I Go To The Rock Of My Salvation...

Since I work Sundays now, and have for the past few years, I've obviously not had the chance to attend church much. I take a few Sundays off, now and then, but that just hasn't been cutting the mustard, so to speak. It's hard to feel connected to a church family when you only visit the family every couple of weeks.

Choir on Wednesday nights, although I do so enjoy singing, doesn't cut it either. There's not much "fellowship" there. No connections. No meaningful conversations that take place when you have time to sit down and talk. It's a hit-and-run occasion. Everyone takes their seat, we all say a few cursory hello's, then down to business. Afterward, folks usually like to get on their way home. I enjoy choir for the music aspect of it, but I don't get out of it what I need, which is a closer connection to my Christian brothers and sisters.

So I was driving to work yesterday morning, Saturday, thinking.... I NEED to go to church. Someplace. Attend a service. Listen to some preaching, sing some hymns or praise music. Enjoy the time with fellow believers who love God as I do.

So I called my friend Lisa. She's told me tons of times that her church has a Saturday night service that's pretty cool. She goes to Saturday night church once a month and teaches Sunday School class for the little kids who's families attend on Saturday night. (I guess that would be Saturday Night School. Just doesn't have the same ring to it. Anyway...) She told me the time and place, and was so excited she said she and her fiance would meet me there. I told her no, I'll be fine, but she insisted. Wanted to be there the first time I showed up, ya know. Good friend.

So, off I go to The Rock of Rocklin, which is a satellite church of The Rock of Roseville. It's a very upbeat, but easy-going place. People greeted me and were very welcoming. The church is set in the corner of a strip mall, next to a Canned Food Outlet. Kinda seemed odd, but if it works, it works. I'm told the place used to be a bar or dance hall or something. Talk about a conversion.

So I go into the worship center or main hall, and the worship band is warming up. I was hooked from that moment. They were good!!! Drums, lead guitar, bass, keyboards, rhythm guitar. Nice tight alternative rock sound. And above all, good praise music. What can I say, I loved it!

The service was simple. Lots of music, sharing of the Lord's Supper (Communion for you who think more Catholic), and a good message about the power of words (Proverb's type stuff, like Proverbs 12:25: Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.). A message I needed to hear, and enjoyed thoroughly.

Afterward, Lisa, her fiance Patrick, her daughter Jen, and I all went over to Strings and had dinner. Again, more fellowship with friends and believers. It was great. I'd been needing that.
I'm pretty sure I'll go again next Saturday night.