I decided a few months ago that some habits need to be broken. So, on the suggestion of my BFF and with the support of new friends I have met through her, I took my son to St. Paul's Episcopal Church this morning.
The usher (female, I will get to why that is important later) handed me the bulletin, which had the entire service. She greeted my son, which many adults fail to do. When she asked if I knew where to go, I told her it was our first visit. Her response? GREAT!
She then introduced me to Ione. Ione would be my guide through service today. Ione asked about my family, background, etc. Not only did she show me around, she gave me great insights into the Episcopal way of worship. She reasserted what the church believes. She told me that there should be no worries about making a mistake. It's not about perfection, it's about worship.
Ione took Z and me to see the nursery (just in case) and Z was hooked as soon as Nick (the nursery worker) showed him the trains. I initially had no intention of leaving Z there. However, I found myself kissing him goodbye with a pager in my hand. Ione also sat with me through the service, guiding me from start to finish. She, along with other members of the congregation, were so warm, friendly, and inviting.
Today was All Saints' Day. It is set aside to honor all of the named and unnamed saints. I will leave it at that, since I have already mentioned that I am NO expert on the subject. What I can tell you is that the service itself is the epitome of beauty. The sermon, delivered by the youth minister, was about how important it is to come as you are and come in love for Christ. He spoke of his Great-Grandmother, led to Christ by a neighbor friend, who wasn't perfect. She didn't know how to worship, didn't realize the alter is for kneeling and not sitting, had never been to church. But she came to church with an open heart, leading to a life serving Him. Her son became a minister, his son became a minister, and his son (the youth minister) followed as well.
At no point did I feel out of place, awkward, or unwanted. Following sage advice from Michael, I took communion. I know I wouldn't have done it if I felt even mildly out of place, and I didn't. These people, who had never met me, welcomed me warmly and greeted me openly.
The feminist in me was also singing during this service. A woman is the music minister. Women served as ushers. Young women served as acolytes. A woman read the scripture during the service. This might seem trivial to some, but when you come from a background where women are limited to singing, playing piano, and working with the children's ministry, it is amazing to see woman in places of prominence during worship.
The only "down" side I can point out is that hubs and I would be the only interracial couple in the church. But, you know what, I don't think we would even notice. My son, who is clearly biracial, was welcomed by everyone, even those of older generations who snub us when they see my family. Not at this church. No snubbing. No ignoring. Just genuine care and concern.
And speaking of Z. The most amazing thing happened. My son is VERY introverted. It takes weeks or months for him to get to the point where he will even make that noise at the back of his throat in the affirmative or negative when asked a question. Today, when I went to get him from the nursery, Nick was asking him questions about a piece of plastic fruit. Benign, I know. But the amazing thing is that Z answered. Not just vague noises. Words. Full sentences. Speaking. For any parent whose child is painfully shy, you know this just never happens.
While I do have some questions about the Episcopal faith as a whole, I will be going back. I want to learn so much more about these welcoming, beautiful people and their church. Maybe, after some time, it will become my church. I am excited to find out what the "Secret Garden" (thanks Michael) has to offer to me and my family.
If today is any indication, there are so many beautiful flowers to discover.
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