Sth New

Sorry for being ignorant, but I didn't know before today that any churches that start with "HOLY" is a Catholic church! Not so much of being against Catholic, yet I wasn't and am still unsure if it has to be a 'Christian' church in order to fulfill my writing criterion. The church I visited today *way early in the morning at 8 am was Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (well, I got up at 6:45!), was absolutely a traditional one *10 am's service is contemporary with MUSIC! So you can presume that it was NO music AT ALL in the traditional Eucharist. Yep.. I looked completely awkward and uneasy as I didn't know when to stand, when to bow my head, what to recite, and what to respond on top of being the only Chinese-looking gal AND a new comer (the last time I ever was in a Presbyterian church was in 1996 or 1997?). Hence, when the communion time came, I hesitated whether or not I should go up *As the congregation was predominated comprised by elders, the number of attendees was only 18 or thereabouts, so everyone walked up & KNEELED in front of the altar to receive the communion. Anyhow, I figured I should take the communion as I am a believer, just one who's not familiar w/ the liturgical style. Also everyone was lining up so I didn't want to exclude myself and let this be the only reason to make myself looking like a non-believer which I am not! So I kinda followed how others took turns to kneel down on pillows so I wasn't being conspicuous. To my surprise, the wine was REAL WINE! After the clergy dipped the bread into the 'wine', and I even forgot if it was she who put it into my mouth or did I do it myself, I was immediately nauseous and felt dizzy as I stood up. Dr. Muthiah has lectured in class that using a real wine in communion gives new experience..... I think it does, just not quite as I expected @@ It was overall a pleasant experience, I do hope to see and integrate some of their elements into contemporarized services.


Courtney got baptized today at VOH!! Her 2nd b-day! :) Sophie was nice to throw a celebration party for her at Samuel's place. Daniels showed so much warm supports for her! Samuel said sth meaningful to me after I inquired some questions - PERSEVERANCE! I really need to persevere in what I believe is essential in WL. Lily's sharing also encouraged me, also reminded me to focus on God rather than people's responses. It's a dual aspect, I just need to swing to the other side more, that's all. Thanks be to GOD!