One thing that’s been pretty interesting about traveling is trying different churches in different parts of the country. I have to admit that we have not gone to church every Sunday since we’ve been on the road (or even half of the Sundays, for that matter). We could definitely do a lot better; but, we have had a chance to visit quite a few in the past several months. We’ve gone to the big ones, where we can easily blend in. These are the ones where I am most comfortable. I prefer a more modern service, and I like a big crowd, so that no one really knows we’re visiting. That’s just part of my introverted nature, I suppose, but when I know that we are only going to be there for one service, I do just want to sit in the back and not be so obviously new.
We’ve also been to the small ones. In fact, we visited a church in Arkansas that had about a 50-member congregation, and the preacher actually made us stand up during the service and introduce ourselves. These were the friendliest people ever, but it was a bit awkward to rise and talk with the preacher right there between the announcements and the music.
We also had the opportunity to meet up with some friends at their church and worship with them. That was a nice experience, because we walked in already knowing a couple of the members, and felt really at home. It was also great to see how involved these friends are in their church home, and it makes me want to do a better job when we settle somewhere.
Sometimes we visit Baptist churches. Other times, we will go to a nondenominational. Today, we visited a Methodist Church. I figure it’s all the same, as long as they worship Jesus. Today’s service was about the resurrection, obviously, as it’s Easter. We sang from a hymnal, which I haven’t done in ages, and a robed choir led us in traditional music. Most churches we attend have bands and put the lyrics on a huge screen. This one was more of the kind of church I grew up in: pews, no clapping or dancing, no hands raised in the air, very calm. A hearty “Amen” might escape a mouth here and there. It also was a much older demographic. It was a nice change of pace, though. I do really prefer a contemporary service, but it’s good to get a little old-school sometimes.
We usually tithe at whatever church we are visiting, though I don’t know that this is exactly the right thing to do. Maybe we should belong to a church and send money to that one church. I don’t know, but this feels more like the right thing for the right now. So, we’ll just continue to do that while on the road.
I don’t want being in different places to be an excuse to skip out on church. The girls do a Christian school curriculum, and it’s important for them (and us) to get to church on Sundays, too. I have to say that I also liked the fact that the reverend today was a woman. I think she’s the first one of all the churches we’ve visited. I liked the girls seeing that, and I really liked that she called all the kids up for a “children’s message” on Easter before the sermon. They enjoyed being part of that special story time.
Aside from going to church this Easter Sunday, we also had a fun lunch out in town (in Lompoc, CA) at a place that had horseshoes, tetherball, and cornhole out back (fun for the girls, until they started throwing the beanbags at each other’s heads). The kids got their Easter baskets, and the bunny went overboard, which he tends to do. We did a little egg hunt inside the RV, which was a huge hit. Easter was a mix of Jesus and Bunny, which I can never really figure out how to handle just right. Jayden asked if the Easter Bunny and Jesus knew each other. How do you answer that? I said the rabbit is for fun, but Jesus is the important part. I’m so horrible at the on-the-spot, unexpected questions. I’m just glad that even though they were thrilled with their candy and treats, they also really loved the “Jesus Loves Me” necklaces that the reverend passed out to all the children.
Here are some scenes from the beach this evening. This is Wall Beach on Vandenberg Air Force Base. I hope everyone had a lovely Easter.
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