Today, we made our 3rd visit to the Fellowship of the Woodlands. We wanted to attend the Traditions service to discover what this service was all about. We had been told that this worship service "was more Traditional". After attending the service, we would agree that the hymns are traditional hymns, the "choir" is certainly traditional, but the worship service itself is certainly not traditional. As with our other 2 experiences at FOTW, the music was outstanding. We were made to feel at home! Pastor Kerry's message (although on video) had the same impact on us and the congregation as if he were there live and in person.
The other positive aspect of attending the Traditions service is that we spent a great deal of time in the bookstore and also researching small groups during the time between services. We were also able to attend the 11:30 a.m. worship service in the main worship center. As with our previous 2 experiences, the 11:30 a.m. worship service was incredible!
Over the next few weeks we will be attending FOTW exclusively. After several months of prayer, study and seeking God's direction we are being guided by Him to become members of FOTW. As we go through the process of full membership, we will update the blog not only on the process, but on the impact our continuing journey has on our spiritual growth and our relationship with God.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
January 11, 2009 - The Foundry; Fry Road Campus
Church: The Foundry, Fry Road Campus (Cinemark Theatre)
Date Visited: January 11, 2009
Pastor: Ray Hughes
Debbie's First Impression: They have done a great job making the theatre look like a worship faculty.
Butch's First Impression: It was in a movie theatre but they didn’t serve popcorn.
Were you greeted? OH YES!
Were the people friendly? Yes, the friendliest Methodist church we have ever been to!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, if you know where the movie theatre is.
Parking: Lots of parking; it is at the movie theatre.
Dress Code: very casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, you are contained in a small area of the theatre but they have done a great job with it.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, lots of tables with attendants that were willing to answer questions.
Flow/Time of Service: The flow was good and an appropriate time for everything. The service started with music, welcome and announcements, then a scripture, offering and the message.
Prayer time: The congregation said the Lord’s Prayer together. Prayer is not their focus.
Bible Teachings: A scripture lesson was read and incorporated into the message.
Holy Spirit: We didn’t feel an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit with this congregation.
Band: There was a keyboard, drums an electric guitar and a bass player. The band did well with space constraints.
Music: The music was okay. The song selections were not inspiring and 2 of the songs were hymns out of the hymnal (not contemporary).
Vocalists: There were three vocalists – 2 that had beautiful voices but didn’t appear to be enjoying there time in the worship service and then there was a more mature vocalist that seemed very restrained. This woman had an amazing voice and looked as if she really wanted to tell the world about her God through music, but she was trying to conform to what she knows is acceptable in this community. She clearly has a relationship with God and the gift of music in her heart! She was a lot of fun to watch!
Coffee and Food: Yes, they had donuts and juice for everyone as soon as you walked in the door….but no popcorn. L
Bookstore: No
Bathrooms: Yes, movie theatre bathrooms are always roomy and adequate.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had many folks tell use to have a great week. They made sure we received our popcorn box full of literature and gifts. It was a VERY cute and memorable way to give visitors something to remember.
Debbie's Opinion: We had visited The Foundry main campus a few times before and found that it was not the place for us. My sister encouraged us to try the Fry Road campus because it was only “contemporary” meaning their focus was only on one type of worship experience. I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly the Fry Road campus was compared not only to the main campus but many of the other Methodist churches in the area. Although the leaders of the church were very friendly and welcoming, I did not feel the reverence of the worshiping community. I came very close to getting up during the first song and moving away from people that were talking behind us but nobody was really singing or paying attention to the music so I wasn’t sure where we were going to move to.
We received a phone call the very next day from Ray Hughes thanking us for coming to worship and he asked if he could be of service to us in any way by praying for us. That was very cool! They also sent another lady to the house with a loaf of bread to say welcome and thanks for coming. She didn’t even stay for a whole minute; she just wanted to say thanks. It was very neat and incredibly friendly!
Butch's Opinion: These folks have done an outstanding job of turning a movie theater into a very holy worship center. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and I was extremely impressed when Ray Hughes came up and introduced himself to Deb and I before the worship service started. Ray is a very sincere and holy young minister who will be a fantastic pastor as he grows and matures. I really would have loved it if the entire worship experience had been as sincere and holy. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to focus on worship when half of the vocalists leading worship seem to be so disinterested that they yawn through every song, and you’re having to listen to the guy behind you talk about the “huge” business deal he closed the week before for most of the worship service. I felt like I was at a social gathering and not a worship service.
