but I suppose bones cracking is a small price to pay in comparison for the price Jesus paid on the cross.

To learn more please visit: http://ourladyofsorrows.org/

Our Lady of Sorrows is raising funds to build a large church on the adjoining property and is accepting our donations in the event you have a little extra cash to spare see the link above.

Week 44 – St. Katherine Greek Orthodox – Orthodox

Dropped my girls for Japanese lessons in Mesa and headed to Chandler for Saturday services at St. Katherine’s. It is a very nice church and of course I was once again spotted as a newcomer. Interestingly enough, the most friendly woman, Maria, met me at my chosen pew and swooped me away to her pew. She is the Priest’s wife! Did you even know that Orthodox Priests could marry?

She explained that the Catholic Church does not allow Priests to marry due to property rights but that in the Orthodox Church a Priest could declare his intentions in seminary – to marry or to lead a life of celibacy. She explained that her husband was called to the church by God and that the decision to be celibate is also a calling. Her husband obviously was not called to celibacy. She felt that in the Orthodox religion the Priests have a lot to offer their flock because they can be husbands and fathers and this adds a relatable element to them. As the mass went along she explained to me many of the differences between the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches. It was interesting stuff.

I loved sitting with her because while the service was in both Greek and English she explained everything to me; all the symbolism, prayers, chants, rituals, everything. It was such a great spiritual lessons. I kept wondering if we were going to get in trouble for talking in church but hey! she is the wife of the Priest. She sits on the right side third or fourth row from the front if you ever go. Sit with her. I am sure she would absolutely love to share her faith and story with you.

I was particularly intrigued when she stated that most people don’t actually know their faith or the meaning behind their rituals. I would have to raise my hand in the affirmative on that one. St. Katherine’s had a red book that explains every part of the mass. You can follow along and know that at this very moment, Angels surround the Priest, her husband! That could be a very good thing and I hope Angels surround me, at least once in a while.

I loved when she said that her husband was a sinner and did a cute little smirk and then kindly stated that we are all sinners. She just had such a great personality that I believed being the wife of the Priest must be so much fun. And probably a lot of work too. She considered her marriage to him for quite some time because to be the wife of the Priest must a calling for her as well. God pressed it upon her heart in a dream that to marry this man was a protection for both of them.

The service was very much like the Serbian Orthodox Church I attended in Week 21 except that this was in Greek, not Serbian. The Priest conducted many of the rituals from behind decorative screens, with incense and purple and gold robes made from the most incredible cloth. The art was amazing, bold, colorful. Love that.

Maria is Greek American and her husband was raised as an Irish Catholic. He converted to the Orthodox church during seminary and has brought many converts to his church. I was also told that in the Orthodox church only the Orthodox can take communion but that I was welcome to go up for a blessing. I declined. The communion was given in a way I had never seen before. The chalice had the communion and wine in it and the Priest scooped it from the chalice directly into their mouths. They had to sort of hunker down to receive it and another priest wiped their chins with a cloth. Maria explained that if you were not right with God, taking communion could cause you to burn. It is only through God’s mercy and grace that we become worthy to receive.

I feel like I am mostly right with God but I often take communion without deep reflection or thought. It’s just what’s next in the service so I go along. I will have to ponder this revelation. Maria explained that the Orthodox believe that the bread is the flesh and the wine is the body of Christ. It is not symbolic. It IS the body and blood. In other churches they serve water or juice. Fascinating how much variety is out in the world.

In the past 44 weeks there has only been one ritual I did not participate in that I could have and I regretted that I had not allowed myself the full experience. I have done everything – even in the Mosque. When I attended the Serbian Orthodox Church I did not go to the front to kiss the Icon, the Cross or the Priest’s Hand. I had just seen the global germ fest movie Contagion with Kate Winslet and Matt Damon and was so not interested in kissing something that 100 other people had just kissed. Today, I am somewhat happy to report that I participated by kissing the hand of the Priest while Maria introduced me to her husband, aka Father Armstrong.

