An Ordinary Sunday

My Facebook status says this today: "Michelle had a great time in church - no shattering glass, no farting, and no cell phones went off, so all in all, it was a good service."

Attending an inner city church means there is never a dull moment, but I love it! While we try to instill a little country charm, by sharing a potluck meal each Sunday after service, we have learned to lock the doors at 11:30 or we become the neighbourhood soup kitchen. A good cause, to be sure, but 1) We run out of food, and 2) The goal of fellowship between our congregants is lost.

While most churches are moving to the suburbs, we have decided to move into Canada's notorious "worst neighbourhood." By doing this, worshippers come from a variety of backgrounds, education, and life experiences. We have the poor coming alongside the rich to raise their voices in song and give "in proportion to what the Lord has blessed them." Once in a while we find Canadian Tire money in the offering plate, and those who have a hard time making ends meet are able to get food from the pantry so they, too, can bring something to share at the potluck. We also have a clothing bank available for church attendees, currently filled with brand new clothing, most of which is suitable for church.

Last Sunday the doors were rattling during the sermon. Of course, you can't get into church if you're 45 minutes late, but this lady tried despite the sign on the door: "Potluck is for those who worship at 11:00. Please join us!" She wouldn't let it go, and wound her foot, kicking the glass door, smashing the pane of glass and making a huge shatter. Blair was preaching and Ken noticed everyone rushing to the back. Blair paused, waiting for a cue from Ken, who waved everyone back and said, "Nothing to see here. Carry on, Blair!"

Apparently someone decided on an alternate form of heckling in the front row, (thus my comment on Facebook.) And several cell phones were ringing throughout the sermon. Needless to say, Blair had much cause for distraction last week. It's likely no coincidence Blair's sermon topic was "The Gospel 101." There is an army of demons squalling against our goal for revival in Regina's inner city.

Oh, what's that you say? Heckling isn't normal in your church? You haven't been vandalized in the middle of a sermon before? People turn off their cell phones for the hour? Really?! The full hour??!!

We occasionally have visitors from other churches, who love and support what we do, but are unable to attend regularly for various reasons. Today, we had a family who had never been before and they were thrilled to hear a sermon that talked about the Second Coming, and were amazed to see how many people regularly attending this inner city church plant! I told them our board member, Harold Lutzer's "infamous" quote: "This church is where the rubber really meets the road!"

It's hard to describe an inner city church with flair and charm, but how lovely to be in a family fellowship where masks are laid aside and people are themselves: humble and sincere.

One man wouldn't take communion because, "I sinned last night. I slipped up and smoked some dope."

One prayer request was "for my brother" who's an alcoholic.

"Please pray that my friend finds a safe place to live so she won't be homeless anymore."If you're interested in a visit, please come next week as we celebrate a baptism. Bring a dish to share and stay for the potluck. Who knows? You might like it so much you decide to stay.