Church today was very interesting; a service is considered short if it lasts 2 hours or less. We got out after about 2 hours, communion and all. It makes American church seem like ‘drive-thru’ service. But, the singing was cool because they have a guy who leads the congregation (a cappella mainly) and he starts each line, the congregation joins him and finishes it. We sang a few popular favorites: Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages, Nearer my God to Thee, etc. In traditional Anglicanism the guy who leads would be called the Cantor, but this was similar although not entirely the same concept. The hymnals are not provided, so if you have your own, you must bring it yourself. The books have no music notes, as most people have no reason to know how to read music, but instead you follow the lead of the guy up front and read the verses out of the book.
We went to Presbyterian church, so there was ritual similar to what I am used to at home, especially during communion liturgy. You drop your offering in a bowl on the way in, and if you are not in good standing with God or the church, you must go out after the sermon and are not allowed to take communion. We sat near the front, but I think a good number of people left from our wing. There were three wings to this church: the couples' wing, youth and singles/widows with children. We sat with the Rafiki mamas, so we were in the singles/widows with children wing. It is also customary to have first time visitors introduce themselves, so we got up in front of the 200+ people and explained that we were from America and were living at Rafiki for a few weeks. We went to the English service, and the Tumbuka service followed immediately. The children go to Sunday School pretty much immediately after the start of the service and are allowed to play outside after they are finished. It is very interesting.
All in all, it was a great experience and very helpful in understanding their culture; in Malawi, church is very important. We have the option of going back to the same church or trying out a different one next week, so who knows!
2 comments:
Hello! Oh, THANK YOU for the photos---they give us a much better idea of the world you're in. The children are so precious; you have surely met your match with the "fearsome 5"! Your church activities are so fascinating, similar in many ways to our customs and ways. There is deep spiritually in many Africans, who show authentic reverence for God, and it shows in your descriptions. Your message revealed so much more to us -- blessings to you for sending the photos! With love, Mom & Dad Acker
Hello to you both! We are enjoying the blogs and the photos are great. Sounds like the children are having about as much fun as you all seem to be having. I am sure you will have lots of fond memories of your time with them and they will remember you all, as well. Take care. Love you both, Mom and Dad Stewart
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