Monday 3 May 2010

12 Stone Church

Sunday 2nd May

As it was a Sunday and as is tradition in these parts, the team headed off to Church this morning, unbeknowing what they were about to encounter.

The south east of the USA is known as the Bible belt and there are subtle reminders everywhere you look.







We have experienced lots of cutural differences since our arrival and have become accustomed to holding hands whilst seated around the dinner table as our host blesses us and the food we are about to receive but I don’t think any of us were quite prepared for what we experienced today.

Our destination was ’12 Stone Church’ and as we approached, the roads were coned off and traffic marshals in bright orange hi viz jackets guided us to one of the few remaining spaces at the rear of a huge car park.


A small section of the carpark


Police control the traffic on the way into the church

Naively some amongst us were looking for a traditional looking building with a spire and bell tower however what we had before us was more in line with Manchester Central Convention Centre on a larger scale.


12 Stone Church


12 Stone Church is quite large but by no means the biggest of dozens in South Gwinnett. Seating capacity is a mere 2,500 for the main hall and it’s first up best dressed.

However if you don’t manage to get in all is not lost as there are two overflow theatres complete with state of the art extra large widescreen video, enhanced with digital audio for your viewing pleasure, which brings the total capacity to around 3000.

Our guide informed us that due to the limited capacity of the building and such a large demand of followers, they hold not one but three services at full capacity, one after the other every Sunday.

You do the Math!

On entering this impressive holy building a warm familiar scent caressed our nostrils, what could it be? A quick glace over one’s right shoulder revealed the source, a Starbucks Coffee shop, of course. A Cappuccino, Blueberry Muffin and a quick check of your emails over the free wifi service. What better way to relax before the up and coming service.


Sarbucks Coffee Shop

As special guests we were given a tour behind the scenes and first stop was the ‘green room’ where we got the chance to meet the rock band who were chillin’ before the gig.


Behind the scenes control room

We then had special access to the prayer room which was the most holy place in the entire building with a great view of the stage. Here the holy men and women of the church would kneel and pray that the performance would go well and also pray for everyone inside.


Goodwill messages in the prayer room

The church caters for all people of all ages from kindergarten through to pensioners. Separate special services are held for children who can sing, dance and have fun whilst having the importance of Jesus Christ and the love of God embedded at an early age.



Kindergarten Area




Kids Studios


We knew that we were in for something quite special as we entered the main air conditioned hall. The atmosphere was quite electric as we parked our bums in the comforting cinema style seats complete with drinks holders for our oversized Starbucks coffee cups.

The Main Worship Hall

The Rock group took to the stage and every one danced the morning away in the stalls and were positively encouraged to great everyone around.









The guest speaker was a gentleman named John C Maxwell who is a well known motivational speaker in the USA, a New York Times best selling author who has sold over 18 million books worldwide. He told us a story of how he was once flying high at the top of his game and appeared on the front cover of ‘Success’ magazine. However the main theme of his teaching was that ‘Were all just one step away from stupid’ and as such he then showed us a mugshot of him in the county jail just after he had been arrested for trying to take a loaded gun in his briefcase through an international airport. The gun was given to him as a present for his wife and the silly fellow had forgotten it was in there!

‘Well I guess stupid is as stupid does’ said Mr Maxwell and he explained how he used to be judgemental of others and this was God’s way of correcting him. Mr Maxwell truly had a rough time however he also explained that in times of crisis, previous credibility goes a long way and it certainly did in his case. On the positive side, due to all the publicity he received, his book sales hit record highs.

The service ended with the Rock band and everybody got the chance of more singing and dancing after which we were told we could get copies of three of Mr Maxwell’s book which he would be signing in the lobby.

We rushed out excitedly to receive our free copies only to discover that they were $20 a pop and going like hot cakes. Praise the Lord!



The remainding day was spent with Rob Pomder and his family at their beautiful lakeside property. The team would like to thank Rob for allowing us to relax at his home and wish his parents well after their home was flooded during heavy rainfall in Nashville

1 comment:

  1. Hope you had a good trip to Gainsville and I hope you enjoy the rest of your exchange! I enjoyed driving you around for a couple days.
    Amy

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