Church: Copperfield Church
Date Visited: October 26, 2008
Pastor: Larry Womack
Debbie's First Impression: Very friendly.
Butch's First Impression: Friendly and down to earth.
Were you greeted? Yes, a very sweet woman noticed us wandering around and asked if we were visitors. She then recognized we had Jacob with us (Butch’s 14 year old son) and began telling us about the youth programs. She gave us a cool coffee cup that said “Copperfield.com” and invited us to come back after the service if we had questions. She was very helpful!
Were the people friendly? Very!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, right off of Highway 6.
Parking: Easy access. We arrived earlier than usual. They had parking for visitors all “coned” off but since we were so early, there wasn’t anyone out there to move the cones so we could park there. It wasn’t a big deal. When we came out we noticed the “parking team” and they were hard at work.
Dress Code: very casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, good signage.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, and if we had problems, we had someone we could talk to already.
Flow/Time of Service: Good flow. A song, greeting, more music, message and offering. The offertory was taken at the end of the service which I found strange as many people actually left BEFORE the “plate” was passed on their row.
Prayer time: Before the offertory and sermon and at the end of the service for an invitation.
Bible Teachings: Scripture was read before the sermon with minimal references to the scripture during the sermon.
Holy Spirit: This was a worshipful experience.
Band: The band was made up of 2 guitars, keyboard and drummer. They seemed talented enough but very reliant on the music in front of them.
Music: The music was pretty good. Only one or two of the songs were familiar. Not overly exciting or inspiring.
Vocalists: Other than the worship leader, the vocalists didn’t appear to be enjoying themselves. They could sing….just didn’t look happy to be there. The worship choir was great. All of them appeared to enjoy singing!
Coffee and Food: Yes, there was a snack bar type area as soon as you walked in the door with inviting café tables.
Bookstore: Yes, the bookstore was part of the snack area. They had all types of things from crafts to Bibles and books.
Bathrooms: Very nice big bathrooms and lots of them.
Exit Greeting: The same woman that greeted us upon arrival, greeted us when we left. She wanted to make sure we didn’t have any questions. I wish I could remember her name but she was wonderful! The “parking team” also wished us well.
Debbie's Opinion: We enjoyed it and learned a lot but I think our beliefs are a little different. The worship center was very cool….as soon as the service started the windows all around were darkened with shades. It was really neat! It made for a very calming experience.
Butch's Opinion: This is a very friendly and cordial church. Everyone we encountered was smiling and very welcoming. You could sense the excitement and the “closeness” of the members of the church. It truly seemed like a family in the best possible way. The service itself was inspirational and very practical and I left feeling better for having attended the service. I just don’t think that Copperfield Church has everything I am looking for.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 19, 2008 - Buncombe Street United Methodist Church (visisting Greenville, SC today)
Church: Buncombe Street United Methodist Church
Date Visited: October 19, 2008
Pastor: Jerry E. Temple
Debbie's First Impression: Beautiful facility; love the steps to the main door.
Butch's First Impression: Traditional, Old South
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes, we were also with a member.
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, but Amy (Debbie’s sister) drove us and knew where she was going.
Parking: Lots of parking across the street from the church. We didn’t see any volunteers in the parking lot but there was easy access.
Dress Code: This is a more formal dress code.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes because we had Amy with us.
Was there easy access to information? We went to the “welcome table” after the service. We received a wonderful gift of home-made bread and some other information in the “visitor’s welcome packet.” Our favorite item was a colored picture by a child with a magnet on the back that we now can put on the refrigerator reminding us that we were at Buncombe Street.
Flow/Time of Service: This was a very traditional service; nice flow of service.
Prayer time: There was a prayer before the offertory and a benediction prayer.
Bible Teachings: The sermon was Biblically based with numerous scripture references.
Holy Spirit: This is a spirit filled church.
Band: Since this was a traditional service, there wasn’t a band. We learned later that Buncombe Street does have a contemporary service and we will check it out next time we visit.
Music: The music was very good. All of the voices sang together – sometimes you hear a warble or somebody sticking out…not at Buncombe. Beautiful music and there was lots of it today too! We also enjoyed hearing the youth choir today. A small group but great voices!
Vocalists: There weren’t any individual "vocalists" but the chancel choir was very good. We could hear all 4 parts of the harmonies. Great music!
Coffee and Food: We didn’t see any coffee or snacks.