Date Visited: January 11, 2009
Pastor: Ray Hughes
Debbie's First Impression: They have done a great job making the theatre look like a worship faculty.
Butch's First Impression: It was in a movie theatre but they didn’t serve popcorn.
Were you greeted? OH YES!
Were the people friendly? Yes, the friendliest Methodist church we have ever been to!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, if you know where the movie theatre is.
Parking: Lots of parking; it is at the movie theatre.
Dress Code: very casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, you are contained in a small area of the theatre but they have done a great job with it.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, lots of tables with attendants that were willing to answer questions.
Flow/Time of Service: The flow was good and an appropriate time for everything. The service started with music, welcome and announcements, then a scripture, offering and the message.
Prayer time: The congregation said the Lord’s Prayer together. Prayer is not their focus.
Bible Teachings: A scripture lesson was read and incorporated into the message.
Holy Spirit: We didn’t feel an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit with this congregation.
Band: There was a keyboard, drums an electric guitar and a bass player. The band did well with space constraints.
Music: The music was okay. The song selections were not inspiring and 2 of the songs were hymns out of the hymnal (not contemporary).
Vocalists: There were three vocalists – 2 that had beautiful voices but didn’t appear to be enjoying there time in the worship service and then there was a more mature vocalist that seemed very restrained. This woman had an amazing voice and looked as if she really wanted to tell the world about her God through music, but she was trying to conform to what she knows is acceptable in this community. She clearly has a relationship with God and the gift of music in her heart! She was a lot of fun to watch!
Coffee and Food: Yes, they had donuts and juice for everyone as soon as you walked in the door….but no popcorn. L
Bookstore: No
Bathrooms: Yes, movie theatre bathrooms are always roomy and adequate.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had many folks tell use to have a great week. They made sure we received our popcorn box full of literature and gifts. It was a VERY cute and memorable way to give visitors something to remember.
Debbie's Opinion: We had visited The Foundry main campus a few times before and found that it was not the place for us. My sister encouraged us to try the Fry Road campus because it was only “contemporary” meaning their focus was only on one type of worship experience. I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly the Fry Road campus was compared not only to the main campus but many of the other Methodist churches in the area. Although the leaders of the church were very friendly and welcoming, I did not feel the reverence of the worshiping community. I came very close to getting up during the first song and moving away from people that were talking behind us but nobody was really singing or paying attention to the music so I wasn’t sure where we were going to move to.
We received a phone call the very next day from Ray Hughes thanking us for coming to worship and he asked if he could be of service to us in any way by praying for us. That was very cool! They also sent another lady to the house with a loaf of bread to say welcome and thanks for coming. She didn’t even stay for a whole minute; she just wanted to say thanks. It was very neat and incredibly friendly!
Butch's Opinion: These folks have done an outstanding job of turning a movie theater into a very holy worship center. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and I was extremely impressed when Ray Hughes came up and introduced himself to Deb and I before the worship service started. Ray is a very sincere and holy young minister who will be a fantastic pastor as he grows and matures. I really would have loved it if the entire worship experience had been as sincere and holy. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to focus on worship when half of the vocalists leading worship seem to be so disinterested that they yawn through every song, and you’re having to listen to the guy behind you talk about the “huge” business deal he closed the week before for most of the worship service. I felt like I was at a social gathering and not a worship service.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
January 4, 2009 - BridgePoint Bible Church (2nd visit)
Church: BridgePoint Bible Church (2nd visit)
Date Visited: January 4, 2009
Pastor: John Hopper
Debbie's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Butch's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Were you greeted? Oh yes! Always!
Were the people friendly? Let me just say, these are the friendliest people we have ever seen at a church. We used the term “freakishly friendly” while we were there but it is VERY sincere. ALL churches trying to figure out how to be a “friendly church” need to come to BridgePoint Bible Church and learn how they do it. THEY KNOW HOW TO BE FRIENDLY!!!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes
Parking: Lots of parking and this time we learned there is extra parking in an adjacent office building parking garage (so your car is covered and not blazing hot when you come out of worship).
