Moriah Gonzalez: Church Visit 3

Salem Baptist Church of Chicago

752 E 114^th St, Chicago, IL 60628

October 19, 2015

African American Church

The worship service was energetic and unlike anything that I had been part of before. Women were dressed in their finest and men in full suits. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by older women who spoke highly of their pastor, Reverend James. This was common throughout my interactions with others; the congregation nearly venerated him. There were large photos of him in the lobby, he was on the cover of the bulletin, and when he got up to speak, the congregation fully expressed their admiration. I have always attended churches with rotating teaching pastors, so this experience was quite different than what I was familiar with. Additionally, my experiences with mega-churches have always been casual and almost impersonal; at Salem, I could not have gone unnoticed. Perhaps this was because obvious racial differences, but it seemed as if members of the congregation went out of their way to welcome everyone, giving it the feel of a small church.

In addition to the congregation’s esteem of Rev. James, the musical portion of worship was exciting. It was led by a worship leader- many times Rev. James- accompanied by a gospel choir that neared 50 people. The congregation seemed to be composed more of women than men, and most women engaged their full bodies in worship: singing, raising their arms, shouting, crying, and dancing. At times, some women had to sit because they were overwhelmed by the music or pastor’s call. This lasted throughout the duration of the service, including the sermon. The congregation was actively involved, shouting “Amen” after nearly every sentence.

The service lasted a good while; the sermon along lasted an hour. This was challenging for me, but not at all for the rest of the congregation. However, the most obvious difference was that everybody was black except for myself. I admit I was insecure about this. Because I felt out-of-place and because I was constantly acknowledging the fact that I was in an African American church, I had an expectation that the church would be repetitively affirming this fact. They did not, which came with much understanding after reflecting upon this. Their community was normal, and they felt the greatest sense of community among each other. There was no need to acknowledge “differences” because among them, there were no differences.

I am more commonly familiar with notions to God the Father and sermons reflecting the nature of the Holy Spirit. Regarding Salem Baptist, there was a significant Christological approach: one that was constantly affirmed. God the Father and the Holy Spirit were mentioned, but the worship songs, scripture cited, and words of Rev. James continuously acknowledged Christ as “Redeemer” and “Savior.” There was no denying that all praise was given to Christ.

Moriah Gonzalez: Church Visit 2

Austin Stone Community Church - St. Johns

500 E St. Johns Avenue, Austin, TX 78752

October 5, 2014

Lower Socioeconomic Class

I went home for a weekend and decided to attend the Austin Stone at St. Johns. I have many friends who have served as volunteers here, and have said wonderful things. The service is a nondenominational church of considerable size for its young age. Nearly everything element of worship mirrored what I am familiar with, except the actual congregation. By way of dress and social interaction, the members could be easily distinguished from my regular context. I found them timid and shy at first, but after approaching many members, they were friendly and welcoming.

Because this was a familiar environment, I felt as if I was able to fully engage in worship, rather than approaching my visit as an ethnographic study. I liked being in a place where I could “predict” what was coming next in the program. It allowed me to focus more on fellowship with others and full attention to the service. Reflecting upon this later, I found it interesting that my level of comfort determined so much of my experience within church.

This church is a branch off of one of Austin’s largest churches, planted in the poorest area of the city with some of the highest crime rates. I found this interesting. The new building stood out amongst the old, dilapidated structures. The church had a myriad of resources that they would not have otherwise been able to afford, including volunteers. This was particularly unusual. The volunteers were obviously of higher socioeconomic status and were not members of the community. This was somewhat off-putting; it seemed unrealistic and almost as if the church community of St. Johns was a charity cause. I initially felt cynical and angry at myself for thinking this way, but after sitting, I was even singled out by the volunteer coordinator. She asked if I was supposed to be serving coffee with other volunteers, and was surprised when I said I was just visiting. It did not seem one. Differences between individuals were accentuated in this environment.

