DoXA Church
For the last 3 years, I could not go to US as I could not get long leave from office. But after retirement, I could go to US freely without any office tensions for two months and happily spent some good time with my kids. During our stay at Seattle, we attended sunday service in DoXa
Church and Neighbourhood church in Bellevue.
I had to change my stand after visiting these churches!. Until the visit, my perception was, people in USA have lost their faith and do not attend the church. But I was wrong. All sorts of people from different countries, different languages, different ages attend the church and in fact, it was a feast to eyes to see the way they worship.
I had to change my stand after visiting these churches!. Until the visit, my perception was, people in USA have lost their faith and do not attend the church. But I was wrong. All sorts of people from different countries, different languages, different ages attend the church and in fact, it was a feast to eyes to see the way they worship.
The basic difference compared to our worship is the way they sing, praise and thank Jesus. Praise and thanks giving is given the first priority. Youngsters singing with musical instruments
like Guitar, Violin, Drums and piano were wonderful. Mesmerizing orchestra with beautiful songs have taken us to a different
level of worship.
The lyrics was displayed on the
giant screen in line with the music and the congregation can also join in singing with the group. One
youngster standing next to me told me during the introduction
session that he is settled in USA and is a student of Washington university. Myself and my wife were surprised
by the way he praised GoD.
The worship contains a meaningful speech,
bible reading, singing, confession by individuals secretly and participating in
the wine and bread. Wine and bread are kept at the back on a table and each
person to take a piece of bread dip it in wine and take it. There is no priest
except a moderator.
The total worship is around 90
minutes and the children can attend Sunday school matching
with the time. After worship 10 minutes is allotted for introducing yourself to the person standing next
to you, if you do not know him.
Lot of interactive kiosks are placed outside the
hall where you can place your request of prayer and can participate in the programes and events organised by the church.
I am now back to India and when I
recollect the experience, I Personally feel it is
time for us to change the way we worship
GoD. I now know very well I can not
force my grand children to go to our church unless they are attracted. It is
definitely difficult to understand all
the monotonous Kauma and difficult
Malayalam words ( which sometimes even I
do not understand though I studied in Malayalam medium) interlaced with all those foreign words.
I feel that we need to change from Priest
centered worship to Jesus centered worship.
The participation of members in praise and thanksgiving need to
be improved. we need to cater to youngsters in their language of understanding using all technology, talents
and innovative ways to praise GoD. Praise has to take more importance. The ‘Kauma’ period shall come to an end.
I neither can sing well or play any
instrument but I forget myself in the group which sings from the heart and would
like to be there in such worships. I do not think I will see these changes in
my life as we are still not out of our
selfishness. The absolute freedom derived from ' freewill ' given by GoD is misused to great extent by people. Though I may not understand GoD’s plan, I
will pray to him to make changes.