Dress Code: Casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes
Was there easy access to information? Yes
Flow/Time of Service: Lots of praise and worship music at the beginning to prepare your heart for worship; then a welcome, offertory and message. This week was also Communion Sunday. They passed the bread down each row (like they do the offertory) and as soon as everyone had the bread a prayer was given and everyone in the congregation took Communion at the same time. Then they did the same thing with the grape juice and passed it down the rows until everyone was served. After everyone had their cup, a prayer was said and we all took the “blood of Christ” at the same time. It was very simple but a very Holy time. We felt the body of Christ in this moment while taking Communion.
Prayer time: There were Pastoral prayers during the offering and Communion and then as a benediction.
Bible Teachings: Everything in this church is scripturally based. The entire message was more of a lesson than a sermon. If you know nothing about the Bible when you walk into this church, you won’t be able to say that when you leave.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was here without question and in abundance!!!
Band: They had a guitar, keyboard, drums and a bass player. The band was fantastic today!
Music: All very familiar contemporary worship songs and done very well.
Vocalists: Today they had a guest worship leader, Mac Rorie. Mac was incredible! Clearly a gifted musician and worship leader and we hope to see him again! He sang one of my favorite songs as the offertory “Beautiful Scandalous Night”.
Coffee and Food: We saw coffee but not sure about food.
Bookstore: They don’t have a bookstore but they do have a library. A big library! You can check out any book or video/DVD that was available. Great concept!
Exit Greeting: We are always greeted when leaving this church. Usually we are greeted (coming and going) by the same people but they are very sincere and sooooo friendly!
Debbie's Opinion: Both times we have visited BridgePoint I have felt connected to the worshipping community. They are unbelievably friendly and clearly are on a mission to make sure everyone who sets foot on their campus feels welcomed. We wanted to see that in so many churches we visited but THIS is where the friendly people are! A woman even came up to us today while we were waiting for the other service to let out…she introduced herself to us and then apologized for not knowing us because she was sure we had been coming for a long time. When we told her this was only our 2nd visit she just began telling us all about the ministries going on here and how we could get involved. WOW!!!
Butch's Opinion: There is no doubt that BridgePoint has their priorities in place. This church/worship community has a gift to give all of those who attend worship and they want you to know how much you are loved and how much they want you to feel welcome and at home. Deb says “they are freakishly friendly” but it’s not freakishly in a negative way. These folks are excited about the Lord and they want everyone to know how they feel. This church is teaching and preaching the Word of God, and they aren’t only preaching and teaching, they are LIVING the Word each and every day. I believe this worship community is on the verge of great things in West Houston because they are LIVING God’s word and seeking his direction in everything they do.
Date Visited: January 4, 2009
Pastor: John Hopper
Debbie's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Butch's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Were you greeted? Oh yes! Always!
Were the people friendly? Let me just say, these are the friendliest people we have ever seen at a church. We used the term “freakishly friendly” while we were there but it is VERY sincere. ALL churches trying to figure out how to be a “friendly church” need to come to BridgePoint Bible Church and learn how they do it. THEY KNOW HOW TO BE FRIENDLY!!!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes
Parking: Lots of parking and this time we learned there is extra parking in an adjacent office building parking garage (so your car is covered and not blazing hot when you come out of worship).
Dress Code: Casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes
Was there easy access to information? Yes
Flow/Time of Service: Lots of praise and worship music at the beginning to prepare your heart for worship; then a welcome, offertory and message. This week was also Communion Sunday. They passed the bread down each row (like they do the offertory) and as soon as everyone had the bread a prayer was given and everyone in the congregation took Communion at the same time. Then they did the same thing with the grape juice and passed it down the rows until everyone was served. After everyone had their cup, a prayer was said and we all took the “blood of Christ” at the same time. It was very simple but a very Holy time. We felt the body of Christ in this moment while taking Communion.
Prayer time: There were Pastoral prayers during the offering and Communion and then as a benediction.
Bible Teachings: Everything in this church is scripturally based. The entire message was more of a lesson than a sermon. If you know nothing about the Bible when you walk into this church, you won’t be able to say that when you leave.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was here without question and in abundance!!!
Band: They had a guitar, keyboard, drums and a bass player. The band was fantastic today!
Music: All very familiar contemporary worship songs and done very well.
