Hello, I'm Brother Steve. My journey to know God and Jesus began when my mom suggested that I start going to Church. I was a youth at the time. The Church was within walking distance from my house. I started to know God and Jesus by way of the Lutheran Church.
The Lutheran Church I attended was an African American Congregation and the Pastor was Caucasian. The Lutheran Church I attended was St. Thomas Lutheran Church on Chicago's South Side. Located in the South Shore community. An ELCA
Congregation. My experience with St. Thomas Lutheran Church was joyful.
I remember the feeling of tranquility when entering the Church. I remember eating the bread and drinking the wine called Communion.
I remember the feeling of my sins being forgiven and I was redeemed. I remember being an altar boy. In the Lutheran Church they are called Acolyte. An Acolyte (Ack-O-lite) helps with the service.
I remember the feeling of joy as we sang hymns to God. I remember singing from the hymnal. The hymnal is a collection of worship songs. I remember reciting the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray.
In Christianity, it is called the Lord's Prayer. I remember the feeling of happiness when the Pastor would say He is Risen, and the Congregation would say He is Risen indeed. Alleluia! This was during the Easter service.
I remember the stain glass windows with the artwork depicting Jesus. I remember the fellowship hall where we would gather for pastries and coffee. I remember the beautiful banners that read Hallelujah and Hosanna.
Hallelujah or Alleluia means Praise God or Praise the Lord. Hosanna is used to express adoration and praise or joy. I remember Good Friday service when the Church was dark to symbolize Jesus's death.
I remember Palm Sunday service when the Pastor gave everyone palm branches. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, when the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is celebrated in many Christian Churches by processions in which
palm branches are carried. I remember taking a trip on a retreat.
One of the things I experience on the retreat was we all sat in a circle and people took turns interpreting scriptures. My journey to know God and Jesus allowed me to experience those first steps which was the beginning of my faith walk.
I'm thankful and grateful for the worship and fellowship experience. It made me appreciate the joy of being a believer.