She also explained that when the economy took a dive in 2008 the church suffered greatly as donations decreased significantly. I would like to take a moment to pray for a full on, strong economic recovery so that people can get back on their feet, pay fewer taxes, feel healed financially and donate to their local churches and charities. I would love to see a trickle up recovery where we the people feel generous, confident and secure. Can you tell that April 15th is just a week away and I owe!?

I feel a little guilty doing a recap on everything that Maria shared with me but at the same time I felt that she gave me a much deeper experience than if I had sat in the pew across from her. Thank you St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox and many blessings on their faithful.

Link to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox – http://www.st-katherine.org/Home.html

Week 43 Self-Realization Fellowship – Kriya Yoga Temple

With talk of Swamis, Krishna, Monks, silent meditation, fragrant incense and many OOOOMMMMMs later I was not exactly sure what I had chosen to participate in this past Sunday. Nevertheless, it was interesting. This Fellowship center is located on Central Avenue just north of Bethany Home and is surrounded by green trees and the old Bridal Path.

Etiquette rule number one: if you will be participating in silent meditation make sure you eat breakfast before hand. My stomach was so loud that at one point I actually giggled. This definitely did not help me find my third eye and may have prevented my seat mate from also finding true enlightenment.

SRF has a distinct Indian style although there were very few Indians there. At the altar were portraits of the 5 Krishnas and Jesus Christ. I was surprised by the recognition of Jesus but later learned that SRF regards him as an Eastern Mystic. The leader gave several bible examples of Jesus practicing the art of meditation and healing as handed down from ancient India. Here is an example as interpreted by SRF: Matthew 6:22 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (King James Version). As explained to us – this is Jesus utilizing his third eye to fill himself with light. It’s fascinating how people can look at the same things and see different things. I would have never guessed that. And then it makes me wonder – where was Jesus from the time he was 12 until he was about 30 years old. I have heard that he may have traveled through Asia. Perhaps he also trekked through India? The plot thickens.

The group leader taught us how to naturally find our third eye. In the spirit of Easter we were to go to our third-eye and look for Jesus there. With all the silence, stomach hunger and inexperience I must admit that I was unable to see him. I will try again another time. The concept sounds very interesting and apparently takes some people longer than others to develop. When you feel the pull of a magnet like presence on your forehead I think you are close! I had always wondered if meditation is the same as prayer? After this experience I kind of think not.

Self Realization Fellowship was started by Paramahansa Yogananda who is widely respected as the father of yoga in the west. Kriya Yoga is a sacred spiritual science originating thousands of years ago in India. SRF has many reading materials that you can pick up along the service to help you understand. Their website is very detailed. I would go again just to learn something new and see if I could get my third eye to open. I do kind of wonder what is just beyond this dimension that I cannot see with my two physical eyes. And one last thing! Skip the kids and bring your mom instead.

http://www.phoenixtemple.org/

Week 42 – Impact Church – Christian

At the blast email invitation of my State Farm Insurance Agent, Roz Bankston, Marykay and I attended church with her and her husband, Herb in North Scottsdale. It was so much fun. Roz has been my agent for probably 14 years and this was my first time to actually meet her. I love technology. If you didn’t care about going out in the world you could do almost everything in your jammies from home.

On this Sunday, they had a Revival Rock Out. It was awesome. It was a very diverse crowd with about a 50/50 black/white ratio. The Pastor had a great sense of humor and taught the white attendees how to clap on the up beat. Or was that the down beat? I don’t know because I actually can’t clap at all. For me it’s a coordination thing!

He spoke about the Book of Daniel. Daniel, unashamed took a stance against the King because of his faith in God. The King issued a 30 day no prayer decree. Anyone caught praying would be thrown to the lion’s den. Daniel took a stand and openly disobeyed. daniel was thrown to the lion’s den and he was protected by God. This led the pastor to his guest speakers, Basketball players A.C. Green and Cedric Ceballos, both Christian men who continue to take a stand. I was in Tokyo during their prime years in basketball so unfortunately I didn’t recognize their names but you might.

