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The Sound of Praise




In a store front with a yellow canopy there sits a church. It's small. So small you would almost miss it as you drive past if it wasn't for the people floating in and out. Families loaded with small children and too many bags enter in a slow clump as a lady helps with their coats. A young couple with their Bibles under their arms and a Tupperware container of cookies follow. A few singles file in. The noise doesn't stop. It merely escalates as the family of Christ comes together. Two men carry a sign out onto the street with the words "JOIN US FOR CHURCH AT 10:00 & 3:00"

 The people inside put their things down and try to get their children settled as they share stories about their week; some stories for smiles and some for tears. Visitors arrive late and a regular attendee stands up to get them song books and a Bible and helps them find a seat.

 Finally the minster takes his place and announces the first song. A strong voice leads and the others quickly join. The singing is nothing to compare with Handel as these voices are not trained but rather ill equipped common people, some of whom have only known the blessing of a Sabbath rest for a short time, but the praise is there and it's sincere.

 Throughout the service children flip through books and suck on bottles and knock over toys at their parents feet. One small child periodically says "hello" as she's not used to sitting quietly yet. A mother takes her toddler to the basement to play when he can sit still no longer. The speaker downstairs allows her still enjoy the sermon.

 In the middle of the sermon another noise sounds when the door to the street thumps closed as someone leaves for a smoke. Shortly after the door opens again to welcome them back in. 

 After the final song, blessing, and prayer the people are dismissed for a time of fellowship. Again people share more about their week, their struggles, and what they learned from the sermon. Children weave through the crowd of legs that block the way from the stack of books to the snack table. 

  After a short discussion time different families join for an "on the fly lunch." One family has a clean home and the other has some food and they get together to share. 

 The entire episode is noisy. Not noisy like a symphony. Noisy like you periodically want to plug your ears. But I think God looks down and smiles. He smiles at the mother who tries to quiet her child so the others can hear. He smiles at the man who grew up in the church and now shares his Bible with his friend who's never been there before. He smiles at the lady who plays with the children. And He smiles at the man who gives an encouraging word. And He smiles at the pastor who continues with the work of leading the service and preaching the Word despite all the distractions. 

 Overall I think it sounds like praising God. Just what church ought to be. 

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