Covenant Baptist Church

Posted Mon Sep 19, 2005 in Travel

Nestled in a live oak thicket a few miles northeast from San Antonio on FM 2252 is a small church called Covenant Baptist Church. The facility cannot be seen from the highway; the sign is nearly hidden as well. But Wife and I knew what we were looking for and we found it—and in plenty of time to keep the motorcyclist following us from rear-ending the Bimmer. But I’m a little ahead of my story, so let me recount.

Friday of last week I had a meeting in San Antonio to discuss one of my research projects with the new project coordinator. The previous PC rotated off the TxDOT research management committee so a replacement was in order. I’d been looking for an excuse to spend the weekend in San Antonio anyway and this was the impetus needed to drag Wife away from the house (which is never too difficult) for some “away” time. As a perk, I wanted to visit Covenant Bible Church.

So the stage was set—Wife and I drove to San Antonio on Thursday afternoon (well, evening). Friday morning we visited the used bookstores we targeted and made me too late to get my clothes changed for the meeting. (It isn’t like I care about my dress that much anyway, but some folks get bent out-of-shape if I don’t look professional.) The meeting happened. Saturday we spent a long time at the Witte Museum.

I woke about 0500 Sunday morning and spent the time drinking coffee and writing for this weblog and to Daughter. Wife and I showered, packed our gear, and went downstairs to breakfast. We missed our friends, who rise earlier than we do, but they caught up with us as they headed for home. Wife and I finished our breakfast and finalized loading the car.

We arrived at the church about 1025, just in time for the service. As we collected the bulletin from the table in the rear, Gordon Atkinson, the pastor, greeted us and took our names and hometown. I filled in the guest book on the table as well.

There was nothing particularly unusual about the service. I’ve been in a lot of different churches and we all do about the same thing. Well, that’s not quite right—the service was honest. The individuals who serve this small body of Christians do so because they love their God and they love their brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ. That’s what I look for in a church, not slick professionals, but honest service. CBC has it.

The Pastor’s message was from Matthew 20:1-16—the Parable of the Denarius. He set up the context and then, instead of reading the text, he told us a story, much like Jesus would have done. I enjoyed that. I like stories anyway and the parables are just that, stories intended for teaching.

I came away with one gem. The Kingdom of Heaven is not like this place we live in. In the Kingdom, I don’t receive what I deserve, for that is death and destruction. No, what I receive is what I need—God’s grace, His eternal salvation, not because I earned it, but because He loves me and He gave it to me. That gave me something to think about for awhile. I’m sure I’ll be ruminating over that for some time.

After church we visited with a few folks, in particular an older couple who work with a Christian disaster response group. He said “It’s amazing what the family of God can accomplish when we quit bickering amongst ourselves and put our minds to it.” He and his wife had just returned from Baton Rouge where they worked in the relief effort. He also testified that the family of God turned out in spades to help people who needed help. (Of course, this went unnoticed by the media. Grrr…)

I asked if I could make a few images of the church and received permission, so Wife and I wandered about the campus. I should have made more images and I should have photographed some of the people, but I didn’t want to impose.

As we returned to the sanctuary to say our goodbyes, I shook Gordon’s hand one last time. As I did, I said “I should mention that I’m a weblogger too.”

Gordon’s eyes brightened, “Which one?”

“Random ruminations…”

“I’ve read it!”

I smiled to myself. Gordon Atkinson is the first weblogger I’ve met in meatspace. Gordon Atkinson is a fine writer too—he is Real Live Preacher. The research meeting was a serendipity. I went to San Antonio to meet Gordon Atkinson, to confirm what I thought to be true. I would have found a way to get to San Antonio anyway because I wanted to meet Gordon, who is a Real Live Preacher.

Wife and I chatted with Gordon a little, then said our goodbyes and left. He had an appointment to lead worship at a local nursing home and I had plenty to think about and remember. I also had a long drive ahead of me.

“It was good to worship again,” Wife said as we walked away, looking at me with that sideways glance I sometimes get.

“Yes, it was.” I thought about this a little, quietly, as we walked to the car. It was the first time we’ve been to church as a couple in months.

“As always, we are the last to leave,” I remarked, thinking about all of the time we spent after church visiting with other Christians. The parking lot was nearly empty.

Sunday was the first time I sang in church in a long, long time. Worship music is folk music and taught in the folk tradition—aurally. So, the worship music at CBC was a little different than I knew, but close enough. It was good, though, and it was honest. Of course, the hymns were from the book, codified, and I can read the symbols. That was good too. But I sang in church, and that was what I ruminated on for a long time as we drove, first along Loop 1604 and then I-10.

On the way home I sang along with Bob Seger and Kim Richey, with Dave Matthews and Crosby and Nash (and Stills). I haven’t been singing of late. In fact, I haven’t been making any music. I thought about that too on the long road home. I’ve been thinking about what music I might want to make. I don’t have any answers yet, but I’m thinking about it.

I accomplished my goal. I visited Covenant Baptist Church and met Gordon Atkinson. I can testify that he is exactly what he seems from his website. I’m glad I went, glad I met the man behind the words and the website, and I’m glad I went to church. Thank you, Preacher, and thank you Covenant Baptist Church, for hosting us with your group and for treating us like Real Live People. Your actions validate your words.

As always, images are posted on my gallery.