Vocalists: Today they had a guest worship leader, Mac Rorie. Mac was incredible! Clearly a gifted musician and worship leader and we hope to see him again! He sang one of my favorite songs as the offertory “Beautiful Scandalous Night”.
Coffee and Food: We saw coffee but not sure about food.
Bookstore: They don’t have a bookstore but they do have a library. A big library! You can check out any book or video/DVD that was available. Great concept!
Exit Greeting: We are always greeted when leaving this church. Usually we are greeted (coming and going) by the same people but they are very sincere and sooooo friendly!
Debbie's Opinion: Both times we have visited BridgePoint I have felt connected to the worshipping community. They are unbelievably friendly and clearly are on a mission to make sure everyone who sets foot on their campus feels welcomed. We wanted to see that in so many churches we visited but THIS is where the friendly people are! A woman even came up to us today while we were waiting for the other service to let out…she introduced herself to us and then apologized for not knowing us because she was sure we had been coming for a long time. When we told her this was only our 2nd visit she just began telling us all about the ministries going on here and how we could get involved. WOW!!!
Butch's Opinion: There is no doubt that BridgePoint has their priorities in place. This church/worship community has a gift to give all of those who attend worship and they want you to know how much you are loved and how much they want you to feel welcome and at home. Deb says “they are freakishly friendly” but it’s not freakishly in a negative way. These folks are excited about the Lord and they want everyone to know how they feel. This church is teaching and preaching the Word of God, and they aren’t only preaching and teaching, they are LIVING the Word each and every day. I believe this worship community is on the verge of great things in West Houston because they are LIVING God’s word and seeking his direction in everything they do.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
December 24, 2008 - Bear Creek United Methodist Church
Church: Bear Creek United Methodist Church
Date Visited: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008; 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service
Pastor: Dr. Burt Palmer
Debbie's First Impression: I was surprised that we were so early and nobody spoke to us.
Butch's First Impression: Not to belabor a point but it was a typical “non friendly” non-welcoming Methodist congregation.
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? The very few people we spoke to were friendly.
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? We felt comfortable because it was a Methodist church and we knew what to expect but we didn’t feel all that welcome.
Was the facility easy to find? Not really but we thought we knew where we were going so that was our mess up.
Parking: Plenty of parking for the 11:00 p.m. service
Dress Code: Semi-dressy but it was Christmas Eve so that usually means a little bit more dressy.
Was it easy to find your way around? We didn’t really walk around. We just went to the sanctuary.
Was there easy access to information? Not sure, we didn’t look around either.
Flow/Time of Service: The service was a traditional Methodist, Christmas Eve candle light service. It was approximately an hour long. Communion was served and given at different stations at the front of the church. The altar was open for prayer but many people just took their Communion and sat back down.
Prayer time: There were a few times for prayer in the service but it was very scripted.
Bible Teachings: Again, it was Christmas Eve so the scripture was about the Christ child being born.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is always going to be present on Christmas Eve.
Band: There was no band. There as a beautiful organ.
Music: The music was very traditional but incredibly good.
Choir: The small choir of about 18-20 people was fantastic. Vocally, this was one of the best choirs we have ever heard. EVERY voice was wonderful! The Associate Pastor even sang a solo during the offertory.
Coffee and Food: They did not have any coffee or food.
Bookstore: There was not a bookstore.
Bathrooms: I’m sure they had bathrooms but we didn’t walk around to check them out.
Exit Greeting: No but it was because it was a silent “Holy” exit. The congregation left the sanctuary in silence with their candles lit. It was a very neat way to prepare your heart for the birth of the Christ child!
Debbie's Opinion: We had a very difficult time finding a church that had an 11:00 p.m. Holy Communion service in our area. We wanted to celebrate our first Christmas together with Holy Communion on Christmas Eve. We were glad to find Bear Creek UMC and their 11 p.m. service. The music was wonderful and we really enjoyed the choir!
Butch's Opinion: An 11:00PM Christmas Eve Communion service has always been my final step in my Advent journey to our Savior’s birth. The opportunity to spend meaningful, holy time in the Lord’s house on the Eve of his birth reminds me what the true meaning of Christmas is. THANK YOU Bear Creek UMC for allowing us to worship with you and your community on this most holy of nights!!!!!!!!
Date Visited: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008; 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service
Pastor: Dr. Burt Palmer
Debbie's First Impression: I was surprised that we were so early and nobody spoke to us.
