Something Familiar

This Sunday morning, I headed out in an auto rickshaw to find Oldham Methodist Church. The driver had to stop and ask two people along the way, but we did make it eventually. The ride wasn't nearly as frantic; even though stores and shops are up and running on Sunday, everything seems to have a later start, so the streets were less crowded. From what I read, the Methodist Church began in India in 1856, started by a couple whose last name was Butler. In 1871, William Taylor came to Bombay (now Mumbai) and established the Methodist church in 1872. He came to Poona (now Pune) for periods to rest and began holding gospel meetings in his home. During one of these, he challenged people to form a church. The Methodist Episcopal Church, Poona, was founded in September 1872. Currently, there are about 3 Methodist churches in this city. I was somewhat, no, actually VERY relieved to find that I had been given the service time for the English speaking service. This congregation has about 3 morning services back-to-back, all in different languages. (pic 1) The service I attended had about 100 people in attendance and the church has about 300 families on its roll. One member told me that at Easter and Christmas, the place is packed. Some things are universal, huh? Anyway, the service format was much like in the U.S. - hymns (they use the red hymnal), prayer concerns, pastoral prayer, Lord's prayer, scripture reading, offering, doxology, sermon, benediction - not necessarily in that order. One layman prayed a long prayer asking for more rain. (Even though it has rained, the water levels are still lower than normal.) The sermon used a scripture from Romans 1, as well as a reference to some new legislation that has been passed concerning gay rights. The pastor basically reminded folks that even though we live in modern times, as Christians, we must stick to Biblical truths of what is right and wrong. He admonished parents to establish values in the home, know where our kids are and what they are doing and to not get so melted into the norms of the day that we forget those truths. To accompany the hymns, they had an organist and a trombone player. After the service, I went down to meet the musicians and showed the brass player a picture of Joshua playing trombone. People were quick to greet and welcome me and after the service, I found myself surrounded by a group of women, all of whom were teachers as it turned out. They had Sunday School earlier, but had a fellowship time in an outside courtyard with coffee and socializing. I told one of the women that I was surprised to find a Methodist church. She said that actually there are many Methodist schools all over India and that Christianity is growing, particularly as churches are increasing their evangelistic efforts. I enjoyed the morning tremendously.... I don't think I realized how much I had missed "the familiar", even if just for a little while.

As I type, I'm hearing on CNN about a bridge collapse in New Delhi that has killed 5 workers. We saw SO much construction going on in that city. It seems that in trying to keep up with the ever growing population, the infrastructure is in a constant state of being improved.

I plan to relax some today, work on my curriculum project and get ready for an early departure in the morning as we head to Kochi. Also, since I have some extra time today, I have added a few more pics to the Trip to Madrasa, Birthday at the Buddhist Caves and Meditation and Music posts. I have included pictures all along of children and young people, but I want to leave you with the image of a beautiful older woman who was at the Laxmi Bakery I mentioned in an earlier post. (pic 2)