Church name: Lawndale Christian Community Church
Church address: 3827 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Date attended: September 14, 2014
Church category: significantly lower socioeconomic demographic
Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?
I first heard about the ministry of Lawndale Christian Community Church in my BITH 111 class with Dr. Lauber and have wanted to visit ever since. Growing up in Hawaii, I have been exposed to a lot of different cultures and their worship styles, but I am not too familiar with African American worship. My church at home and in Wheaton sing contemporary Christian musics and hymns, so the gospel music was definitely a change. The call and response to the pastor’s message caught me off guard at first, but it also reminded me of my pastor in Hawaii who made a lot of jokes and interacted with our small congregation throughout the message. The overall surrounding neighborhood was also a little disorienting as the buildings were much more run-down than in Wheaton and other West Chicago suburbs. Especially being an Asian woman, I was a little more aware of my surroundings and took notice of others noticing me as we walked to the church. However, the warm atmosphere of the church and friendliness of the people is really similar to my church at home in Hawaii and I loved it!
What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?
I was part of Gospel Choir at Wheaton for a little bit of my freshmen year, and since then I have always really loved Gospel music. There is something so powerful in the simplicity and repetition of lyrics and rhythm that really emphasize certain points. I also loved how the congregation was so welcoming to us. When we were first walking around the neighborhood looking for the place where the service was being held, a couple people saw us and pointed us in the right direction--they were so friendly and helpful! When I did a lot of church hopping my freshmen year, something I really struggled with was the stiff and unapproachable vibe I received from members of the church. From passing the peace to just observing how the people interacted before and after service, it was really clear that members know each other and are happy to see one another.
What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?
It was definitely really troubling to hear the pastor talk about the prevalence of violence in the neighborhood. I don’t really think about my safety whenever I’m at home or in Wheaton, so it’s really hard to imagine that kids in Lawndale grow up with a very different mindset than me. I couldn’t believe how many murders happen in just this one neighborhood, and knowing that the people in the congregation knew the victims makes the number of murders so much more than just a statistic. I was really moved by the pastor’s tearful plea with the congregation to join him in fasting and prayer for safety in their neighborhood.
What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?
Lawndale Christian Community Church really lives up to its name in that it truly aims to be a light and presence of God in their community. The church is not just for its members but for the people around them. In their legal center, health services and other classes that they offer on things such as parenting, Lawndale is very involved in meeting not only the spiritual needs of their members but their physical, emotional, mental and relational needs. I affirm Lawndale’s efforts in making a difference in their community and sharing the Gospel through their acts of service to their neighbors.
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