Bookstore: We didn’t see a book store.
Bathrooms: We saw the bathrooms but didn’t check them out like we usually do. We did however visit the children’s wing where there were lots of kids enjoying their Sunday morning with very friendly volunteers.
Exit Greeting: We had a few people tell us to have a good week!
Debbie's Opinion: This worship service was very traditional. We enjoyed the service and will go back next time to check out the contemporary service. Rev. Temple delivered a positive and inspiring message.
Butch's Opinion: I really enjoyed going to Buncombe Street because the worship atmosphere is relaxed in the style of the Old South. The traditional, ‘high” church order of worship is inspiring and returned me to my traditional, Methodist roots. Although the worship service is traditional in nature, the worship environment is not “stuffy” or overbearing. Rev. Temple is an excellent preacher whose message is Biblically based and easily applied to everyday life. I will always go back to Buncombe Street when I’m in the Greenville area.
Date Visited: October 19, 2008
Pastor: Jerry E. Temple
Debbie's First Impression: Beautiful facility; love the steps to the main door.
Butch's First Impression: Traditional, Old South
Were you greeted? Yes
Were the people friendly? Yes, we were also with a member.
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, but Amy (Debbie’s sister) drove us and knew where she was going.
Parking: Lots of parking across the street from the church. We didn’t see any volunteers in the parking lot but there was easy access.
Dress Code: This is a more formal dress code.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes because we had Amy with us.
Was there easy access to information? We went to the “welcome table” after the service. We received a wonderful gift of home-made bread and some other information in the “visitor’s welcome packet.” Our favorite item was a colored picture by a child with a magnet on the back that we now can put on the refrigerator reminding us that we were at Buncombe Street.
Flow/Time of Service: This was a very traditional service; nice flow of service.
Prayer time: There was a prayer before the offertory and a benediction prayer.
Bible Teachings: The sermon was Biblically based with numerous scripture references.
Holy Spirit: This is a spirit filled church.
Band: Since this was a traditional service, there wasn’t a band. We learned later that Buncombe Street does have a contemporary service and we will check it out next time we visit.
Music: The music was very good. All of the voices sang together – sometimes you hear a warble or somebody sticking out…not at Buncombe. Beautiful music and there was lots of it today too! We also enjoyed hearing the youth choir today. A small group but great voices!
Vocalists: There weren’t any individual "vocalists" but the chancel choir was very good. We could hear all 4 parts of the harmonies. Great music!
Coffee and Food: We didn’t see any coffee or snacks.
Bookstore: We didn’t see a book store.
Bathrooms: We saw the bathrooms but didn’t check them out like we usually do. We did however visit the children’s wing where there were lots of kids enjoying their Sunday morning with very friendly volunteers.
Exit Greeting: We had a few people tell us to have a good week!
Debbie's Opinion: This worship service was very traditional. We enjoyed the service and will go back next time to check out the contemporary service. Rev. Temple delivered a positive and inspiring message.
Butch's Opinion: I really enjoyed going to Buncombe Street because the worship atmosphere is relaxed in the style of the Old South. The traditional, ‘high” church order of worship is inspiring and returned me to my traditional, Methodist roots. Although the worship service is traditional in nature, the worship environment is not “stuffy” or overbearing. Rev. Temple is an excellent preacher whose message is Biblically based and easily applied to everyday life. I will always go back to Buncombe Street when I’m in the Greenville area.
Monday, October 13, 2008
October 12, 2008 - Willow Creek Chicago (visiting Chicago today)
Church: Willow Creek Chicago, Chicago, IL
Date Visited: October 12, 2008
Pastor: Bill Hybels
Debbie's First Impression: I was interested to see how they were going to convert the facility to a worship center.
Butch's First Impression: Very friendly and interesting worship area.
Were you greeted? Yes, the welcoming “team” greeted us before we even got inside.
Were the people friendly? Yes, very!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, the cab driver knew just where to go. It was in a huge theatre in downtown Chicago.
Parking: There was contracted parking in the office building next door to the auditorium. We didn’t park since we took a cab.
Dress Code: Casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, they had people strategically placed all around the campus.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, we even stopped at the visitor’s desk and learned more about the church.
Flow/Time of Service: First 30 minutes was all music. We arrived early for the “pre-worship” music and it was totally worth it!!