A.C. Green became a Christian at 17 years old after a Young Life retreat when an Alter Call invited all people willing to accept Christ in their lives to the front. Being 6’7″ and black he didn’t want to go first. God nudged him and after the third Alter Call he was the first to step up. The devil feeds on our insecurities and is a liar that keeps us down. A.C. focused on Matthew 6:33 – ‘Seek God first and But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ He believed that if he gave God his ALL this included his body. He took a stance like Daniel and declared that he would be a virgin until marriage. He believed that God wanted him to be a light in a dark place (the NBA) and happily declared that God is the ultimate head coach! The pastor pointed out that A.C.’s career spanned the generations between Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant; two men who may have succumbed to the dark place where A.C. let his light shine.

The pastor reminded us that we all have an arena – whether it is our family, our jobs or our school. We can choose to consciously live our lives to honor God.

It was such a fun day. Impact Church is in the Scottsdale Airpark. Larry Fitzgerald will be the guest speaker on April 22nd if you want to hear him speak on his faith.

More information here: http://www.impactchurch.com/

Link to our family State Farm insurance agent – http://www.statefarm.com/agent/US/AZ/Tempe/Roz-Bankston-5WM5M1YS000

Week 41 – Esperanza Lutheran Church

So big confession on this church. I have driven by this beautiful church every day for 8 years. I attended the service today. I sat down to write this blog and had thought I attended an Episcopalian church. When looking at the brochure it seriously hit me that it was a Lutheran church. Hmmm… So sorry Esperanza Lutheran! Maybe it’s a signage issue?

It reminded me of the Catholic Mass and the Episcopalian service in many ways. The Pastor wore the black shirt and white-collar. Many of the words and prayers were similar. Hands were held during The Our Father. We gave one another the sign of peace and communion was given.

The Pastor did not give a sermon but instead had a guest speaker to talk of the progress of the church’s efforts to help repair a rural school in Tanzania. There were many photos and it was very interesting. For approximately $8400 US a covered concrete and rock pathway was created so that the children could go from class to class without sliding down the steep mud embankments. They were also able to complete a large classroom to educate more children.

The church had guest singers Bill and Kate Isles. And oh dang how I wish I could sing. It is such an amazing gift. It’s like supermodels for the voice. Is that natural or is only like 5% of the population really able to sing like that? So much can be conveyed and accomplished through music. Here is their link – definitely worth a Facebook Like!
http://www.reverbnation.com/billkateisles

A couple of things I liked about this church – it is so interesting to look at and they had a bible at each chair. I never know what to expect. Sometimes you really wish you had a bible and other times the churches flash the words on the screen. And I know I can download the Bible app to my Droid and scroll my way through church – I just don’t want anyone thinking I’m texting.

I also thought their welcome message to people of all shapes and sizes, family structure, sexuality etc. was fascinating. I have seen this a couple of times and I see it both as a positive and as a little sad that it even has to be said. We live with so much insecurity about who we are as people. I would like to think that we can see beyond the external and situational directly into the core of the person – right to their soul and that our bodies and experiences are simply a vehicle as we pass through this life. I posted the photo of the Welcome message.

New thought from today’s church – Love Others wastefully. Love that concept big time.

And here is the link to Esperanza Lutheran – maybe it’s that first E that threw me off all these years? http://www.myesperanza.org/

Week 40 – Lakeside Christian Church

During spring break we traveled to our home in NW Montana to do a mini-remodel and settle in. I attended the Lakeside Christian Church near the Canadian border. Many of the residents of this particular town are Amish and our property directly neighbors the one-room Amish school-house. This church reminded me of the Mennonite Church in many ways although they identify as Christians, not Mennonites. I later learned that many of the congregation were raised Amish. The Amish religion was originally a branch off from the Mennonite Church so the two have a history.

The service lasted two and half hours, followed by lunch and community. I only stayed for the service because I had to roll paint in our new abode. It was a great opportunity to meet many of my neighbors and I was able to offer my home for the upcoming Men’s Retreat later this month.

The music was amazing – all a capella and led by a young man with the most incredible voice. The people would pick the songs from the pews and at one point it seemed like the left side sang one part of a song and the right side sang another. It was stunning.