Butch's First Impression: Not to belabor a point but it was a typical “non friendly” non-welcoming Methodist congregation.
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? The very few people we spoke to were friendly.
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? We felt comfortable because it was a Methodist church and we knew what to expect but we didn’t feel all that welcome.
Was the facility easy to find? Not really but we thought we knew where we were going so that was our mess up.
Parking: Plenty of parking for the 11:00 p.m. service
Dress Code: Semi-dressy but it was Christmas Eve so that usually means a little bit more dressy.
Was it easy to find your way around? We didn’t really walk around. We just went to the sanctuary.
Was there easy access to information? Not sure, we didn’t look around either.
Flow/Time of Service: The service was a traditional Methodist, Christmas Eve candle light service. It was approximately an hour long. Communion was served and given at different stations at the front of the church. The altar was open for prayer but many people just took their Communion and sat back down.
Prayer time: There were a few times for prayer in the service but it was very scripted.
Bible Teachings: Again, it was Christmas Eve so the scripture was about the Christ child being born.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is always going to be present on Christmas Eve.
Band: There was no band. There as a beautiful organ.
Music: The music was very traditional but incredibly good.
Choir: The small choir of about 18-20 people was fantastic. Vocally, this was one of the best choirs we have ever heard. EVERY voice was wonderful! The Associate Pastor even sang a solo during the offertory.
Coffee and Food: They did not have any coffee or food.
Bookstore: There was not a bookstore.
Bathrooms: I’m sure they had bathrooms but we didn’t walk around to check them out.
Exit Greeting: No but it was because it was a silent “Holy” exit. The congregation left the sanctuary in silence with their candles lit. It was a very neat way to prepare your heart for the birth of the Christ child!
Debbie's Opinion: We had a very difficult time finding a church that had an 11:00 p.m. Holy Communion service in our area. We wanted to celebrate our first Christmas together with Holy Communion on Christmas Eve. We were glad to find Bear Creek UMC and their 11 p.m. service. The music was wonderful and we really enjoyed the choir!
Butch's Opinion: An 11:00PM Christmas Eve Communion service has always been my final step in my Advent journey to our Savior’s birth. The opportunity to spend meaningful, holy time in the Lord’s house on the Eve of his birth reminds me what the true meaning of Christmas is. THANK YOU Bear Creek UMC for allowing us to worship with you and your community on this most holy of nights!!!!!!!!
December 24, 2008 - The Foundry (Traditional)
Church: The Foundry (Traditional Service)
Date Visited: December 24, 2008
Pastor: Godrey Hubert
Debbie's First Impression: Gorgeous Organ!
Butch's First Impression: Butch did not go with me to this service.
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, we have been here a few times but never to the Traditional service.
Parking: Lots of parking.
Dress Code: A bit dressy but it was Christmas Eve and that is usually a bit more dressy.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes
Was there easy access to information? I didn’t really look around for anything.
Flow/Time of Service: The flow was good and an appropriate time for everything.
Prayer time: The congregation said the Lord’s Prayer together. Prayer is not their focus.
Bible Teachings: A scripture lesson was read and incorporated into the message.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was certainly in this worship service! It was beautiful!
Band: No band (traditional worship) but they did have an acoustic guitar player for a few songs.
Music: The music was outstanding! I really enjoyed it!
Vocalists: They had a quartet of singers that did some unbelievable arrangements of traditional hymns and contemporary music. They were quite incredible!
Coffee and Food: No
Bookstore: No
Bathrooms: I didn’t see them but we just went in/out because it was Christmas Eve and we wanted to get back to the house for dinner.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had many folks us to have a Merry Christmas
Debbie's Opinion: For a traditional worship service I thought they did a fantastic job of incorporating something for all types of worshippers. I really enjoyed the music!! Butch and I have visited this church about 3 times and never have we experienced the professional level of musicians that I heard tonight. I went to this service with my entire family (brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, parents and even in-laws of my sisters). A few of the folks in our party were not as impressed with the service as I was as they were looking forward to a very traditional candle light Christmas Eve service. I found it very moving and very spiritual. I had heard Godfrey Hubert preach before and am not a fan…but he did a GREAT job with tonight’s message. I took a lot from the message and the service and felt very good after leaving the church. I wouldn’t call it a 100% traditional service which is probably why I enjoyed it so much!