The sermon was obviously catered to the audience, altered from its form in the mother church. It was mentioned many times that God was Provider, and he would meet needs. I had always assumed this but never thought about it extensively. I had always taken this fact about God for granted, as if it was a given that I would be provided for…. Even that I would be the sole provider of myself, divorced from God’s care. This element of worship served as a great reminder of this important truth.

Chad Reitz-Church 3

Church Name: Naperville Korean First Presbyterian Church

Church Address: 23 W 550 Hobson Rd, Naperville, IL 60540

Date Attended: November 2, 2014

Church Category:  Lower Socioeconomic demographic



Describe the worship service you attended.  How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The worship service that I attended was similar and different in different ways from my home church.  They had a small worship group that sang, they played the guitar and the piano. They then brought out there choir who went and sang one song.  The main thing that was different about this service was that it was in a smaller building while I’m from a bigger church.  Another area of the service that was different from what I am use to is that the whole service was spoken in Korean. Something that was neat to see and that I have never seen in my home church was that they had a translator to listen to during the service so everyone could understand the sermon that was taking place.  Something that was very similar from my regular context of church was how friendly everyone was at this church and how they really made it a priority to make us feel comfortable and to feel at home.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

The thing that I found most interesting or appealing about this service was the friendliness and hospitality that we were shown while at this church.  Another area of the worship service that I really enjoyed was how even with this church being primarily Korean they had the option for non-Korean speakers to be able to attend this church and still be able to understand the sermon and to be able to worship with this congregation even though it is in another language.  Another area about that I really enjoyed was how small the church was and how everyone seemed to know each other in this smaller community.  Another area that was appealing was that they introduced us at the end of the service to the congregation to allow everyone to know that we were guests and were visiting them.  I really thought by them doing us they were making an extra effort to really welcome us into their church home for the day.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the whole worship service?

The area that I found most disorienting or challenging about the service was that it was all done in Korean.  From the singing to the preaching to the introductions at the end.  I thought that the service was done very well, but it was difficult to understand what was taking place throughout the service.  Another area that was challenging was that their bibles were in Korean as well so I had to use my bible that I brought with me to be able to understand what the preacher was talking about to his congregation.  Another area that was challenging was how to interact with others in the service.  In my church we just shake each other’s hands, but at this service they bowed to each other and then they might shake your hand or like I mentioned before would just bow.  This was something that I was not use to seeing and it took me by surprise when it first took place during service.

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

The scripture that was being preached from today came from John 9:8-12.  This is the scripture that talks about Jesus spitting in the mud and putting it on the man’s eyes for him to be able to see again.  This passage is always something that I really enjoy reading because of the faith this blind man had to put his faith in Jesus to be able to see again.  Another area about this scripture that really speaks to me is that even as tough of a life that this blind man had he still has enough faith to believe that Jesus can heal him and to restore his eyes so that he can see again.  Another area that about this passage is that the once blind man would go around town rejoicing and praising God and telling everyone about Jesus and what he had done for him.  With rereading this passage today it made me appreciate the health that God has given me through my life.

Church Visit 1 Chad Reitz

Church name: Wheaton Bible Church

Church Address: 27 W. 500 North Ave, West Chicago Il 60185

Date attended: 9-14-2014

Church Category: Spanish Service



1. Describe the worship service you attended.  How was it similar to or different from your regular context?



The worship service that I attended was similar to my home church in many ways.  The music was upbeat and seemed to be similar music that we sing back home, but just in a different language.  Another thing the worship service did was read a passage of scripture, this is something that we do back home as well.  The worship service was set up like my services back home which consisted of a worship group that had a lead singer accompanied by backup singers and others who played different instruments.  The worship service was being done by just Hispanic members of the church while back home in our Hispanic service we have some white members who help play in the Hispanic service and even sing and lead them through song to song.  The worship service was different for me just for the main reason that it was in another language which made it difficult for me to be able to understand what I was singing and reading. 



