My Composition Paper

This is the paper I turned in for my Composition class. I'll know, next Tues. what my grade is. No, I don't plan to post everything I write for college. I want to share the message of this piece.

Observation: My Home Away From Home
Please allow me to give you a guided tour of my "home away from home". This place is the one place that has really helped turn my life around. Before I dedicated myself to this place, I was a lost soul searching for acceptance. Because of this place, I am now traveling down a different path, than before. Since it has been a such pivotal part of my life, I keep returning to it. I hope to continue to learn from the leaders, speakers and other members. I intend to continue to learn lessons from those I teach, as well.
The building itself is just past the Lincoln city limits. From the intersection of 40th Street and Yankee Hill Road, it appears to be just another building. As you drive closer, you can see more of the architectural details, such as the tall, pitched roof. The entry has a circular courtyard with a mosaic of inlaid bricks to walk across. The building is in earth tones and appears to have been made of sand, almost like a sand castle. It truly blends in well with the surrounding farm areas, almost like it naturally belongs there.
Greeters are posted at the front doors, with warm smiles and handshakes. No one enters the building without being greeted and welcomed earnestly. In the hallway, many members are mingling. Due to the holiday weekend, it is much more crowded than usual. There are many different faces, this week. Just as there are many familiar faces, as well. Some have brought family members who are visiting from out-of-town. Some are home from college, on Spring Break Some are chatting and appear to be catching up with each others’ lives. You hear the occasional "it’s so good to see you again!" exclaimed, as two people who haven’t seen each other for a while recognize each other. You can feel the excitement all of the way across the room! Some friends greet each other with warm hugs. Greetings of "Good Morning!" can be heard repeatedly up and down the hallway.
Across the main hallway is the lecture hall. The very first time I walked into this room, my eyes were drawn upward. The oak colored ceiling is vaulted and has a natural wood appearance. If it weren’t for the modern riggings, holding the rafters in place, the ceiling would appear much older. Light spills in from the windows along the upper part of the vaulted ceiling, giving the place a warm glow. The multiple windows surrounding the room almost bring the outdoors into the building. The upper walls are a teal color. The lower walls are sandy brown.
There is hum of voices, waiting for the event to start. It’s almost a drone, like you would hear near a beehive. This is heard until the music starts. The music is almost a signal for everyone to redirect their attention away from each other and to the event, which is about to take place. This morning’s music is from the handbell choir. It is easy to sit back and absorb the reverberation of the chimes.
The attendees’ clothing choices aren’t what is usually seen on Easter. I had expected to see more pastels. Due to the cold weather, many are wearing dark colors, more Fall-like than Spring. Suits and sweaters in dark burgundy, red, grey and black are the dominate style of dress. Those ignoring the weather are in light greens, soft pinks and lilac purples and are of light weight, flowing materials.
In front of us are two pre-school girls, dressed in their new Easter dresses. The little girls are so pretty with their hair up in ponytails with ribbons dangling. One is in a cotton candy pink dress. The other is in a soft sky blue. Both have on super-white, patten leather Mary Jane shoes. There are other children in the crowd who don’t appear to be concerned with what they are wearing. Many are in jeans and t-shirts. It is easy to see who listened to their parent’s urging to "dress up" a bit. Others, you can almost hear the final compromise, "Ok. You may wear jeans, but at least put a nice top on."
The speaker begins his lesson. He has a wireless, headset-type microphone on. This makes me think of a rock star, in a way. He does his best to get his message of hope across, using anecdotes. Like a good entertainer, he imitates another teacher. (Albeit, not a very good impression.) Like a good teacher, he reads an excerpt from a book. This story brings home the main point of his message. Hope.
After the lecture, we walk down the hallway, leading to the café area. Being the caffeine addict I am, I’m drawn to the coffee options like a magnet to steel. For those who aren’t fond of coffee, there is hot water and a variety of choices for tea. For the younger ones, there is water and pink lemonade. The wide assortment of breakfast sweets is very difficult to resist. You could choose from cherry or lemon Danishes, powdered or plain donut holes or even cinnamon rolls. These are arranged on silver trays with white paper doily liners.
The seating is a blend of Bistro and Starbucks. There are the large over-stuffed chairs grouped together, for a small group to gather, in one corner. Some tall Bistro tables and chairs line one side of the room. While shorter circular tables and chairs make up the rest of the room.
Down the stairs, you will find the youth and children’s areas. I spend the majority of my volunteer hours here, especially in the youth areas. The youth café is similar to the adult café. There are the same tall Bistro tables and chairs, as seen upstairs. However, instead of shiny coffee urns, there is the glow from the pop machine. The energy is so much higher here, than in the adult café. The difference is like watching a Chihuahua compared to a Basset Hound.
Another difference I have noticed is the way teens greet one another, compared to the adults. The teens walk in and either slap each other on the back or give each other high-fives, instead of handshakes.
This is the group I have dedicated most of my time to. I just love the energy that fills the air when the Youth Group gathers. This energy is contagious and addictive. It is difficult to remain in a bad mood, when surrounded by this energy. It is truly uplifting!
If you haven’t guessed already, I’m at my church home. This is Southwood Lutheran. This is where I have not only found, but strengthened my spirit.
In writing this paper, I have discovered it is not the building, as beautiful as it may be, but the people that matter the most. The clergy, staff and members of Southwood really make it the awesome place it is.
The three pastors, Greg Olson, Michael Ryan and Sara Spohr, have a wonderful tact of being able to teach without persecution. Many lessons are given with a touch of humor and a spattering of puns. They treat the congregation with respect and compassion.
Through my participation in small group Bible studies, I have connected to other members. The energy and genuine warmth of the members makes it such a refreshing place to be. These members have accepted me as a part of their own family. Through my connection with other members, I have learned what it means to be a true Christian. I hope newcomers feel as welcomed and accepted as I have.
Fellowship events have opened many doors of friendship. Through these friendships, I have been surrounded by support and most of all, prayer.
The members of this congregation are, without a doubt, my brothers and sisters in Christ.