Butch's Opinion: Butch didn’t come to this service.
Date Visited: December 24, 2008
Pastor: Godrey Hubert
Debbie's First Impression: Gorgeous Organ!
Butch's First Impression: Butch did not go with me to this service.
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, we have been here a few times but never to the Traditional service.
Parking: Lots of parking.
Dress Code: A bit dressy but it was Christmas Eve and that is usually a bit more dressy.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes
Was there easy access to information? I didn’t really look around for anything.
Flow/Time of Service: The flow was good and an appropriate time for everything.
Prayer time: The congregation said the Lord’s Prayer together. Prayer is not their focus.
Bible Teachings: A scripture lesson was read and incorporated into the message.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was certainly in this worship service! It was beautiful!
Band: No band (traditional worship) but they did have an acoustic guitar player for a few songs.
Music: The music was outstanding! I really enjoyed it!
Vocalists: They had a quartet of singers that did some unbelievable arrangements of traditional hymns and contemporary music. They were quite incredible!
Coffee and Food: No
Bookstore: No
Bathrooms: I didn’t see them but we just went in/out because it was Christmas Eve and we wanted to get back to the house for dinner.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had many folks us to have a Merry Christmas
Debbie's Opinion: For a traditional worship service I thought they did a fantastic job of incorporating something for all types of worshippers. I really enjoyed the music!! Butch and I have visited this church about 3 times and never have we experienced the professional level of musicians that I heard tonight. I went to this service with my entire family (brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, parents and even in-laws of my sisters). A few of the folks in our party were not as impressed with the service as I was as they were looking forward to a very traditional candle light Christmas Eve service. I found it very moving and very spiritual. I had heard Godfrey Hubert preach before and am not a fan…but he did a GREAT job with tonight’s message. I took a lot from the message and the service and felt very good after leaving the church. I wouldn’t call it a 100% traditional service which is probably why I enjoyed it so much!
Butch's Opinion: Butch didn’t come to this service.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 7, 2008 - Fellowship of the Woodlands (2nd Visit)
Church: Fellowship of the Woodlands (2nd visit)
Date Visited: December 7, 2008
Pastor: Kerry Shook
Debbie's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Butch's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Were you greeted? ALWAYS
Were the people friendly? Yes, very!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Very comfortable and welcome!
Was the facility easy to find? Yes
Parking: There is lots of parking here at the Woodlands.
Dress Code: Anything goes here. Mostly very casual.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, and everyone is very helpful.
Was there easy access to information? Yes.
Flow/Time of Service: As we experienced at our first visit, there is a lot of music to set the tone and prepare you for worship. Then there is the message, the offertory and blessing. Each week Holy Communion is available after the service at the front of the stage.
Prayer time: Prayer is continuous throughout the worship service by each of the worship leaders involved in the service.
Bible Teachings: Everything is Biblically based and centers around the central theme for the day or series.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is felt the moment you arrive on the campus. The worship service is FULL of the Spirit!
Band: WOW! WOW! They have 2 keyboard players, drums, 2-3 guitars, violin, saxophone and other percussionists. These people are absolutely amazing!
Music: Unlike anything you have ever experienced! Everyone participates in the singing of the songs and offering up their voice to the Lord.
Vocalists: Today they had Jimmy Needham as a guest worship leader. WOW again! This young man is incredibly talented! He has a few CDs out and his music is played on KSBJ already. He is fantastic!
Coffee and Food: They have a huge café with a great selection of coffee, drinks and food.
Bookstore: Awesome! We looked at a few nativity scenes today and came very close to buying one.
Bathrooms: Huge and plentiful.
Exit Greeting: We are always greeted on the way out.
Debbie's Opinion: I love this place!!! I feel at home here and love everything about it. The music is incredible! Kerry Shook is so inspiring and he tells it like it is. He doesn’t sugar coat anything and that is what I have been looking for. He talks about real life stuff and relates ALL OF IT to Biblical principles. I love how everyone here is reverent during the worship service and is comfortable worshipping in their own way – whether that be with their hands raised and eyes closed and singing at the top of their lungs or if they are sitting quietly in their seat. Everyone has a place here; although not too many people sit during the music!