2.What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?



What I really found most interesting about the service was just how the congregation really got into worshipping and singing.  They clapped and danced as they were worshipping God.  These people looked as if they really loved this time that they were getting to be away from the world and getting to just rejoice and sing praises.  Another thing that I really liked about the service was just how friendly everyone was especially to us looking like complete outsiders since we were white kids.  I really liked also the family feel that was there, parents had there kids in the service with them and the kids would all sing, dance and love and hold onto there parents seeking even more love and attention.

I also really enjoyed the worship service it was very interesting to see how a different culture worships the same God that I do.  I really enjoyed the preaching as well because of the conviction and power that he brought to the message even though I didn't understand it.



3.What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?



The thing that I found most challenging about the worship service was not being able to understand anything that was being said.  I couldn't understand the bible scripture either until I looked in my bible and finally understood what was being read.  It was very difficult to follow along and understand anything about the service because of the language barrier that I had.  I've taken Spanish before but it was no where close to be able to speak and understand everything that was going on in the worship service between preaching, singing and scripture reading.  It was also challenging because when greeting other people they would speak to you in Spanish while we tried our best to respond, but typically it was very clear.  The language difference made the visit difficult at times, but was still and very good experience and it allowed me to see another culture and how they worship and praise on Sunday mornings like other fellow believers.



4.What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?



The scripture that was being presented that Sunday came from Luke 18:18-28.  This passage was about the rich ruler that said he followed all of God's commandments and Jesus tells him to go and sell everything he owns and then to come and follow him.  The rich man was very disappointed because this was a hard thing for him to do and Jesus knew that.  I think this passage really helped me to remember that this life isn't just about making money and having material things that make me feel good.  It made me remember that the one thing that I desire to have in my life is Jesus and to get to spend an eternity with him one day.  This passage also spoke to me because with currently being a college student I don't make much if any money during the school year which can be hard.  I know that after college too that money can and will be tight at times, but I know one thing that will stay the same and always help me through is that I have Jesus as Lord and Savior to rely on and to help me through those hard times.

Chad Reitz-Church Visit 2

Church Name: St. Michaels Catholic Church
Church Address: 310 S West St, Wheaton, IL 60187
Date Attended: October 15 2014
Church Category: More or less liturgical

Describe the worship service you attended.  How was it similar to or different from your regular context?
The worship service at St. Michaels was very different than what I am use to in my home church.  The worship service was lead by one person and the only instrument that was used was the organ.  The worship service was also different because the songs they sang were old hymns, in comparison to what I am use to which is a more current music that you could hear on a Christian radio station.  Also the worship at times was spoken at different parts throughout the song which was something that was unique and new from my previous experiences in other churches. Another thing that was interesting about the worship service was that the head priest would also sometimes lead us in song which was something that was very interesting to watch and observe because our preacher back home would sing during the service but he would never lead the whole congregation in worship like this priest did.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?
Something that really interested me about the service was all of the answer and responses that went back and forth throughout the service.  With not being Catholic I felt left out because I didn't know what was taking place at certain times or what he was specifically asking.  Another area of the service that was interesting was the amount of times that we would get up and go back down on our knees to pray or just to listen to the priest talk.  Another area was that they take communion every week with a bread chip and watered down wine.  One other area that was very neat to watch was how when you leave or enter mass you put your fingers in the water and put it in your fore head and shoulder.  Another area that was unique was the priest talked out of some big red book for responses and certain preaching which was interesting to see.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the whole worship service?
The thing that I felt most challenging about the worship service was the readings and responses that were said throughout the course of the service.  Everyone knew the responses because of growing up in this mass or from just being Catholic.  I myself was confused because I was not sure what was taking place and felt left out.  Another thing that was challenging was the amount of times that we would drop to our knees gets back up then go back to our knees again, this was something I have never done before and it was challenging because I'm a bigger person so to squeeze between the pews was tough at times.  Another area that was disorienting was that the priest didn't really preach out of the bible this Sunday, he referenced it at times but never really preached directly from the word itself.  This was something that made me confused because I though all churches really went deep into preaching.

