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08/17/2003 Archived Entry: "THE CARNEIRO CHURCH"

THE CARNEIRO CHURCH

If you want a really nice, unique experience, something that you can't find just anywhere, try attending the Carneiro Church next Sunday or the Sunday after that. I believe those are the last two Sundays where Josh Svaty will be preaching. If slightly encouraged, he also sings. He has a beautiful baritone voice.

Josh is an interesting, unusual kind of man. He conducts the services as if he'd been doing it for decades when, in fact, I suppose it's only been a matter of a couple of years. He's only 23 and fills in as lay minister where they need him. He's excellent. He says what he wants to say without relying on notes (he's brilliant, you understand, and very well educated) and you're out of there in 40 minutes, start to finish. He articulates his message in a very concise manner, with meaning and sincerity. His mastery shows.

Whenever someone walks in the door of this wonderful old church, people turn around in their seats to see who it is. Whoever is closest to the door reminds you to sign the register and take a program. Everyone says "hello" and makes you feel welcome. They just talk among themselves until the service starts.

About a dozen people attend the Carneiro Church on a regular basis, but lately, with Josh preaching, their numbers have grown to the 30s. The regulars appreciate having visitors and are quick to invite you back. During the "greeting" part of the service, everyone mills around, shakes hands with everyone else, and imparts bits of information.

Today everyone was congratulating Lucille Svaty, grandmother of the preacher, on her 84th birthday. We all sang happy birthday to her and she was very pleased that her grandson mentioned the occasion from the pulpit. She is being hosted at a family dinner where preparations were made for 40. She baked the kolaches, among other things.

Later today the church members were having a community pot luck dinner, a monthly occasion. They also have an annual community bazaar which I have attended in the past. It's the best place I know of to buy tea towels.

Services start promptly at 9:45. Josh conducts the service in Kanopolis after the one in Carneiro so he keeps things moving along. They share programs. I understand their attendance in Kanopolis has grown as well since Josh just natually gathers a "following".

If he wanted to, Josh could bring together a congregation of thousands. He’s just that kind of guy. He does things for other people in a good way.