Prayer time: There wasn’t a lot of prayer time but what prayers were offered, were heartfelt and appropriate.
Bible Teachings: The minister was not live and in person, he was on a video screen from another location. His lesson was great and very well received even though he wasn’t live. This is difficult to do well.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was in the music here at Willow Creek.
Band: The band was incredible! We aren’t sure but we were pretty convinced the worship leader was Kirk Franklin. If it wasn’t Kirk Franklin, the music and style was JUST like Kirk Franklin. Drums and percussion were a focal point. The guitar players and keyboard player were great!
Music: The music was fantastic! There was LOTS of energy by everyone that was on the stage.
Vocalists: They had a worship leader and 4 other vocalists. Every one of them could SING!!! Then they also had a worship choir with about 25 people in it. All of the people on the stage singing were very excited to be there and full of Christ! You could see it in their faces and in how they sang each song.
Coffee and Food: There was coffee and donuts available at the information desk.
Bookstore: They had some shirts and things to purchase but not really a “bookstore”. We got the impression the facility was used for other things during the week.
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms but not easily accessible because it is an auditorium. There are lots of stairs to go down to get to the bathrooms. I am guessing there was an elevator for those that aren’t able to use the stairs.
Exit Greeting: We had a number of people wish us well for the coming week.
Debbie's Opinion: Willow Creek Chicago is a satellite church of the larger Willow Creek campus. I have been to other churches where they tried the video “message” and it didn’t work. Bill Hybels makes it work for sure! He is an accomplished writer and an incredible speaker. We were even there during the weekend of the Chicago Marathon and the church was still VERY well attended. This was a fantastic place to worship and to hear some inspirational praise and worship music! Loved this place!
Butch's Opinion: When we decided to go to Willow Creek Church, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect after reading about the church on their website. I can tell you if you are ever in Chicago or the Chicago area and you are looking for a place to worship, go to Willow Creek Church!! From the time we walked in the door until the time we left we were made to feel very welcome and you can sense this was a very special place. If you are in downtown Chicago, you MUST attend the “pre-worship” music that begins at 9:46 a.m. The music at this worship service was some of the most inspiring, soul filling, praise and worship music I have ever heard. You won’t sit down during the 30 minutes of music. That is just the beginning. It is quite apparent that the mission of this church is to prepare its members to bring others to a knowledge and relationship of Jesus Christ and his teachings. They are not “in your face” evangelicals but they are all about equipping their members to serve as Christ’s ambassadors and disciples in the world.
Date Visited: October 12, 2008
Pastor: Bill Hybels
Debbie's First Impression: I was interested to see how they were going to convert the facility to a worship center.
Butch's First Impression: Very friendly and interesting worship area.
Were you greeted? Yes, the welcoming “team” greeted us before we even got inside.
Were the people friendly? Yes, very!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, the cab driver knew just where to go. It was in a huge theatre in downtown Chicago.
Parking: There was contracted parking in the office building next door to the auditorium. We didn’t park since we took a cab.
Dress Code: Casual
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, they had people strategically placed all around the campus.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, we even stopped at the visitor’s desk and learned more about the church.
Flow/Time of Service: First 30 minutes was all music. We arrived early for the “pre-worship” music and it was totally worth it!!
Prayer time: There wasn’t a lot of prayer time but what prayers were offered, were heartfelt and appropriate.
Bible Teachings: The minister was not live and in person, he was on a video screen from another location. His lesson was great and very well received even though he wasn’t live. This is difficult to do well.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was in the music here at Willow Creek.
Band: The band was incredible! We aren’t sure but we were pretty convinced the worship leader was Kirk Franklin. If it wasn’t Kirk Franklin, the music and style was JUST like Kirk Franklin. Drums and percussion were a focal point. The guitar players and keyboard player were great!
Music: The music was fantastic! There was LOTS of energy by everyone that was on the stage.
Vocalists: They had a worship leader and 4 other vocalists. Every one of them could SING!!! Then they also had a worship choir with about 25 people in it. All of the people on the stage singing were very excited to be there and full of Christ! You could see it in their faces and in how they sang each song.
Coffee and Food: There was coffee and donuts available at the information desk.
Bookstore: They had some shirts and things to purchase but not really a “bookstore”. We got the impression the facility was used for other things during the week.
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms but not easily accessible because it is an auditorium. There are lots of stairs to go down to get to the bathrooms. I am guessing there was an elevator for those that aren’t able to use the stairs.
