Searching: I’ve been looking for a church that projects relevance to my stage of Christian development. In this quest I have visited and worshiped with many streams of religious persuasion. Assuming this may be an issue for many in the Anchorage area, I offer in this blog brief accounts of my visits. The criteria I use in evaluating my visits are:
• Did the church project friendliness and warmth?
• Did I truly feel welcomed?
• Did I relate to the main teaching and was it delivered effectively?
• Did music merely entertain or did it deepen the worship experience?
Map to churches I have visited.
My email: churchvisits@gmail.com
Chris Thompson, an amateur biblical scholar and student of religions, is a member of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) and Society for Biblical Literature (SBL). He enjoys AAR/SBL where he studies, first hand, with worldwide religious scholars. A management consultant, skilled in all aspects of 360-degree feedback programs and human resource management systems, he practices these skills as Workforce Consulting. He lives in Anchorage.
ON THE WEB
Google map with visited churches
As I visit churches, I'll post their locations on this map.
Coming...Christian Church of Anchorage - 9/3/2008 1:38 pm
Podcasts/Godcasts...The Darker Side Pt. 2 - 8/30/2008 12:33 pm
Christ Community Church…A Somewhat Closed Experience - 8/21/2008 9:55 am
Can a Podcast be a Godcast? Part 1 - 8/16/2008 7:47 pm
Youth Lead Sunday Evening Service…A Pleasant First! - 8/12/2008 4:09 pm
Anchorage City Church…Charismatically Quiet - 8/4/2008 11:02 pm
But what about theology? - 7/30/2008 1:42 pm
Holy Family Cathedral: Warm, Friendly and Catholic - 7/26/2008 9:50 pm
Foreign missionaries to the U.S. or even Alaska, can it be true? - 7/22/2008 2:46 pm
First church I've visited not using musical instruments, but they can sing! - 7/16/2008 10:39 am
Protestantism Declining, Catholicism Steady, and No Religious Affiliation Rising According to Pew Forum Report - 7/10/2008 4:33 pm
Surprised at Abbott Loop Community Church - 6/28/2008 10:52 am
N.T. Wright, a New Testament Scholar Worth Discovering - 6/27/2008 4:56 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church...Reserved But Warm - 6/20/2008 8:52 am
Is it Unrealistic for a Visitor to Expect a Warm Welcome? - 6/19/2008 6:14 pm
Rabbit Creek Community Church: Warm and Welcoming - 6/14/2008 4:07 pm
It's About Time...To Post Worship Service Times Prominently on Church Websites - 6/12/2008 9:48 am
Faith...It's Not Just a Religious Term - 6/10/2008 2:57 pm
Five Church Visits Down - Pause for Reflection - 6/4/2008 11:00 pm
ABT - Is Bigger Better? - 5/27/2008 4:20 pm
Huddling with the Congregationals - 5/23/2008 2:00 pm
Changes Coming to ChangePoint? - 5/19/2008 10:24 pm
Posted: May 9, 2008 - 12:03 pm
First Presbyterian Church: This church has an inspiring, worshipful décor accented by a wonderful stained glass window in the front of the sanctuary.
Exterior: First Presbyterian Church is located at 616 W. 10th Ave.
On April 6, I visited First Presbyterian Church (616 W. 10th, 272-6411) to see any evident changes since previous visits several years ago. Upon entering, I received a warm but official greeting from an elderly greeter. I made my way to my seat without further contact with any other members, except to be handed a bulletin.
Beautiful and musical too
Located on the Delaney Park Strip, this church has an inspiring, worshipful décor accented by a wonderful stained glass window in the front of the sanctuary. Behind the alter a simple cross, accented by a palm tree, is effectively displayed.
This church follows a fairly formalized and set order of service. The music was familiar and easy to sing. Unlike so many other churches today, they have a choir, and a credible one at that -- well led and in tune.
Exodus in Perspective
The scripture, the keynote of the sermon, was the entire chapter of Exodus 16, dealing with the flight of the Israelites from Egypt and God’s care for their needs during the wilderness sojourn. In conclusion, the Rev. Peter Loughman cautioned that God allows bad things to happen to good people, but that ultimately the trouble ends. At times I had difficulty following his many stories and their application to the topic.
Ultimately, communion brought a wonderful focus to the story of the manna (food supplied by God) referred to in the sermon scripture. Presbyterians offer open communion, which means you need not be a member to partake.
Not particularly outgoing
Unfortunately, as in previous visits, except for the obligatory “meet and greet” time early in the service, I had little meaningful contact with other parishioners or the clergy. Notwithstanding, this could be a comfortable church to settle into, somewhat formal -- not a blue-jeans church. As a result of other visits to Presbyterian churches, I’ve discovered they can be extremely warm and friendly to strangers. Maybe this is the personality of this particular church, but hidden to visitors.
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1 May 14, 2008 - 1:38pm | akvalleygirl74
Have you done a lot of homework on this faith?
If you agree with most of the premises of the doctrines, then why don't you go regularly and volunteer in a ministry that interests you?
My family attended our church for over 5 years and didn't get to know anyone well. We weren't good at introducing ourselves, and we had extended family that went so that was enough. When we got involved in Bible studies and other ministries at the church, we got to know people at a very fast pace. Wonderful people, that we now consider very dear friends! They have helped us in our spiritual journey and been a beautiful example of Christ in many ways. I encourage you to get involved and see how quickly you meet people. Don't put the burden on the church, put it on yourself to get out of your comfort zone and volunteer. It's addictive! :)
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