Favourites

Last Saturday evening on facebook, I posed the question as to whether or not the CEM president was allowed to have a favourite congregation. I received some generous responses, at least one of which offered me the grace of forgiveness, which truly made me smile. (And yes, Susan, you are correct, I do have room in my heart for all of them.)

When I think about it, I probably have different favourites at different times, and for different reasons, in fact they are probably all my favourites when I am there. But today and probably everyday, the Montreal congregation is my favourite for several reasons.

1. They have a wonderful variety of music, including three or four different choirs, a terrific 5-piece praise band including a guitarist who seems to be able to pick up almost any piece of music by the second verse and play it, and a young base player who is just about as fast.
2. They have lots of beautiful children, and a worship service that can hold their attention, especially the lively music.
3. When this church prays, they pray with a serious intensity that has nothing to do with elegance or eloquence.
4. They have a wonderful pastor who really loves his people, and doesn’t mind riding the bus for 1 ½ hours each way to be with them for a Monday evening small group.
5. And last but certainly not least, there is a certain kind of joy in the worship of this congregation that I have not experienced anywhere else in the mission centre. Clearly this is a people who understand that God loves them, and just as clearly, they truly love God right back!

Now, I know that enthusiastic worship is not for everyone. Some people value the peace and tranquility of a more sedate style. But there is no denying that when you have been to church in Montreal, you know you have been there. This is not the type of worship experience that you can’t remember by Tuesday; in fact this service can make me smile from one year to the next!

So, thank you God, for the Montreal Community of Christ. They are certainly one of my favourites, and I have to wonder if they might not be one of Your favourites too!

Posted by Carman