Exit Greeting: We had a number of people wish us well for the coming week.
Debbie's Opinion: Willow Creek Chicago is a satellite church of the larger Willow Creek campus. I have been to other churches where they tried the video “message” and it didn’t work. Bill Hybels makes it work for sure! He is an accomplished writer and an incredible speaker. We were even there during the weekend of the Chicago Marathon and the church was still VERY well attended. This was a fantastic place to worship and to hear some inspirational praise and worship music! Loved this place!
Butch's Opinion: When we decided to go to Willow Creek Church, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect after reading about the church on their website. I can tell you if you are ever in Chicago or the Chicago area and you are looking for a place to worship, go to Willow Creek Church!! From the time we walked in the door until the time we left we were made to feel very welcome and you can sense this was a very special place. If you are in downtown Chicago, you MUST attend the “pre-worship” music that begins at 9:46 a.m. The music at this worship service was some of the most inspiring, soul filling, praise and worship music I have ever heard. You won’t sit down during the 30 minutes of music. That is just the beginning. It is quite apparent that the mission of this church is to prepare its members to bring others to a knowledge and relationship of Jesus Christ and his teachings. They are not “in your face” evangelicals but they are all about equipping their members to serve as Christ’s ambassadors and disciples in the world.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
October 5, 2008 - Lakewood Church
Church: Lakewood Church www.lakewood.cc
Date Visited: October 5, 2008
Pastor: Joel Osteen
Debbie's First Impression: WOW! WOW! WOW!
Butch's First Impression: You can feel the energy and the Holy Spirit as soon as you walk in the door.
Were you greeted? Not really.
Were the people friendly? Yes. During the worship service they ask visitors to raise their hands and when we did, the man sitting next to Butch extended his hand and shook Butch’s hand and said “Welcome to Lakewood. I’m so glad you came to worship with us today. I hope you have a blessed experience while you are here”. It was awesome!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes, everyone makes you feel welcome.
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, right off the freeway!
Parking: Lots of parking and very easy to park and walk to facility. Be sure to allow enough time to park and walk in.
Dress Code: Anything goes here. We saw everything from shorts and t-shirts to 3 piece suits with hats. The majority of folks were in “business casual” or “Sunday dress” type of clothes though.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, they have great signage and so much to choose from.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, there were information desks at all the main entrances to the “sanctuary.”
Flow/Time of Service: The service flow was great. Lots of music and the message was about 30 minutes long. The entire service was about 90 minutes – 105 minutes long.
Prayer Time: Lots of prayer time. They even have a time where you can come to the front of your section and someone will pray with you while the rest of us sing a few songs. Prayer is very important here and is taken very seriously.
Bible Teachings: The Bible is certainly a focal point here! You can tell who is visiting by who does NOT have a Bible with them. But yes, in today’s message there were at least 7 Bible references just in Joel’s message. Victoria Osteen (Joel’s wife) also referenced 2-3 scriptures in a short message she gave and then a prayer. Bible teachings are important here. Worshippers are encouraged to bring their Bibles and use them during the service.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was most definitely in this place! Also, there was every walk of life you could think of in the service. We saw every race, every age and every hair style you can think of including a mohawk! The Holy Spirit was all around and this was certainly “the Body of Christ”!
Band: OH MY GOODNESS! This band was AWESOME! Lots of guitars, piano, brass, drums AND percussion. Plus, the band is on a platform where they rise up out of a pit during the service and then when it is time for Joel to begin his message, the band just goes away…back down into the pit. You really don’t even notice it if you aren’t paying attention. It is so cool!
Music: The music is upbeat and positive with so much energy! The whole congregation is on their feet the entire time the music is playing. People are clapping and praising the Lord however the Spirit moves them. It was like going to a Christian concert on Sunday morning. It was wonderful!
Vocalists: Israel Houghton and Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff! What else is there to say?! If you don’t know who Israel and Cindy are…Israel is HUGE in Contemporary Christian Music with - 4 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, 6 2007 Grammy Award nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album; Cindy is the worship leader at Lakewood and has her own Dove Award as a singer-songwriter. On top of their talent, they had 6 other incredible vocalists on the stage with them. Then add the 80-100 person worship choir with 4 part harmonies and oh my goodness! When Israel came out on stage I even said “hey, that looks like Israel Houghton” and Butch said “that is because it is Israel!” I looked again and was so excited! We have been to Lakewood a few times before but never on Sunday morning. What a treat to see Israel, FOR FREE!!!