The women wore simple dresses with flowers and the traditional Mennonite style bonnet. The men, plaid shirts. There were many children with a typical family taking a full row or two of pews. The children were so well-behaved and I sat near the family who rented our house before we moved in.

The cross was raw wood, big, simple and held two large bolt like nails where Jesus’ hands would have been. I found these same types of nails in the closets of my Amish built home.

Many men contributed during the service, speaking, praying, sharing on behalf of their families, thanking the Lord and giving commentary on the sermon given by the minister. It was so fascinating. I took six pages of notes while trying to capture it all. There were talks on entering our new lives in Christ with energy and passion and 20 years later being a little less passionate and a little more worn out, being merciful, finding grace, living our lives to serve God and not self and finally a discussion on marriage. At the end a mic was passed for prayer requests, confessions and sharing.

I couldn’t find a website for the church but I kind of of figured they just don’t need one! A good experience.

Week 39 – Lamb of God Lutheran Church – Lutheran

My goal this Sunday was early and nearby. I almost feel guilty being so calculating in trying to balance attending services and getting all my other life stuff done. There is truly never enough time. Lamb of God is literally one-quarter of a mile away. It’s the place I vote. Except that I have never ventured past the lobby when voting.

I invited Candace to attend with me but she boldly informed me that I needed to go on my own today because it was a holiday and she had a lot to do. Hmmm… It’s kind of sad when your 5 year-old declines and you realize you haven’t properly laid the foundation. I felt a moment of panic that the year better end soon so I can get my family on a regular church service pattern. I waffle between thinking that I’ll never attend church after the year is over and thinking I need to commit for the sake of my children. Hopefully it’s not too late for them.

This church is beautifully built right against a massive rock wall, high up on a hill in Ahwatukee. The altar base is a huge rock plucked straight from the wall outside. The natural lighting is amazing. I see so many differences in architecture, lighting and concept at the churches I visit that I often wonder about people who design them. What goes into the process of developing the concept? Is this a committee thing or a kit you order from an on-line church building company? If you were to design a place of worship would it be functional, simple, ornate, dim, bright, have an alter, a cross, or a vase of flowers? Would there be candles and what do they symbolize? Would there be a stage to rock out on or a quiet place to reflect? Would your church be a tribute to God in its beauty? Would it make you feel small like a pebble on a beach or a star in the sky? Would there be a garden view or no windows at all – like our modern schools? Next time to you go to church look around. What do you see? How does it make you feel?

The Lutherans do observe Lent and we learned that as humans we need Divine Intervention to be saved from our sins. Sin separates us from God. The Pastor asked that we not take our sins lightly. There are so many things in life that are beyond us and only God can intervene on our behalf. Only God gives life and only God gives eternal life.

On this Sunday baby Natalie was baptized. The water was symbolic of God putting his mark on her and claiming her as his own just her parents put their signature on her adoption papers and claimed her as their own. It was a really emotional and happy moment for the family.

I remember the sense of urgency I had to baptise my own children. I wanted them protected. The solid rock altar and my sweet Candace remind me that I have not fully done my job as a parent in preparing their spiritual and religious foundation. If we do not make a decision early on to have God as the central part of their lives where will they put their faith, hope and trust? What will they believe in? Will they flounder through life always searching for meaning? Will they look for happiness in man-made things that will eventually disappoint? I will do better.

Here is the link to the Lamb of God Church – http://www.mylambofgod.org/

Week 38 – St. James – Roman Catholic

On the 4th Sunday of each month St. James celebrates the Mass in Swahili for African Catholics. Except for today because of Lent! My mom and I will have to circle back around after Easter to attend what I expect to be a very interesting cultural experience. I am especially looking forward to hearing the African Choir. It’s amazing to me that people can travel a world and a half away and still find their little jewel in the desert where they can hear Mass in their own language. Faithful people with a common bond do tend to find one another. It makes me happy for them.

