Log:
My Church tour continues. This week I went to the Sunny Brea Church. The sign outside announced times of worship and gathering, but no denomination. I traded some time in the sun today for the chance to gain understanding about faith. I entered to find a young man at the alter in jeans and a tee shit practicing songs for the service. Everyone was very welcoming, and interested in the path I had taken to meet them on this Sunday. They proclaimed that on a scale of traditional to contemporary Baptist churches they were off the contemporary end, and farther from the traditional churches than most “contemporary” churches. I was excited to see children running around everyone’s legs and squirming about before the service. The young man at the alter, Smiles, opened the service with several beautiful acoustic songs of love, forgiveness, and appreciation for God’s creation. It was refreshing to get the chance to sing beautiful music with others.
I was there to learn about other perspectives and this goal forced me to try to set aside my own beliefs temporarily. This was difficult as the sermon sounded to me like a list of things in society that are to be condemned. The sermon spoke out against polygamy and emphasized that only Jesus is worthy of putting our hope in. Also emphasized was the concept that Jesus is the one and only savior. This was especially difficult for me to accept as I believe there are many avenues to personal spirituality/salvation in this vast world. I’m reminded of Abe’s belief that looking at God through one religion is like looking at the sun through a pin-hole, rather than feeling the warmth on your skin and experiencing the divine all around you. In my tour of Arcata churches I’m seeking to see from perspectives that I haven’t been open to understanding in the past, possibly encourage others to walk past their spiritual comfort zones, and gather ideas to add to my own tapestry of spirituality.

Feelings:
I felt inspired by watching Smiles feel a Divine presence. Even though I haven’t felt inspired within the confines of man-made buildings often in the past, watching others celebrate their faith was a moving scene to watch.

Questions:
-Is there a church that celebrates life and love rather than professes condemnation?
-How many churches are in Arcata?
-How open would members of Sunny Brea Baptist Church be to church hopping?