Coffee and Food: I’m sure there was coffee somewhere but we didn’t see it. It was probably in the class rooms.
Bookstore: If you visit Lakewood, you must go to their bookstore. It is a full blown Christian Bookstore inside the church. You can get anything from Bibles, CDs, DVDs, china, art, toys, jewelry, gifts and much of it is in English and Spanish. The selection is quite extensive.
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms and they are very easy to find.
Exit Greeting: There was a reception for visitors where we could have met Joel and Victoria but we didn’t stay for it this week. Next time we will though.
Debbie's Opinion: If you live in Houston, you really need to check out Lakewood! Joel Osteen is extraordinarily gifted and is without a doubt doing what God has asked him to do. He is very funny and has a fantastic way of teaching the word of God to those that have never heard about God. He also has a way of making his message applicable to YOUR everyday life no matter what your circumstance may be. I have heard a lot of things about Lakewood from people that haven’t ever been so if you have not experienced this worship service, you need to! It is an AWESOME experience! You will be changed when you leave. It is a privilege to have this church in our city and more Houstonians could benefit by attending and being blessed by the people there. We WILL be back and if this is the place for us, we will be in that fabulous choir.
Butch's Opinion: DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TOLD OR WHAT YOU PERCEIVE!!!!!! If you’ve been told or have the impression that Lakewood and Joel Osteen are ‘Christianity Light” then I highly recommend that you attend a worship service at Lakewood because what you’ve been told or what you perceive by watching TV is not what Lakewood Church is all about. THIS CHURCH IS ABOUT DOING THE WORK OF THE KINGDOM IN THIS WORLD. Everywhere you look in the Worship Center you literally see the Face of Christ. Everyone is welcome and every race, ethnic, social, and fiscal class is present and worshipping and praising the Lord in the worship service. Joel and Victoria Osteen are gifted speakers and teachers of God’s word and their messages and prayers are scripturally based. They may not teach and/or preach the stale dogma of today’s “established” churches, but they present a message of Love and personal relationship with our Lord, as well as emphasizing the personal responsibility we all have in maintaining our relationship with God. I have been to Lakewood several times and I have yet to attend a service there where I did not walk out with a better understanding of my relationship with God and how to utilize that relationship to make my life the best that it can possibly be for myself, my family, and the people I come into contact with each and every day. I can’t imagine getting any more out of a worship service or a church.
Date Visited: October 5, 2008
Pastor: Joel Osteen
Debbie's First Impression: WOW! WOW! WOW!
Butch's First Impression: You can feel the energy and the Holy Spirit as soon as you walk in the door.
Were you greeted? Not really.
Were the people friendly? Yes. During the worship service they ask visitors to raise their hands and when we did, the man sitting next to Butch extended his hand and shook Butch’s hand and said “Welcome to Lakewood. I’m so glad you came to worship with us today. I hope you have a blessed experience while you are here”. It was awesome!
Did you feel comfortable and welcome? Yes, everyone makes you feel welcome.
Was the facility easy to find? Yes, right off the freeway!
Parking: Lots of parking and very easy to park and walk to facility. Be sure to allow enough time to park and walk in.
Dress Code: Anything goes here. We saw everything from shorts and t-shirts to 3 piece suits with hats. The majority of folks were in “business casual” or “Sunday dress” type of clothes though.
Was it easy to find your way around? Yes, they have great signage and so much to choose from.
Was there easy access to information? Yes, there were information desks at all the main entrances to the “sanctuary.”
Flow/Time of Service: The service flow was great. Lots of music and the message was about 30 minutes long. The entire service was about 90 minutes – 105 minutes long.
Prayer Time: Lots of prayer time. They even have a time where you can come to the front of your section and someone will pray with you while the rest of us sing a few songs. Prayer is very important here and is taken very seriously.
Bible Teachings: The Bible is certainly a focal point here! You can tell who is visiting by who does NOT have a Bible with them. But yes, in today’s message there were at least 7 Bible references just in Joel’s message. Victoria Osteen (Joel’s wife) also referenced 2-3 scriptures in a short message she gave and then a prayer. Bible teachings are important here. Worshippers are encouraged to bring their Bibles and use them during the service.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit was most definitely in this place! Also, there was every walk of life you could think of in the service. We saw every race, every age and every hair style you can think of including a mohawk! The Holy Spirit was all around and this was certainly “the Body of Christ”!
