my trip to non-church

I have an unexpected day off today, and was excited at the chance to get some errands done. This time of year is when my tendency to procrastinate really catches up to me.

I enjoy the idea of Christmas, but find it difficult to really get into the Christmas spirit. Mostly I dread going to the malls.

I've gotten a fair bit of stuff done, especially considering it's still a week til Christmas. Some surprisingly pleasant exchanges with shop staff have made the potentially arduous task of Christmas shopping a lot more enjoyable, but I'm still finding myself a bit weary of the ambient hustle-and-bustle.

After a triumphant morning of getting stuff done, I found myself outside the Eaton Centre, in the laneway near Holy Trinity Church. On a whim, I wandered in, and found the atmosphere so peaceful and inviting that after wandering around the main hall for a bit I ventured in, found an armchair, and sat quietly for an hour, finishing my latest knitting project.

I enjoyed the sun through the stained-glass windows, and the hardwood floor that creaked as the little church secretary scurried around on god's business. I contemplated the scattering of homeless folks seated in the pews, each with his free cup of coffee. I enjoyed the relative silence; I could hear the lunch-hour pedestrians outside the open church door, and one of the old gents in the church was a shaggy looking mutterer, but even he had the reverence to mutter quietly.

I wonder what people think when they're in church? I like churches. I like the potential that churches have in uniting communities, and the voice that a strong, united community can have in our culture. I like the quietness and the atmosphere, and the way you feel like you should speak in a hushed voice; I also like the knowledge that thousands and thousands of other people throughout the years have enjoyed the same space and architecture that I'm currently enjoying. I just don't agree with the things churches like to tell people. We build beautiful spaces like churches that are really for the community at whole, but because of what they preach on Sundays I've always found myself steering clear of them.

On my way out, the little old secretary told me to come for the services, but I'd rather not. I do, however, like going to non-church, where you come as you are, believe whatever you want without being wrong, and can be a good person just because it feels nice. I think I'll do it again soon.