I was talking to God Sunday morning on the way to the movie theater (where I planned on a healthy dose of Zombie slaying).  Why was I on my way to the movies and not to church on Sunday?

Well, that’s a good question.  I call myself a Christian after all, and I do believe fellowship is important.  But on Sunday I was heading to the early show to see the new Resident Evil movie.

Since moving here two years ago we can’t seem to find our church “niche.”  It’s not that there is anything wrong with the churches we try.  They just aren’t a fit for my family.  So we finally settled.  But settling for a place that seems less than “right” leaves little motivation for attending when important things like new Resident Evil movies come out.  Heh.

So I was talking to God and the conversation went something like this.

“God, Lord, you know I’ve asked for two years.  Send us to a church, help us find one that will be the right fit.  I miss fellowship Lord.  I miss the eagerness to go.   And I need it.  I really enjoyed Debbie’s “come as you are” church in Mississippi while there.  Anything Lord, but please help.”

I whipped my van into the parking lot, popped my chocolate bar into my purse and headed for the front doors with Zombie killing on the brain.  It was windy.  There was a white vinyl sign on the opposite side of the building, but I couldn’t read it because the wind blew it away from me.   Not important anyway, I had a date with the Zombies and no spectacular banner was going to change my mind.

I tried the doors.  Locked.  Locked!  Locked?  Twenty five minutes before show time?  What are they thinking?  This may be a popular flick and I need to get my seat.  I know its Sunday, but shesh.  There are certainly enough unbelievers in this country to ensure a theater opens on Sunday, right?

There were bunches of cars in the parking lot, way too many to be employees.  I pressed my face up against the glass.  Yup there were people in there, but they were through the other set of doors.  Hmmmm.  Maybe that white sign whipping in the wind?  I walked over to it.

Christian Life Center Sunday Service 10am.  Oh!  Ok, I get it.  I guessed the church must be new and just getting started.  Obviously they use the theater until they find a sanctuary, or build one.  I didn’t miss the fact I was just talking to God about finding church.  But at a theater?  Come on, they must be some kind of freaks or something.

I looked at my watch.  Twenty minutes until show time and the doors weren’t even unlocked yet.  Um, these people did not want to get between me and the zombies.  Finally, they started coming out.  People dressed in jeans, shorts, and some in suits and skirts.  Normal looking people, not freaks, heh.  Strike one.

Just as they started coming out, a young couple approached to see a movie.  They tried the entrance doors then looked at me when they couldn’t open.  I shrugged and said, “Christian Life Center has services here on Sunday at 10am.  They are just coming out.”   Like it was common knowledge, doncha know?

I watched the people coming out.  The conversation with God just a few short minutes before, came back to me.  Now to the casual reader this all sounds like so much happenstance.  But for me, this is the way God often chooses to communicate.  I will ask him or talk to him about something in prayer and then within a very short amount of time…wa la.  An answer, or an affirmation that he heard me.

Call it rationalization.  Call it co-inkydink.  But the fact is, I prayed for God to give my family a church, and a few minutes later I saw one, at a MOVIE THEATER.

So as a couple came out, I put my foot in the door, and went in the out door.  I made my way to a group of people, three men who were putting away things in boxes.

They were very nice and welcoming.  I was immediately comfortable.

I got some information on the church, the small groups, and the service’s bulletin.  I walked back outside and started reading up on the church, and its looks good.  It looks GREAT.  I am so excited!

The doors opened and I bought my ticket.  For some reason the ticket guy gave me a free small popcorn.  Hey, thanks!   Besides paying matinée prices, I only spent $4 on a drink.

That’s the best trip to the movies ever.  Free popcorn, a church, and of course lots of Zombies.

Woot!