Butch's Opinion: “BIG CHURCHES DO BIG THINGS”. Although not the central point of Pastor Kerry’s message today, this quote has been on my heart and mind since worship this morning. The Woodlands Church isn’t just preaching this concept. The Woodlands Church is LIVING this TRUTH each and every day because Pastor Kerry, the ministerial staff, the laity, and the membership have taken the abundance of what God has given them and this Church believes and practices spreading and growing that abundance in every way that it possibly can. I LOVE THIS CHURCH AND THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT IS LIVING THERE EACH AND EVRY TIME I STEP ON CAMPUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date Visited: December 7, 2008
Pastor: Kerry Shook
Debbie's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Butch's First Impression: 2nd visit so no 1st impression
Were you greeted? ALWAYS
Were the people friendly? Yes, very!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Very comfortable and welcome!
Was the facility easy to find? Yes
Parking: There is lots of parking here at the Woodlands.
Dress Code: Anything goes here. Mostly very casual.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, and everyone is very helpful.
Was there easy access to information? Yes.
Flow/Time of Service: As we experienced at our first visit, there is a lot of music to set the tone and prepare you for worship. Then there is the message, the offertory and blessing. Each week Holy Communion is available after the service at the front of the stage.
Prayer time: Prayer is continuous throughout the worship service by each of the worship leaders involved in the service.
Bible Teachings: Everything is Biblically based and centers around the central theme for the day or series.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is felt the moment you arrive on the campus. The worship service is FULL of the Spirit!
Band: WOW! WOW! They have 2 keyboard players, drums, 2-3 guitars, violin, saxophone and other percussionists. These people are absolutely amazing!
Music: Unlike anything you have ever experienced! Everyone participates in the singing of the songs and offering up their voice to the Lord.
Vocalists: Today they had Jimmy Needham as a guest worship leader. WOW again! This young man is incredibly talented! He has a few CDs out and his music is played on KSBJ already. He is fantastic!
Coffee and Food: They have a huge café with a great selection of coffee, drinks and food.
Bookstore: Awesome! We looked at a few nativity scenes today and came very close to buying one.
Bathrooms: Huge and plentiful.
Exit Greeting: We are always greeted on the way out.
Debbie's Opinion: I love this place!!! I feel at home here and love everything about it. The music is incredible! Kerry Shook is so inspiring and he tells it like it is. He doesn’t sugar coat anything and that is what I have been looking for. He talks about real life stuff and relates ALL OF IT to Biblical principles. I love how everyone here is reverent during the worship service and is comfortable worshipping in their own way – whether that be with their hands raised and eyes closed and singing at the top of their lungs or if they are sitting quietly in their seat. Everyone has a place here; although not too many people sit during the music!
Butch's Opinion: “BIG CHURCHES DO BIG THINGS”. Although not the central point of Pastor Kerry’s message today, this quote has been on my heart and mind since worship this morning. The Woodlands Church isn’t just preaching this concept. The Woodlands Church is LIVING this TRUTH each and every day because Pastor Kerry, the ministerial staff, the laity, and the membership have taken the abundance of what God has given them and this Church believes and practices spreading and growing that abundance in every way that it possibly can. I LOVE THIS CHURCH AND THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT IS LIVING THERE EACH AND EVRY TIME I STEP ON CAMPUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November 30, 2008 - Grace Community Church
Church: Grace Community Church (I-45 South Campus)
Date Visited: November 30, 2008
Pastor: Garrett Booth
Debbie's First Impression: Beautiful facility!
Butch's First Impression: Very friendly and loved the bookstore!
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? We felt welcomed but not totally comfortable.
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, it is right off of I-45 and very simple to find.
Parking: Lots and lots of parking.
Dress Code: Mostly pretty casual but there were a few people that were very dressed up.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, and the people were friendly enough to help us find everything.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, there was fairly good signage.
Flow/Time of Service: There was a lot of praise and worship music at the beginning of the service.
Prayer time: There was time during the service once and then during the altar call at the end. It seemed sincere but was somewhat rehearsed. The time during the service was a time where the congregation was able to come down and pray with pray partners. The people asking for prayer were able to take as much time as they needed or wanted. It was pretty special to watch so I’m sure it was very special if you received prayer.
Bible Teachings: The message was very Biblically based. Great message by Pastor Booth.
Holy Spirit: We certainly felt the spirit during the worship service especially when the choir was participating.