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?
In the church service that I attended we referenced Psalm 80.  typically what I was told that priest would usually speak from a text in the Old Testament and then one from the New Testament.  This week like I said before the priest only referenced Psalm 80 but did not really preach from it.  He made claims on how God can restore us from whatever we ask of him.  He said that nothing we did is to much for God to fix or to restore in our life's.  He also said that we need to give everything over to God so that we can trust in him and his plan for each and everyone's life because Gods plan is better than ours.  The priest said that once we go and give our life's to Christ and trust in him that we are then his children forever and that nobody can pluck us from his hand in this world not even the devil himself can steal us from God.

Coco O'Brien church visit #3

 Soul Children of Chicago Concert
15912 Lincoln Ave
10/31/14
Church of lower economic status as my regular context

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?
This worship service was different from the Sunday morning service I normally attend because it was a concert at a church with a different congregation having different economic statuses. IT was thus more focused on worship. The concert was called "Encounter" and was held on halloween.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?
Glorious feelings resonated with me as the preacher explained God's deliverance to everyone.
 I was astonished that the church was very engaged in the worship songs and they would stand up (everyone) and sing along with the choir.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the service?
I didn't find the service very disorienting or challenging. Maybe the sense that I was asked if I had ever been to a church like this before.

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?
The worship service illuminated the gift of prophesy.

Coco O'Brien-Church visit #2

Church name: St. Petronille Church
Church address: 420 Glenwood Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Date attended: November 9th, 14
Church category: Liturgical church

Describe the worship service you attended? How was it similar to or different from your context?
The service was in a large. It was held in big and pristine catholic church. The stages of the crucifix were on the sides of the chapel in icon form. It also had extraordinarily large chandeliers and windows. I noticed that the church seemed to foster individualism similar to my church due to the pew seats being potentially distant from the pastor. I thought the priest was very clearly trained for his position because there were liturgical statements that he knew by heart and times when he would pause on purpose to switch to another activity or sacrament. The priests were wearing clothing that represented something about the liturgical calendar. The music in the sanctuary was loud and specific lead by youth, which was new to me. While my church does have leaders of all ages, there seemed to be a choir at this church that led music. There was also a difference in liturgy as the apostle's creed was said as a congregation.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

I was most interested in the decor of the church building itself and the preaching. For preaching, I was the entranced because the priest stood at a corner pulpit and spoke clearly to the large congregate. The priest was very heavily relying on the gospel message during his message, which was comforting.  As for the building, the sanctuary was well taken care of and modeled a sacred space (with statues, large areas, and items to create a sense of natural beauty). There were statues of the Mother Mary with Jesus, Jesus on the cross, and Peter. The windows behind the alter were very big and gave a sense of grandeur but also connection to the outer world. The worship service was appealing to me because there was a mixture of announcements, preaching, and singing. I was thankful to be able to come to this service because I learned a lot. I liked the children/youth singing. 

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?
Something that was disorienting about the worship service was that the large number of people made it distracting. There were babies crying, which I liked, but also created some wonder about why the person brought a child. It was challenging to be in a church that is so beautiful and not wonder why all churches don't create such an atmosphere. Also, I was disoriented by how many people were there and hopeful that the church structure still allowed for friendships to happen there. However, I did have eye contact with the person next to me. The challenging thing about the worship service was also to note that there was a emphasis on commitment that I lacked because I was not planning to return any time soon. 

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?
I was astonished that the priest, whom I thought would talk about sin, gave a sermon on the Christian life centered around walking with Christ. He also focused on being his witnesses in the world. The sermon touched on theology of being thankful and learning from past fateful witnesses.

