Actually hate that word. . .Seems to be used out of context or to bring a group of creepers in one lost cause together way too often.
Anyway, here I sit waiting for my work DELL to pull a file from the server. So I have some time on my hands. =)
I guess unity is not a bad word. But last weekend we went to a "church" (using that word lightly!) that was called simply, Unity. Should have figured it out when there were no Bibles or Hymnals in the pew or Crosses anywhere. The lady pastor seemed welcoming and kind. She kept saying things that sounded close to Christian, but left out any words like Jesus, Christ, even God. She mostly used the word Spirit with no definition. Then there was holding hands and chanting. Ok, I am an idiot not to have run out, but it was a great exercise in prayer. I felt so terrible for the people around me. This place was deceiving them all with words that meant absolutely nothing. But somehow that nothingness was going to heal them, make them happy and of course rich. I just prayed that the congregation would realize how ridiculous this was.
And the best part! The lady pastor welcomed the visitors and said we would not be seeing the offering plates passed around. Oh good! BUT wait! There are little white receptacles in the back where you can give, just so you know.
Needless to say, this Sunday we needed some CHURCH; the kind where they have Bibles, take communion and talk about Jesus. Phew!
The ushers were leading the service this week as a part of their anniversary celebration. Guess what theme was? U-N-I-T-Y. Hahaha!
19th St., though is not confused, nor afraid. They talked Jesus, Christ, Son of God, being forgiven and covered by the Lord and cared for by God.
I could not stop giggling, the fact that it was Unity Sunday was just too funny. But once I did, I noticed something. . .Remember how we used to go to a Jewish church where they danced in front. . .The Baptists aren't quite the same. But the Ushers do in fact do a little dance down the aisle. It could be weird, but its totally delightful. Its like joy in bringing fruits to the Lord.
Mari and I decided it would have been much less confusing to go to a orthodox Jewish church, or a Hindu service instead of unity of nothing church. At least it would be clear what we were talking about. It wasn't the weirdness that bothered me, it was the fuzziness. Be something! Be clear!
I guess it is okay to be unified behind a good cause. We live in the United States for goodness sake! But the unification behind nothingness is so abhorrent. Was a good lesson in understanding my own clear faith. I might be a little weird (I like to call it creative =)), but I am not fuzzy.
Ephesians 2.22 (Jew and Gentile Reconciled through Christ)
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2.22 (Jew and Gentile Reconciled through Christ)
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Usher Sunday at !9th St. Baptist Church on 16th St. =)
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