As I entered church ten minutes before the service, the choir of a dozen was practicing the morning anthem. Like any church USA, the choir director (male) wore a tight black t shirt, lime green pants, and a neon orange belt. I worshipped this morning at the International Church of Bangkok. Except for its diverse congregation, it could have been in any mainline Protestant Church USA. This English-speaking group of 100 or so, overwhelmingly non-farang, meets in an auditorium at Bangkok Christian College, a private boys school (grades 1-12) affiliated with the Church of Christ in Thailand, our ecumenical partner. It is proud of the fact that it was the first college in Thailand dating to 1852 and has as among its alumni two former prime ministers. Though Christian in affiliation and founding, its students are only 5% Christian, a similar mirror to Thailand itself. I received my bulletin with several inserts, including a pledge card - it is November after all! - and took a seat. The pastor soon came over to offer a personal greeting. He is from Washington, DC, in Thailand now 9 years. As he stood up he leaned over to a woman behind me and said, I have something to ask you, but Ill wait until after the service. You probably already know what it is. Sound familiar, pastors? And lay people? The service included several songs on a video screen and hymns from an American hymnal. I got a foretaste of home when we sang the offering response - We Give Thee But Thine Own. There was a mission partner presentation, which as often happens, went on way too long. And lots of announcements that were somehow awkwardly placed throughout the service. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, we had communion. Little bread cubes and shot glasses of grape juice. Served by ushers who hadnt practiced. While the service was was more cozy than reverent (mainline USA?) I did receive nourishment. The sermon was thought-provoking. And for me, very timely. About Adam and Eve and the serpent and blame. And taking responsibility for our own choices. I was grateful for the silence and prayers and time spent in fellowship.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 05:48:32 +0000
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