Band: The band was great! They had a keyboard player, drums, and guitars. Most of the musicians sang as well as played an instrument.
Music: The music was wonderful. We didn’t know all of the songs as well but they were easy to learn and upbeat. They did seem to go on longer than usual.
Vocalists: This church has an AWESOME choir! They were so fun to watch – they even swayed back and forth during some of the songs. The vocalists were pretty good but the choir was more fun to watch. One of the guitar players even did the offertory by himself. He was great and did a wonderful Mercy Me song!
Coffee and Food: They had coffee at the “visitors” welcome table.
Bookstore: Great bookstore with all types of gift items and books. We spent a lot of time in here! Lots of cool stuff!
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms but for such a big place, the bathrooms were kind of far away from each other.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had a few folks tell us to have a great week.
Debbie's Opinion: I really enjoyed Grace! I had always wanted to visit that “big church” on I-45 and am so glad we did. They are certainly doing something right because the place was full and there were lots of young families enjoying the ministries there. They have a beautiful facility for sure and the choir was fantastic! I would love to see some of the choir members down on the stage where we could see their faces and expressions.
Butch's Opinion: Grace Community Church is doing great things in the Greater Houston area, and was a beacon of hope and shelter for the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. There is no doubt that this community of believers is Christ centered and Christ driven. I was so moved and impressed with the altar prayer time during the worship service not only from the perspective of those who were being prayed over, but also for the laity that were praying with the people who came to their stations. This church is seeking God’s purpose for the lives collectively and individually and with leaders/teachers like Garrett Booth. Grace will continue to impact the community it serves in very powerful and meaningful ways.
Date Visited: November 30, 2008
Pastor: Garrett Booth
Debbie's First Impression: Beautiful facility!
Butch's First Impression: Very friendly and loved the bookstore!
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? We felt welcomed but not totally comfortable.
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, it is right off of I-45 and very simple to find.
Parking: Lots and lots of parking.
Dress Code: Mostly pretty casual but there were a few people that were very dressed up.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, and the people were friendly enough to help us find everything.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, there was fairly good signage.
Flow/Time of Service: There was a lot of praise and worship music at the beginning of the service.
Prayer time: There was time during the service once and then during the altar call at the end. It seemed sincere but was somewhat rehearsed. The time during the service was a time where the congregation was able to come down and pray with pray partners. The people asking for prayer were able to take as much time as they needed or wanted. It was pretty special to watch so I’m sure it was very special if you received prayer.
Bible Teachings: The message was very Biblically based. Great message by Pastor Booth.
Holy Spirit: We certainly felt the spirit during the worship service especially when the choir was participating.
Band: The band was great! They had a keyboard player, drums, and guitars. Most of the musicians sang as well as played an instrument.
Music: The music was wonderful. We didn’t know all of the songs as well but they were easy to learn and upbeat. They did seem to go on longer than usual.
Vocalists: This church has an AWESOME choir! They were so fun to watch – they even swayed back and forth during some of the songs. The vocalists were pretty good but the choir was more fun to watch. One of the guitar players even did the offertory by himself. He was great and did a wonderful Mercy Me song!
Coffee and Food: They had coffee at the “visitors” welcome table.
Bookstore: Great bookstore with all types of gift items and books. We spent a lot of time in here! Lots of cool stuff!
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms but for such a big place, the bathrooms were kind of far away from each other.
Exit Greeting: Yes, we had a few folks tell us to have a great week.
Debbie's Opinion: I really enjoyed Grace! I had always wanted to visit that “big church” on I-45 and am so glad we did. They are certainly doing something right because the place was full and there were lots of young families enjoying the ministries there. They have a beautiful facility for sure and the choir was fantastic! I would love to see some of the choir members down on the stage where we could see their faces and expressions.
Butch's Opinion: Grace Community Church is doing great things in the Greater Houston area, and was a beacon of hope and shelter for the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Ike. There is no doubt that this community of believers is Christ centered and Christ driven. I was so moved and impressed with the altar prayer time during the worship service not only from the perspective of those who were being prayed over, but also for the laity that were praying with the people who came to their stations. This church is seeking God’s purpose for the lives collectively and individually and with leaders/teachers like Garrett Booth. Grace will continue to impact the community it serves in very powerful and meaningful ways.
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