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I don't remember what he said, but he had us in the palm of his hand hanging on his every word

about how to be godly, how to live in the spirit of Jesus Christ, how to keep the devil

at bay in our daily lives.

About halfway through, he had us all stand up again and shake hands or hug the people closest to us

to tell one another you are loved and redeemed in Christ.

I was overwhelmed, emotional.

I didn't know these people, but they seemed to really care about something really important

and they were welcoming me into a feeling of belonging and understanding that was palpable.

If a little weird and squirmy next more joyful songs now with lyrics on the big screen more preaching

and then the collection plate was passed around as the pastor talked about the virtues of tithing

and how whatever you gave to the church would come back to you tenfold through the grace of God.

Amen, people shouted from the congregation if you had faith and gave freely with an open heart.

Then came the unexpectedly quiet climax.

Really, I guess the recruitment finale.

The multicolored lights were dimmed.

...