My Journey to Know God and Jesus

CATEGORY

life

My journey to know God and Jesus begin when
my mom suggested that I start going to Church.
The Church was within walking distance from
my house. I was a youth at the time.

I started to know God and Jesus by way of the
Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church I attended
was a Black Congregation and the Pastor was Caucasian.
The Lutheran Church I attended was St. Thomas
Lutheran Church on the South Side of Chicago.

My experience with the Lutheran Church was joyful.
I remember the feeling of tranquility when entering the Church.
I remember eating the bread and 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 an Acolyte. An Acolyte (Ack-O-lite)
helps with the service. I remember the feeling of worship
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 joy when the Pastor would say
He is Risen, and the Congregation would say He is Risen indeed.
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
donuts 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, 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 taught me you only need to be an ordinary person to experience the presence of God and Jesus.