Amanda Azadian: Church #3.2

Church name: St. Joseph Russian Orthodox Church

Church address: 412 Crescent St., Wheaton, IL

Date attended: 11/2/2014

Church category: Different demographic/ethnicity/language

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

Although Saint Joseph's has a Synod in a Syrian/Coptic language I decided to go to the English service knowing that there would still be a large difference in experiencing an Orthodox liturgy for the first time. The people in the congregation behaved quite differently than what I am very familiar with and it felt more like what we observed in the Holy Lands and in Ethiopia. Although the church building was quite modern and well-kept it couldn't compare to the antique beauty of Meteora and Lalibela. It was refreshing to be able to understand the liturgy and to read along however trying to sing the lines myself actually became distracting. I felt torn between listening to the beautiful unaccompanied yet perfectly harmonized voices while trying to engage myself. I realized this was the prayer of many, and it lasted much longer than any emotionally hyped praise music that I am accustomed to.  There was nothing similar in the entire experience except for when the priest came out to give announcements. He was actually really funny and sweetly sarcastic. After the solum proceedings of the morning I felt like I had to keep quiet and very still, even the little kids were incredible well-behaved! Once the liturgy was over, people were still more quiet than at my church, but it was very interesting to hear worship in a style that seems only ancient to me, now in my own language. 

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

I really enjoyed remembering my international experience but it was personalized this time. Rather than being a foreign observer, unsure of whether the differences I was experiencing were cultural, based on the language barrier or the theology, or a simple difference in worship, this time it was a chance to be a participant. There were a number of things discussed in class that stood out to me when observing a Russian Orthodox service. While I was trying not to compare it to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I noticed the lack of [and the Son] in the Nicean Creed and was surprised at how many times they said "the ever-Virgin Mary". I remembered this from Gondar, Ethiopia where they told us a long story abut Mary and believe that her marriage to Joseph involved his "protection" of her, not a consummated marriage that could provide any natural children for Joseph. It was also interesting to light a candle at the beginning. Most of them lit the candle and then kissed the icon, my friend told me that lighting the candle was simply a symbol, but they meant it as a prayer. I think its incredible to learn different ways that people across traditions pray. Why would my prayer (out loud) be any more holy than one of a true heart seeking to honor God by not speaking, and rather by listening?

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

It was difficult to realize that I couldn't take communion with these people. It was strange to hear prayers to Mary and to Saint Joseph and I found myself mumbling words when we kept coming to "ever-Virgin Mary". I started wondering if it mattered if she stayed a Virgin despite giving birth, even though I study the human body in school. The mystery of the Incarnation became more evident to me. I felt less master of the theology that I've grown up with and more accepting of the reality that I don't know - really anything about God, except that He is revealed in Scripture, and even this is confusing. Even so, it was challenging to not participate, a good reminder of the impression people have when brought as non-Christians into a church community. I felt like an outsider even though I've always felt very much on the inside. 

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

As mentioned already, there were aspects of Scripture, although not necessarily cited, which were confusing.  Mary as a Virgin forever, Joseph as a saint that we pray to, the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father [not the Son] and the titles upon titles that were listed and even sung about the bishops and the priests that administered the service, even though once they stopped singing they became incredibly normal guys. Everything was out of context. When they took Communion it was a common cup and the priest spoon fed every person like they were little tiny birds. There were alter boys all dressed up in long gold robes. They had icons on the walls, many of which I recognized. There were candles at the front door that were lit, the liturgical notebooks told everyone what we were singing and it made me think about the ancient people who must have had all of those songs completely memorized even though they were so complicated. The devotion, the community, the humility in prayer, the proclivity for mystery and wonder all stood out to me and enhanced my perspective of worshiping the Lord that we cannot comprehend, who's love we require and yet fail to replicate. 