Band: OH MY GOODNESS! This band was AWESOME! Lots of guitars, piano, brass, drums AND percussion. Plus, the band is on a platform where they rise up out of a pit during the service and then when it is time for Joel to begin his message, the band just goes away…back down into the pit. You really don’t even notice it if you aren’t paying attention. It is so cool!
Music: The music is upbeat and positive with so much energy! The whole congregation is on their feet the entire time the music is playing. People are clapping and praising the Lord however the Spirit moves them. It was like going to a Christian concert on Sunday morning. It was wonderful!
Vocalists: Israel Houghton and Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff! What else is there to say?! If you don’t know who Israel and Cindy are…Israel is HUGE in Contemporary Christian Music with - 4 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, 6 2007 Grammy Award nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album; Cindy is the worship leader at Lakewood and has her own Dove Award as a singer-songwriter. On top of their talent, they had 6 other incredible vocalists on the stage with them. Then add the 80-100 person worship choir with 4 part harmonies and oh my goodness! When Israel came out on stage I even said “hey, that looks like Israel Houghton” and Butch said “that is because it is Israel!” I looked again and was so excited! We have been to Lakewood a few times before but never on Sunday morning. What a treat to see Israel, FOR FREE!!!
Coffee and Food: I’m sure there was coffee somewhere but we didn’t see it. It was probably in the class rooms.
Bookstore: If you visit Lakewood, you must go to their bookstore. It is a full blown Christian Bookstore inside the church. You can get anything from Bibles, CDs, DVDs, china, art, toys, jewelry, gifts and much of it is in English and Spanish. The selection is quite extensive.
Bathrooms: Huge bathrooms and they are very easy to find.
Exit Greeting: There was a reception for visitors where we could have met Joel and Victoria but we didn’t stay for it this week. Next time we will though.
Debbie's Opinion: If you live in Houston, you really need to check out Lakewood! Joel Osteen is extraordinarily gifted and is without a doubt doing what God has asked him to do. He is very funny and has a fantastic way of teaching the word of God to those that have never heard about God. He also has a way of making his message applicable to YOUR everyday life no matter what your circumstance may be. I have heard a lot of things about Lakewood from people that haven’t ever been so if you have not experienced this worship service, you need to! It is an AWESOME experience! You will be changed when you leave. It is a privilege to have this church in our city and more Houstonians could benefit by attending and being blessed by the people there. We WILL be back and if this is the place for us, we will be in that fabulous choir.
Butch's Opinion: DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN TOLD OR WHAT YOU PERCEIVE!!!!!! If you’ve been told or have the impression that Lakewood and Joel Osteen are ‘Christianity Light” then I highly recommend that you attend a worship service at Lakewood because what you’ve been told or what you perceive by watching TV is not what Lakewood Church is all about. THIS CHURCH IS ABOUT DOING THE WORK OF THE KINGDOM IN THIS WORLD. Everywhere you look in the Worship Center you literally see the Face of Christ. Everyone is welcome and every race, ethnic, social, and fiscal class is present and worshipping and praising the Lord in the worship service. Joel and Victoria Osteen are gifted speakers and teachers of God’s word and their messages and prayers are scripturally based. They may not teach and/or preach the stale dogma of today’s “established” churches, but they present a message of Love and personal relationship with our Lord, as well as emphasizing the personal responsibility we all have in maintaining our relationship with God. I have been to Lakewood several times and I have yet to attend a service there where I did not walk out with a better understanding of my relationship with God and how to utilize that relationship to make my life the best that it can possibly be for myself, my family, and the people I come into contact with each and every day. I can’t imagine getting any more out of a worship service or a church.
Friday, October 3, 2008
September 28, 2008 - Grace Fellowship UMC
We went back to Grace Fellowship for a 3rd time. The sermon was fantastic! It was all about the book "The Love Dare" and the movie "Fireproof". Great sermon series and we have really enjoyed it. They served communion this week and did a wonderful job of serving everyone. We felt very welcomed and participated in communion this week. The music was again songs that we weren't familiar with. We will continue on our experience with other churches and possibly visit Grace Fellowship again later.
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