my old pair of blue jeans

After almost a year of trying out a Christian church and not ever really feeling it, I returned to my old church today. Troy and I discovered Northwoods about seven years ago. Avery came home very upset after our neighbor’s son told him people who do not believe in God burn in Hell. We felt the need to balance out his religious experience. Since then I have returned to Northwoods over and over again, and like a pair of old blue jeans, it always feels so comfortable no matter how much time has passed between my visits.

At first glance, it looks like any of the other churches that hide behind the trees in The Woodlands. It is a two story structure made of wood that really blends into the surroundings. There is an over-grown area with several native flowers and plants surrounding a nicely built deck, a footbridge going over a rock river, and little well-worn paths. A small gray haired woman serves as your typical greeter, welcoming you and handing you an order of service. The worshiping area is unassuming, painted in earth tones and framed in wood. There is an information area, music section, and a place for the minister. The reset is filled with cloth backed chairs with hymnals on every third seat.

And there is where the similarities come to an end.

When entering through the doors into the worship area, you pass under a sign that states “We are a welcoming congregation.” Next to these words is the religion’s symbol, the chalice, in bright, rainbow colors. There is also a chalice at the front of the room that seems to be swallowed up by the two story wall behind it. The wall has many pieces of wood that go up to meet a large, round window that is filled with the sun’s rays shining in. Together, taken in all at one time, they resemble a candle. The congregation is filled with all races, all ages, all sexual orientations, all with one thing in common: the desire to be bigger than oneself without the judgmental, exclusive dogma of most religions. They believe in the worth of every person, justice, encouraging spiritual growth, a free search for truth, the use of democratic processes, a focus on the world community, and the interdependent web of all existence. Troy says it is where all the hippies from the 60’s hang out. And the people are definitely interesting. You will find guys with long hair and girls with shaved heads. Grandmothers talking about their most recent rally march; dads holding their babies tightly in wraps; and a youth group that represents every possible expression of individualism. The music played closely resembles the folk music at those anti-commercialism coffee houses. The sermons are overly cerebral and do not benefit from multi-media or flashing lights.

But it is a safe place for me. A place where the tension leaves my shoulders and I immediately feel accepted. A place that calms my mind and opens my heart. A place which I will continue to return.

~ Steph