Straight on Spirit

I went to church yesterday.  The Agape Spiritual Center. I guess you could call it church, but it is not really one in the traditional sense of the word. This is what is printed on their information sheet... "We honor people of every age, color, creed, culture & lifestyle. Many Paths - One God!"

http://www.agapeblackhills.com/

It is non-denominational. They prefer the term "Beyond Denominational." And so do I. It was a denominational church that led to my fall from grace many years ago. I was told by an elder of that church that I couldn't truly be close to God unless I could speak in tongues. I couldn't do that, and didn't understand why it mattered, so I left and never went back. And, other than a wedding or funeral and an occasional Christmas or Easter service, my church-going days were pretty much over. I didn't lose my faith. I just stopped going to any church professing a particular religion or affiliation. My church became nature. Still is.
But I missed the fellowship and community that I was once a part of. Some friends and acquaintances spoke very highly of ASC, so I had been thinking about a visit. Yesterday seemed like the right time.  It was the perfect time. The message by Rev. Vikki French was a very personal one. Several times it felt like she was speaking directly to me. And her comments really rang true about how we rarely remember the presents we received for Christmas in the past but do remember how we felt and who we were with.
I don't sing but I love music, and the music was so good! Very talented and inspired singers and players. There is also a part of the ceremony called "count your blessings" where during a song the music stops and people say out loud a blessing or something they are thankful for. Pretty cool idea. I didn't participate, but it was an excellent reminder of how we all are blessed in so many ways every day. Even when times are hard and nothing seems to be going right we should still stop once in a while and count our blessings.
I enjoyed my time there and felt welcome. I appreciate those who greeted me and helped me feel comfortable in an unfamiliar situation. I wish I would have had some personal contact with a few whom I recognized for one reason or another and with others who just seemed ...well...interesting. The type of people I love to have conversations with. But I plan on going back as time and Sunday activities allow, so I hope that will happen in my future visits. If you are in the Black Hills area and searching for some spiritual uplifting or fellowship, this might be a good place for you. Maybe I will see you there. We can count our blessings together. Even right out loud if the spirit moves you.

Roger O'Dea     Christmas Day / 2017