Wowie-zowie, the new pastor is good! She's not as forceful throughout the service, and she doesn't have as good a singing voice as the last pastor, but her sermon - about Blind Faith - was awesome. And it was followed by a really amazing and powerful blessings - everyone (except me) goes up to the front of the church and the pastor lays hands on and prays for each person.
You could really feel Spirit moving. I've only experienced that in church a few times before. In this particular instance, I was observing but wasn't a part of it.
However, I did feel more a part of the community in general. I was warmly welcomed by several of the members. And my friend invited me to sit with her, so I was surrounded by "Amens" and "Mm-hmms" during the sermon.
The new pastor also took the time to talk to me after the service, and she enthusiastically invited me to bring Baby E. I'd like to bring him at some point - partly to give Papa D a Sunday morning break and partly to show off my precious boy. But I find myself a bit reticent right now.
In the beginning, there was a part of me that wanted to bring Baby E to give myself some legitimacy for being at a black church. Even though I don't think it would have worked that way. I don't think most of the congregation members would really understand why I want to participate in my son's cultural heritage (heck, my highly-educated husband doesn't really understand). But now, I feel I am being accepted for myself, and I don't want to be written off, my motives questioned.
For now, I just want to enjoy the embrace of the community, the bounty of summer, and my newfound freedom in my career/life.
