First Lutheran Church, Malden, MA
As part of this blogging effort I intend to explore and experience the services of many different churches, predominantly near where I live in Massachusetts. These institutions are important, often overlooked and even misjudged centers of our communities that seek to make a positive impact on their participants as well as others through their generosity and public service. It is possible that through this activity I may eventually consider a long term relationship with one of these pillars and foundations of the community, however I am eager to do a lot of exploring first.
The Building and History:
First Lutheran Church of Malden is one of the oldest church structures still operating in Malden, Massachusetts. This congregation dates to the 1890s, with the structure being built in 1897 on the corner of Church and Waite St. in Malden. While some of the church’s original features have perhaps been covered in vinyl flooring and siding, beautiful stained glass windows which appear to have dates and names of prior congregation benefactors surround the sanctuary. The pews have ornate carving on the edges. Ideally I would have liked to include some good photos of these however the opportunity didn’t present itself.
The architecture seems to marry American Gothic accents (windows and woodwork above the entrance), with the colonials and Victorian stylings of the neighborhood around it. We take for granted the beautiful fieldstone foundations of these buildings, and their quaint features that are immediately relatable to the Northeastern United States.
The photos are a little misleading, where the interior appears bright white, it has a bit more of a warm hue in person, creating a cozy atmosphere. The layout of the church is quite wide, with a main chamber and what appears to be a possible addition on the left side. A small pipe organ resides on the left side behind a screen, and a band staging area resides in front of it. At the front of the church a painting of Jesus within a recessed archway sits below the words “Thy will be done,” from the Lord’s Prayer.
Who Are The Congregation?
First Lutheran had people in every pew when attended on February 11th. It appears to be an intimate organization, where everyone is friendly and eventually ends up on a first name basis with each other. First Lutheran is a “Reconciling in Christ,” congregation, welcoming people of all sexual orientation and gender identities. They describe themselves as celebrating diversity. While the congregation may seemed to have skewed older, as many churches I’ve visited have, it appeared that it truly was comprised of people from different backgrounds, which is a reflection of the community it resides in.
Both before and after the service, multiple people took time to introduce themselves, and expressed genuine interest in me, and gratitude for my visit. My first impression was one of sincere kindness and warmth.
Service:
Music is the center of First Lutheran’s service. Before the official start, beautiful piano music was being played. It was the perfect background for some contemplation, and appreciation of life. The music was so pervasive throughout, that at one point one hymn followed another directly without a break. I can’t recall this in another service that I’ve attended. Music was primarily traditional hymns with a few that seemed a little bit more contemporary. The backing alternated between the piano and the organ.
The readings were 2 Kings 2:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, which seem to both speak to continuing to spread the word of God, and staying within the light.
The reflection by Rev. Emily Hamilton discussed the difference of reaching people through compassion and the story of how Christ suffered for the sins of humanity, v. reaching people through power and glory. It referenced the transfiguration of Christ, and how in Mark 9:2-9, God redirected apostle Paul after he suggested offerings to Jesus as a response to the miraculous events of the transfiguration. Instead Paul was told to listen to Jesus. It was the message itself, not the respect of glory and power that should be the most important influence on people.
Rev. Hamilton was very personable, delivering her reflection in an effective manner to tie the gospel readings to a message of values that really transcends faiths. Substance, is more important than authority and style.
What the Congregation Does:
First Lutheran Church of Malden appears to be very active in the community. An activity that puts a smile on my face is that Rev. Hamilton and other volunteers will be at Malden Center “T” stop (the subway/bus station) to offer ash to individuals on Ash Wednesday. This strikes me as pretty original. We’ve all probably seen organizations of faith attempting to pass out literature, to people preoccupied with a commute. This strikes me as uniquely intimate, inclusive in a way that some other methods may not quite match.
Beyond this the congregation is involved in various community building and outreach activities. Camp Uke is a pretty unique activity where a program teaches from grades 3-5 how to play ukulele. (I’d totally love to play ukulele, I want to be able to play “You can’t Hurry Love,” by the Supremes…. Yeah, there’s a ukulele, and it’s awesome, check it out, if you’re like me it will now be your favorite part of that song). Another group called Our Hands Knitting gets together to knit items to donate to those in need. The church also supports organizations including The Bread of Life, Ascentria Care Alliance, ELCA World Hunger, Refugee Immigration Ministry, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Camp Calumet, a Lutheran summer camp.
Conclusion:
This was my first time in a Lutheran church and it was an enjoyable experience.
First Lutheran Church Malden is another dedicated institution that quietly (or musically within their walls!) makes great impact to the world around them. We often wonder how we can contribute to our chaotic world beyond showing up at work each day, beyond our typical social interactions. These organizations can help guide people on how to make a difference.
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