Jenny Stein - Church Visit #3

Church name: Iglesia de la Resurreccion

Church address: 23W420 St. Charles Rd. Carol Stream, IL

Date attended: 10 / 18 / 14

Church category: Different demographic

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

The service for this church was a bit different than the one I normally go to. It seemed that the congregation and the meeting people at the door were very friendly and inviting. I felt a little shy since I hadn't been to this church before (and also because it was a different demographic), but I felt less nervous as time progressed. The people at my home church are also inviting, but to a lesser degree. It felt like the congregation wanted to get to know me and everyone else that was new to the church at Iglesia de la Resurrecion. The service meant to start at 4:30 PM on the day I went, but it actually started a bit later than that. I thought it was really different that the people at the church were so inviting.

The church itself was also much more decorated (my home church is quite plain most of the time). It felt a lot more festive than I am used to.

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

I felt that the congregation and the pastor were much more in touch with each other throughout the service. It was interesting that it seems like everyone knew everyone else very well. It sort of felt like a family or friend atmosphere, where no one is left out or neglected socially. I felt that the pastor was also much closer to this congregation than my pastor is at my home church. It's very interesting that there are so many close bonds between the members of the church, especially between that of the pastor and the members.

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

Since this was a different demographic group, I had a bit of trouble feeling like I could fit in. I felt a little disoriented because of that mostly. I was a little nervous about being able to interact efficiently with the members of the congregation. I also felt nervous that their traditions would be different than mine, so I didn't want to accidentally do something that might anger or offend them in the service. I also don't know Spanish very well, so following the sermon was quite difficult. I had to rely on watching other members of this church to find cues on what I should be doing at the time. The church service also seemed very loose compared to the one at my home church.

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 think it is very important to realize that any person or people group can worship God, since we all love the same God. There was a sense of community and unity in this congregation, so certain aspects of Scripture were highlighted at this service. That of encouragement and community were especially prevalent in the service. In Hebrews 10:24-25, Paul tells us, "and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near". I think I see this displayed more clearly than before, now that I have seen the positive, welcoming, encouraging natures of the congregation. It also reminded me of Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others".