Here’s the thing. I knew church in the city would be cool. There are several well known options I had visited and loved before I even moved here, options such as The Brooklyn Tabernacle and Redeemer Presbyterian. The trouble isn’t so much not having a church to attend, but rather, having too many options to make a choice! Do I attend the one that’s closer by, or the one with more comfortable pews (come on, you think about that too), or the one founded by Dr Keller, or the Brooklyn Tabernacle with the most wonderful music?! While I decide, I’m just working in a ton of services- morning at this one and evening at that one and prayer meeting at this one and a discussion panel at the other one, and eventually I’ll settle down. As I write this I’m actually killing time at a lovely coffee shop between a morning service at the Brooklyn Tab and a jazz evening service at Redeemer Upper West Side.

So yes, I knew church in the city had the potential to be wonderful. But what I did not know was just how interesting and full of surprises it would be! For instance, so far I have already:

• Been present at a wedding at Tuesday night prayer meeting for a couple that couldn’t afford a church wedding, so Pastor Cymbala just married them right in the middle of prayer meeting. The cheering was very loud.
• Been told I have an Amish aroma. I already told you that, but it’s worth mentioning again. Lol.
• Been told by a Jewish atheist at the “Questioning Christianity” meeting I went to that I look like such a Christian. It may have been an insult coming from him, but I’ll take it. I was also guessed to be part of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, to which I replied, “In my DREAMS!”
• Had the pleasure of witnessing a dance presentation put on by a group of young girls. They were dressed in white from head to toe and did a simply lovely dance as the huge choir sang a resurrection song behind them. I didn’t want it to end.
• Run into Tim Keller in the hallway when I wasn’t at all expecting it. He smiled and said hi, and I fangirled a little to myself, I’ll admit. His sermons are one of my favorite podcasts, and he manages to hit the nail on the head with clear, concise, and biblical teaching on many super relevant topics. So it kind of made my day to almost meet him.