Sammie Oh - Church Visit #3

Sammie Oh - Church Visit #3

Lawndale Christian Community Church

3827 W. Ogden, Chicago, Illinois 60623

30 March 2014

Lower Socioeconomic Demographic

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The music style is definitely different from many of the churches I have been a part of. Yet, because I have had the privilege to visit many kinds of churches through Gospel Choir, there was nothing particularly new I experienced. Many predominantly African-American churches I have attended have energetic and drawn out services with the audience vocally very responsive and interacting with the preacher. I find it refreshing after going to a more subdued (audience participation wise) services.  Another thing this church did differently that a few churches I’ve seen do not passing around an offering plate or bag.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

I loved the style of worship. As a third year Gospel Choir member I have come to love the type of physical expression and singing that African-American Gospel Music brings to the table. It felt very comfortable to be there, like we were with family. And I know it was not just the music that created the family-like feeling. The intentional code of informality made it evident that the church leaders know the real needs of the community members and congregation. Also, the way the seating was arranged was interesting. It reminded me of a sports game stadium and I saw it as a creative way for allowing for more space and audience visibility.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

I feel a little spoiled in saying this but I found it a challenge to stay completely focused during the sermon because I have gotten used to short sermons. Perhaps it was the mini tour beforehand but I was pretty getting exhausted in the latter half of the sermon. Perhaps it was also the energy that the singers and speakers poured out that made me feel tired too from so much excitement. Besides getting physically tired (and hungry I might add) there was much more to be excited for. The focus on community as it relates to geography, faith, and the Hope House and Health Center organization is convicting because it show that a Christian community is not about what church “fits you” and how you will be served. Rather it is about how.

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

I cannot say that there was particular scripture or theology that was especially illuminated for me by attending this church just this once. I was however, reminded that the church of Christ should not be a body that simply meets once a week to worship and hear a short sermon and continue living our lives in disjointed from the people we go to church with. It has been a while since I have devoted myself towards building a solid community with my church. Although many Korean-American churches are fairly good at it I myself have not done a very good job with it. And even Korean-American churches that are good at it, there is still often racial and ethnic division that goes beyond geographical boundaries.