Marja Moore -church visit 3

St. Michael Catholic church
310 S Wheaton Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187
Attended on November 9, 2014
Church tradition more liturgical than mine

The Catholic church is completely opposite to my regular church tradition. The only similarities I experienced between the two were reading the bible and singing hymns. The Catholic church has many traditions that are embedded within the church service itself. The things I noticed were the physical acknowledgements of the sanctuary. For instance, before entering the sanctuary everyone dipped their finger into a bowl of water and did the cross over themselves. Then before entering their row to be seated they kneeled in the direction of the altar. Throughout the service there was organized sitting, kneeling, responses, readings, standing, and singing. There was time for offering, greeting one another, and prayer like most churches, but the way the Catholic church prayed was in sort of a song.

I found the music most interesting. There was only an organ and voices. The melodies echoed through the sanctuary so purely one could almost feel the harmony. It was beautiful in a way that I had not experienced. Most churches have more instruments in their music presentations than just organ. It made me think of all the bands that are put together in churches and if they only add to our worship. For the first time I was thinking that many instruments could take away from our worship experience.

The theme of this service was unity of the church under the pope and how Jesus is so zealous for us that He is willing to do anything for us. The speaker emphasized a personal longing that Jesus has for each of us and that communal fellowship available for everyone in the church under the pope. I thought it was interesting that it was emphasized that the Catholic church was under the pope and not under God.

Eric Friend Church Visit #3

Church name: Wheaton Bible - Spanish Service

Church address: 27W500 North Ave, West Chicago, IL

Date attended: 11/2/2014

Church category: Different demographic

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

It was different (most obviously) because it was in a different language, and by the demographic makeup of the service. However, contrasting these differences, were broad, high level similarities. The people in the congregation behaved in a way that I am very familiar with, the church building itself was extremely well-kept and beautiful, and the cadence of the service moved in much the same way. Because I am not fluent in Spanish, I spent most of the service observing the people around me. I was sitting in the back, there was a group of English speaking Spanish students sitting next to me, and otherwise a completely Spanish/Mexican church body makeup. The music, which I found interesting, was comprised of all songs that I know -- simply translated into Spanish. This was great because I could more actively participate in the worship, but to my dismay, it did not give a cultural diversity that I was hoping for.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

What I liked most about the service was the welcoming congregation, and the demystification that occurred to me when I was at the service. With my last church visit in a lower socioeconomic congregation and also Spanish, I subconsciously married these two together. I thought that a church of a predominantly different culture was also going to be in a poorer context. The Spanish service at the extremely nice, well-off Wheaton Bible church showed that other cultures also range in general economic status, just as my culture does. This part of the service was a great realization for me to make that I think will have residual impact on my understanding of other churches around the county, country and world.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

What was most disorienting about the service was my inability to understand the message at all. The man talked so fast and my (very) limited Spanish was not able to keep up. So it's hard for me to say what was challenging about the service other than the demystification that I went through. This being said, I was a little bummed that worship music was so Americanized, but I wouldn't say that disoriented or challenged me -- I just would have liked to see how Christians in other demographic locations worshiped. If I had known more about Wheaton Bible (I did not expect such a massive, beautiful, successful church, I may have picked a different demographically other service to attend.

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

The service illuminated a couple things from scripture that I may have not realized otherwise: that culture really does shape religion (and vice versa) and that God is willing to move in ways that many would not recognize. For my first point, this was a Spanish service, but it was so Americanized. From the building, to the music, to people's clothing and to the general tone of the pastor. If this service was in English I would have likely not been able to tell it was different (save the congregation demographic). This says to me that the US will have a profound and lasting impact on churches that take their roots here. Yes, some denominations are not this way, but the parallels were immense to what I am familiar with and the common denominator is not denomination but location. However, this does not mean my second observation is not true; God was still active in that church and in those people. This opportunity to worship came from a gigantic church that decided to sacrifice resources, time, energy and labor to create a space for people who were Spanish speaking and would not get much out of an English service. And that is a cool way to see God moving in ways that I would otherwise not have if I stayed at my home church last weekend.