On the last Sunday of August 2015 I went to the 10:30 service at Friedens United Church of Christ. This wouldn’t be news worthy except that I was at a place in my life when my attendance at church was anything but regular, and going on this day was a last minute decision. The only reason I went was that my great uncle had just passed away, and there was going to be a moment of remembrance for him. I knew that his granddaughter who lived in Alabama would be there and I really wanted to see her, and I knew that my grandma would welcome some support as she started to say goodbye to her brother. So, I left my 6 year old at home with my husband and went to the church where my family has worshiped for five generations. As I walked out of the building after the service I was stopped in the parking lot by Jan Cox and Jim Eichelman, church members and leaders I knew well, who asked me if I would consider becoming the interim choir director at the church. At this point a chain of events started that I can only describe as a “God thing” and one of the greatest and most meaningful adventures of my life began!

This “job” (it was supposed to last 6 weeks and we are currently in year 5) has become a calling. I am now the Director of Music Ministries, and have been blessed with the opportunity to put my own stamp on the music program at Friedens. I am more spiritually fulfilled than I have ever been, and I am finally able to use my music degree. My family has a financial security that we never thought would be possible, and it has allowed my husband to change careers to chase his dream. I have never been more comfortable with myself or more aware of my place in this world. I have also never received so many blank stares, confused looks, and off the wall questions. When you tell people that you work at a church their reactions can be entertaining, so I thought I’d dive into some of the two most popular questions that I have fielded in the last few years.

Prior to Coronavirus completely changing every aspect of my normal routine I would have simply answered that yes, I have to be at church most Sundays but I do get a few Sundays completely off each year. I am visibly seen at the church on Sunday mornings during our services and Wednesday evenings for rehearsals, but much of my work happens from home. On an average week I spend anywhere from 10-15 hours on church work depending on the season, scheduled meetings, and if there is anything special going on. I really enjoy the work because I have the opportunity to be musical, scholarly, and to be creative. I work with amazing people (colleagues and volunteers) who fill me with an incredible energy. As a musician I love having the musical selections that we worked hard to prepare come together to create a meaningful and inspiring service. As a church musician I am humbled that I can play a small part in helping someone worship.

My answer has changed a bit as I sit at home for what is now more than two weeks. When I first learned that we would not be able to have services on our campus due to the Stay at Home Order I was upset, and it took me a long time to get my head around how different and challenging this would be for me and my team. It took me until this weekend to be okay with not being at church on Sunday. Yesterday we recorded our third remote worship service, so it has been three Sundays now that I haven’t been at Friedens for a “real” service. I miss it. I miss the people. I miss creating music with my team and my choir. I miss everything about it. But, this week I realized that I don’t have to “go” to church every Sunday to be part of the church. Church is still happening at Friedens (and all across the world) even when we can’t sit next to each other in a sanctuary. People are watching remote services (more than typically attend our traditional services), people are checking on each other, and people are praying for each other. People are without a doubt being the church while quarantined in their homes!

So, yes, I do have to go to church most Sundays and I miss it when I am not there. To me, attending services each week is not a down side to the job. This is what fills me up and gives me the spiritual nourishment that I need to face the week, and once things return to normal I hope I never take it for granted again. But also, no. I have learned that I don’t have to go to church every Sunday to be part of the church. The church is alive and well in the hearts of millions of disciples across the world!

But I know you drink beer, is that allowed?

My go to answer is usually to the affect of, “Yes, but I’m trying to lose a little weight so I mostly drink iced tea and sparkling water.” First, let me put in the disclaimer that I do not speak for the church that I work for, nor do I speak for The Church. I am speaking as a 40 year old disciple who is still figuring things out, and that is what I love about Friedens Church. It is a place where you can go to figure things out. You aren’t going to be told what to believe, what you can or can’t do, or how to dress. In fact, Pastor Marc recently published this on our website: At Friedens we’re more interested in living out a way of life rather than believing a certain set of doctrines. Expect more questions and exploration than answers and certainty. How cool is that?! I love that I work in a place where everyone is loved and accepted (Friedens has an Open and Affirming status) and is a safe place for anyone to explore their faith!

For More info Check out our website http://friedensucc.org

In the 26th chapter of Matthew Jesus was asked by his followers what the greatest commandment is. ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” I take this to mean that if I truly love God with everything that I have, if I am a good wife and mother, and if I am doing good in the world then I have found favor in the Lord. This world is filled with really big problems (as I type this streets are empty in Italy and China, schools are not in session in the United States, and we are facing an unprecedented pandemic) so I feel that what I drink (responsibly and in moderation) is the least of God’s concerns. I truly believe that God doesn’t care if you have pink hair, tattoos, or wear jeans to church. I believe that God doesn’t care about your marital or social status. I believe that God doesn’t care how educated or wealthy you are. I believe that God doesn’t care what gifts you bring, as long as you use those gifts to serve. I believe that God wants us, just as we are.

I, however, do not wear jeans to church because my very conservative grandmothers would have a fit, but that has much more to do with my relationships with Eunice Strietelmeier and Lillie Raker than it does my relationship with God and my staff position at Friedens Church!

There are many people in my circle of influence that have stepped away from church for various reason. Some are over the hypocrisy, and others grew up in churches who they feel had too many “rules”. Some have been turned away because of who they love or how they dress. Some consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Some are longing to connect to a community of faith, but are understandably scared of taking those first steps into a church building. If you identify with any of this, I invite you to give Friedens UCC a try. When it is safe to worship on our campus again our doors will be wide open! You won’t find perfect people, a perfect building, or a perfect congregation, but you will find a community of faith striving to love God and the community with all that we have! Until then, stay home, stay safe, stay healthy and keep being the church from your couch!

I would love to hear from you! Please leave comments here or send me an email! You can find me and Friedens UCC on Facebook. God bless, Kristin