Church in Greensboro

We met Grant at 10AM sharp yesterday morning in front of HERO’s office. Grant, an AmeriCorps Vista originally from Arkansas, was suited up in his Sunday’s best. He is our go-to man here in Greensboro.

We set out to find us some breakfast before heading off to church. As we walked, we were given two choices to make: Episcopalian, Baptist, or Methodist, and black or white. All churches were within walking distance. We opted to go to the black Baptist church called the Third Street Church of God.

Unity
As we approached the church, we were met with handshakes. Stepping inside, we were again greeted with handshakes and a sheet of paper folded up as a program. On the cover was a message about positive Attitude. The sun shone through the stain-glass windows.

The service began with a selection of songs. The congregation sang together over a piano accompaniment, with hand claps or other embellishments occasionally ringing out.

Before the sermon, there were prayers added from the community. For the people of Japan and Hawaii. For a recently deceased sister. For the congregation. A man from the pews walked to the front and shared a song filled with gospel. Pastor Carvin stepped forward and launched into a sermon on unity.

He involved members of the community into his words. On self-comfort and happiness, acceptance, hats and orange dresses, and looking past differences. All relating to the power of unified people.

During the announcements following the service we were asked to stand up. We awkwardly thanked the congregation, not unlike I had once done at a new church I once visited by Olin. As we exited, we were met again by handshakes as the entire congregation exchanged greetings. Outside, the Pastor offered to speak with us at a later time about Greensboro. His father invited us to fish in his pond for catfish.

We left for lunch at a spot down the street and around a bend. We ran into the Pastor there eating lunch with his boys.