Today’s Priest was very upbeat and positive. With a beautiful purple robe and a thick African accent he conducted the first Mass of Lent and reminded us that Lent is a time of sorrow and sadness. We learn to rely on God to guide us through our journey. Sometimes we are lost and we must go back or recalculate; much like our GPS does. We should proceed with caution, prayer and fasting. Lent is a time to recalculate our course to be in alignment with God’s will. God does not want us to be lost. Jesus came to show us the way.

And then it hit me! I realized that I don’t actually even know what Lent is. I know it comes right after Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. I know that New Orleans and Rio De Janeiro have a very big party – I suspect a greeting card company might be responsible. I know that the Wednesday following the gluttonous day of partying is Ash Wednesday but I don’t actually know what that means either. What is the marking of the ashes on the head symbolic of? Is that a Catholic thing or do other churches do that too? I know that people obsess about what they are going to give up for 40 days so that they can suffer in some small measure just as Jesus suffered for us. I don’t think I have ever really given up anything. It is like a New Year’s resolution that only last a few days? If I were to give up something it would have to be cussing or spending money or dwelling on things I simply cannot control but I am not even sure that this is in the correct spirit of Lent. I guess it’s time to break out my Catholic For Dummies book!

The more I sit in various houses of worship, the more I get hooked to the idea of the story and how well it is expressed so that someone like me could ever hope to get a clue. I have heard words, words, words, words my whole life and unless I have a point of reference I am culturally illiterate. Church is really a weekly snippet and you have to be actively listening. My sister once told me that The Chronicles of Narnia mirror the bible. Uh? Never would have guessed that one. It also makes me wonder how many other people there are just like me sitting in pews across America who let it all just wash over them and not hear the message or the gift that we are meant to. Maybe it’s time to ask for a new God Positioning System to get me found. 🙂

Ash Wednesday Explained! http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2001/02/Ash-Wednesday-Primer.aspx

And I found this explanation of Lent – http://reflections.cyberpastor.net/bible/what-is-lent/

And the link to St. James Roman Catholic Church – We will be back for the Swahili Mass! http://www.stjames-greater.com/

Week 37 – Unity of Phoenix – Christian

Attended church this weekend with my Aunt Kathy. As a child she had gone to Unity of Phoenix with her grandfather; my great-grandfather. Years ago it relocated to 16th Street and Greenway from its original location at 15th Avenue and Northern.

The most fascinating thing for me was the meditation time. I have never meditated before and it was amazing. The Pastor and pianist led a collective meditation which eased into quiet. You could have heard a pin drop. That many people all meditating – it was powerful. I felt my entire body relax and my mind cleared. It physically felt very different to me than prayer. I often get lost in prayer and second guess my prayers as they ricochet around in my brain. Maybe I am asking too much or being selfish, or I’m praying for the wrong things – see how that works!? Meditation was completely different. It was very freeing.

The Pastor then spoke on the topics of order and zeal explaining there is a natural order to the all things. A seed is planted, it soaks in the soil, it sprouts, grows and flowers in that order. The natural order cannot be changed. We tend to rush the natural order of things with our impatience. The Pastor’s mother would often say to him, “Everything in Divine Order, Everything is in the Right Place at the Right Time. Divine Order is Established in my Mind, my Life and my Body.” He would repeat this back to her with a little attitude until one day he realized that his situation had not changed but he had. He began to believe and understand the natural order of what God had in store for him. I love this concept and have often felt this in my own life. I think I should make a T-shirt or wall calendar with this mantra on it to remind me that I AM actually in the right place because I have been doubting that on so many levels.

Reverend Maraj was reminiscent of a motivational speaker while he talked on zeal and enthusiasm. It was very engaging! We have a choice about how we approach our days. We can jump out of bed each day with purpose and zeal, or not. Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm. We need to sizzle!

One of the things I liked about this church was that they put their core beliefs in their welcome booklet. I have seen that in other churches in the form of mission statements or banners. It’s interesting. Unity describes itself as “Positive, Practical Christianity” not focused on Original Sin but on Original Blessings. Unity also has a fabulous Christian gift and book store. Take a peek sometime.

To visit this church click here: http://www.unityphx.org/