Fishhook had the opportunity to work with an IUPUI writing class. The students were given the opportunity to secret worship a church and write about their experience. This is a 5 week blog series with their stories and experiences!

I attended a new-to-me church on Sunday with my three year old son.

Upon arrival we were pleasantly welcomed by the church’s greeters. Even before we could head to the worship area, a man recognized us from my son’s daycare. He turned out to be the Associate Pastor of the church! My first plan was for my son to join me during the sermon, but then the Associate Pastor asked if I would like for him to go to Sunday school while I enjoyed the sermon. I decided that was a better idea, unsure if he would remain quiet in a quiet setting. We were directed to a computer to sign-in that then printed off labels to match child with parent; the pastor explained this was a safety measure.

When we reached the Sunday school room my son became very excited! It looked like he was going to have a good time and he took to the teachers immediately. Once I felt comfortable leaving him with new people (the label-method combined with the laughing and smiling children certainly helped), I followed the Associate Pastor to the worship area. My second plan was to sit in the back of the church to observe, but when my guide offered that I sit with him and his family, I obliged.

Soon the service began. This was the second sermon of the day (they offer three on Sundays). I was surprised to see how casual the patrons dressed; I definitely felt comfortable in my best blue jeans and a nice blouse. I even chuckled after seeing a shirt one of the ushers wore - a black T-shirt with two white stick figures on it. It didn't look like typical Sunday church-wear. Even the senior pastor preaching at the pulpit wore casual attire - his button down shirt wasn’t even tucked into his khakis!

During the sermon the pastor maintained his high level of energy from beginning to end. During worship there was communion, music played from a four-person band, and silent group prayer. The Associate Pastor shared with me that their church holds communion monthly. He, nor the other patrons, looked appalled or questioned me as I remained in my seat while everyone else gathered in a line to pick bread from another person’s hands and receive grape juice. Other churches I’ve attended have the food and drink pre-portioned into tiny plastic cups. For the sake of the current flu season, I gathered my unquestioned reasoning sound.

As the sermon ended and the approximately 40 people in the congregation rose from their pews, the Associate Pastor invited me and my son to an informal lunch the church was holding that day. I graciously declined (although I did smell delicious donuts out in the gathering area). Instead, I went to retrieve my son. After reaching the Sunday school room I showed the teacher my label and we prepared to leave. I soon learned that I was not the only one to smell the donuts; my son practically begged for one of the yummy treats. I decided I couldn't agree to go back into the gathering place for a donut after declining the Associate Pastor’s offer. Instead, I drove us to a local Dunkin’ Donuts. My son was very happy!