Sunday Worship

We have spent 4 sundays in Salt Lake City. Our very first Sunday we found a small church that we can walk to (about a mile and 1/2) from home. It is called Mt Tabor Lutheran Church and it is celebrating it's 100th anniversary!

It is a very small church averaging between 60 and 75 attendees on the 3 Sundays we visited. The service is traditional and we found it very welcoming. It lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

I think the services last that long for two reasons. The people of Utah seem to read at a noticably slower pace than we do in MN so the lessons and prayers take a longer time. Also at the time of the peace it seems that every person shakes the hand of every other person, adults and children in the whole congregation!

They have an educational time before the service and a fellowship time after. Wayne has had several members approach him about joining the choir! They currently have about 10 members.

We had an interesting experience our second week. Another visitor was quite outspoken during the service, shouting out comments all through the service until he left during the peace. The members welcomed this stranger despite his unusual dress and behavior. A member followed him out of the sanctuary and offered him a cup of coffee, encouraging him to stay. I was struck by how this small congregation truly was welcoming to all, even to one whose actions made me uncomfortable. It was a good lesson in how to really follow Jesus!

Last Sunday instead of attending Mt. Tabor, we went to the service of music and the spoken word at the Tabernacle in Temple Square. It was our first stop in Temple Square although we have walked through the square several times. Once again we were warmly welcomed. We arrived about 15 minutes before the broadcast began. The main floor was quite full so we climbed up and sat on the side in the balcony. The taping lasted for 1/2 hour. The choir sang 6 hymns and were accompanied by a full orchestra. The organ played one song solo and the narrator Lloyd Newell also gave a short thought for the day. It was amazing to listen to such wonderful music in a building with world renowned acoustics. We enjoyed it very much!

Although we have missed worshipping at Woodlake and seeing our church family each Sunday, we have been warmly welcomed and have had an inspirational experience with fellow Christians in Salt Lake City.