Life Stink? We've Got a Pew For You

The South has always been seen as the Bible Belt to us Northerners. After living in such a religious culture we decided it would be beneficial to experience what the Bible Belt has to offer. Coming from two completely different religious backgrounds, we both had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

We have been noticing the extremely flamboyant church signs that clutter the roads of Mississippi. Each one speaks for a different religion, but all are welcoming outsiders inside. With that being said we decided to take a plunge into a couple.

Our first experience was a Methodist Church, Christ United. From the outside, we felt a little intimidated. The entire complex looked the size of a hockey arena. When we first walked in, we were greeted by men in tuxedos. Once we passed by their hospitable welcoming committee, we came across a table with a giant wedding cake displayed in the center. We couldn’t help but think, “What the heck is going on?”

Once we were handed a pamphlet, our uneasiness was quenched. The topic of the sermon was commitment. Clearly, we both received many lessons on how to make a successful marriage; a subject in which neither of us needed to be educated on quite yet. Let’s just say, we left the service with a new aspect on marriage and a craving for a second piece of that giant wedding cake!

The second church we went to was a Presbyterian church, First Presbyterian. This was a completely different experience. The church was around the size of a house, and was located in a very rural setting. When we walked through the front door, we were instantly greeted by the pastor. He introduced himself and thanked us for joining him for that Sunday morning service.

When we sat down, there could have only been around 30 people in the entire worship space. We sang songs of praise and said prayers for the needy. The sermon consisted of stories and lessons that came out of them. This Sunday it just so happened to be on loving God with your whole heart. The service felt as though we were sitting in on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. We swear Aunt Bee was sitting in the pew in front of us!

After the service, we were shown around the church and given so many historical facts we just can’t keep them all straight! People were just so glad to see a fresh face to show around.

Our next Sunday service was a Catholic one, St. Thomas the Apostle. Emily, born and raised Catholic, felt right at home. Emily had to explain the tradition involved during the service to Rose. One thing Emily couldn’t explain was that most Catholic churches, down here, did not put out those flamboyant church signs, but they still drew quite a crowd. 

No matter where we are, we always become drawn to reading those cliché church signs. “When God reigns, the Son shines.” We cannot escape them! They are entertaining, but they really give meaning to the Bible Belt. We feel like we really experienced the Bible Belt these past couple months, and we are excited to share our stories to family and friends back home!