Church Shopping, part IV

This past Sunday brought us to St. Ann's Parish up in Marietta for their 10:30am liturgy, followed by brunch, and then a return visit to IHM. St. Ann's is a vibrant community with a beautiful "state of the art" church and some truly amazing people and music to fill it. This is one of those churches that "gets it". Incredibly welcoming, their hospitality is made evident immediately by the ministers who greet you and have a special hand out for visitors. Their liturgy is deliberate, yet creative (if not a bit theatrical); their music is well thought out and inspiring; their ministers of the Word, Eucharist, and general liturgical functions clearly understand the importance of their roles.

Let's get on to the typical observations! This is the first church that I've seen use the lighting as part of the liturgy. When the service starts, beginning with an enthusiastic "Welcome!", the lights come to life from their dimmed state, indicating that the show is on. I liked this. They dimmed them again after the Holy, Holy is sung and then bring them back up during the Amen. Hence the theatrical reference above.

Their audio was clear, at a good volume, and well balanced. Much of this is due to the way they actively manage their output. In an environment with dynamic music, wireless mics, and different speaking styles, "presets" don't work (warning: I may have a personal bias here). Anyway, their sound and video was actively, yet unobtrusively, attended to by two A/V guys. Yes video. Two screens hang tastefully on either side of the sanctuary. They have prayers, imagery, and texts for the music -- because of this, there was no need for a music aid and one's attention could be focused on the altar.

Now, by many accounts, their music is fantastic. I'm not 100% sure it was for me. It was done well but many of the selections are closer to what you'd hear on a Christian radio station and with no music, it was very difficult to sing along. Sure, go 10 more times and it's in your head but but for a first time visitor, I need music. At least to read the contours and rough timing of the music. It was all guesswork. Mostly bad too. Most of our trip was courtesy of Carl N. who is related to our friends Monica and Kevin from OSP. He and his family were so welcoming, it was really a joy to spend that time with him and his two little boys. We'll be back, if nothing else than to hang out with them.

Brunch was at J. Christopher's (recommended by Carl -- thanks!). Back at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Aimee sang with the choir, and I played the piano for 3 of the pieces. I still can't believe they let me accompany their choir, untested. I am now tested. We'll be back!

This coming Sunday we will be going back to the Cathedral of Christ the King (amusingly referred to as XRex recently). Hoping to meet Elyn there and be part of their group as well!