Mystery Worshipper: Amanda B. Reckondwyth
Church:
At The Cross, Oceanside
Location: California, USA
Date of visit: Sunday, 1 September 2024, 8:00am
The building
At The Cross was formed in 2014 and met at a local high school as well as on the fabulous Pacific coast beach that Oceanside is known for. They moved into their present building, which is pleasant looking, resembling a rather large ranch style house, in 2016. Inside one finds a small room with a stage area slightly lower than the seating area. Gray carpeting and cream colored walls make for a welcoming space. The walls are lined with paintings of various moments in the life of Christ: Jesus walking on water, the three crosses on Calvary, doubting Thomas touching Jesus’ wounded hand, and others. Quite good, actually. The stage looked rather crowded, with a lectern, digital keyboard, drum kit, and music stands. Several video screens are scattered about. There is a pit area where the sound/video man set up his things. A folding table was set up to hold communion kits – I assume bread morsels and wee cuppies, although the kits were covered. A white cloth was spread on the table almost as an afterthought.
The church
They are affiliated with TPUSA Faith, which ‘exists to serve the American church by resourcing Christians across the nation to boldly stand for truth, liberty, and The Kingdom,’ but which strikes this Mystery Worshipper more as an attempt to justify as Christian the more extreme agendas of far-right-wingers – and, apparently, the abominable practice of splitting infinitives. At The Cross’s ministries are well documented on their website and include men’s, women’s, and youth groups, small group fellowships, a 12-step program, and Love Life, a support group for women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. There are two services in English each Sunday, plus a service in Spanish, and a midweek service on Wednesdays.
The neighborhood
Oceanside, about 60 miles north of San Diego, is home to the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base and is a favored tourist spot known for its Pacific coast beaches. At The Cross is located on El Camino Real, the road that originally connected the 21 California missions in Spanish colonial times. Today it stretches for most of the length of California, passing through a variety of communities, sometimes as local streets, sometimes as interurban highways. At The Cross sits at the top of a steep hill that climbs from the Sprinter interurban rail line. A Presbyterian church and an independent megachurch are nearby, as are various condo and apartment complexes. Opened in 2008, Sprinter uses right-of-way formerly belonging to the Santa Fe Railroad and provides passenger service between Oceanside and cities to the east. Freight trains use the route at night when Sprinter isn’t running.
The cast
The only cast in evidence were the musicians. I don’t know if there was a worship leader or a preacher – see below.
What was the name of the service?
I don’t think it had a name other than 8.00am Worship Service.How full was the building?
There were 60 chairs set up, occupied by about 20 people. Some young adults but mostly mid to late middle age. I was by far the oldest person there. No children until about 35 minutes into the service, when about a dozen or so Sunday school youngsters came trooping in.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
My Uber car was very early, and when it dropped me off I saw a young man setting up coffee things on an outdoor table. He greeted me warmly, as did just about everyone as they arrived in dribs and drabs.
Was your pew comfortable?
The chair was OK.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
It consisted mainly of the musicians dragging in their instruments, amplifiers and speakers and getting them set up. There was extended dialog between them and the video/sound guy. As people came in, they greeted one another and said hello to me.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
‘The party doesn’t start ’til I walk in.’ This by the video/sound guy.
What books did the congregation use during the service?
Nothing at all. Words to songs were projected.
What musical instruments were played?
Digital keyboard, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums. There were two vocalists, a man and a woman. The guitarists also sang.
Did anything distract you?
Two young women seemed more interested in consulting what was on their cell phones than doing anything else. There was quite a bit of moving around during the music – people going out and coming in, walking from place to place to greet friends, etc.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
It began with 35 minutes (or more – see below) of music of the folkish, countryish, lite Christian rock sort. The songs were interspersed with short devotional messages. The musicians were good but I quickly grew tired of listening to them. The congregation remained silent for most of the songs but did join in some of the singing. There was a little bit of arm waving, clapping, dancing in the aisles, etc. but not much. Each number was wildly applauded.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
I don’t know if there was a sermon, or if there was anything else besides the music, for that matter. Communion had been set up, so I assume there was communion, but I really don’t know.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The only bit even slightly suggestive of heaven was one of the songs, that old folk chestnut, ‘Just a Closer Walk With Thee.’
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Everything else. After 35 minutes of music that threatened to go on and on indefinitely, and when the Sunday school children came traipsing in, I decided that I had had enough. I called for my Uber.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I left the Mystery Worship calling card on my chair and couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Fortunately my car came within seven minutes.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
As I left, I noticed a gentleman was putting the finishing touches on the coffee service on the outdoor table, and was opening some boxes of donuts, but I didn’t sample any of them. When I arrived back at my hotel, breakfast was just finishing up. I had eaten a full breakfast earlier, but I helped myself to a raspberry pastry to take back to my room as I wrote this report.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
No blessed way. If there had been only 10 or 15 minutes worth of music before things actually got underway, perhaps I would have stayed, and perhaps I would have a different opinion. I don’t begrudge these people their preference for worship. This was a group that clearly enjoyed each other’s company and enjoyed worshipping the Lord in the manner they chose. But it’s not for me. Besides, they would be scandalized to know what I think of when I hear the phrase ‘At the cross’ – namely, the customary English translation of the opening lines of the Stabat mater: ‘At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping.’
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
No, it didn’t. I felt like I hadn’t been to church at all.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?
‘Just a Closer Walk With Thee.’