Looking Back to the Church of Christ

On Sunday Matthew and I headed to our normal 9 a.m. Mass.The gospel reading was the parable of the worker's in the vineyard.
The visiting priest was great and very poignant, and both Matthew and I learned a great lesson on humility.
It was a definite kick off for the rest of the day, when we left Mass we headed straight up the road to my Mother's church. She had invited us to their homecoming, and while we had reservations about going, we went for her sake.
When we arrived we were surprised that both my sister as well as my aunt, cousin, and his partner were also there.
Matthew and I had not attended a service in that church since getting married, and it was very odd. Luckily, I sat by my cousin who is Episcopalian, and we were in agreement on several things.
It was too loud. Before the service started everyone was talking, hugging, laughing, walking around the sanctuary. I am NOT used to this. When we worship and enter into a church, it is for silent reflection, getting ready to hear the Word and receive Communion. For the most part Catholics wait until the end of service to greet, small talk, and catch up with our friends. The sanctuary is quiet, and deeply respectful.. the place where Jesus is present.
The Lord's Supper / Communion Issue. Okay, I know that most protestant churches see communion as purely symbolic, an act of obedience. So, I at least have to hand it to the Church of Christs for having it weekly. But to pass it back and forth, back and forth, down the aisles seemed a little irreverent.
I have gotten used to filing out of our pew and processing up to the altar to receive Jesus. It is a journey, a reflection, a time to get up and greet the Lord!
Music. The music was, as always, very beautiful. I do respect and admire some a Capella songs. Traditional music also has it's place, I feel, and could only add to the worship. We sang two songs that blatantly invoked the admiration of the cross, Draw Me Nearer and The Old Rugged Cross, yet there were none around the church in which to remind us of His sacrifice. Many songs referring to kneeling in prayer, yet we didn't have that either.
..and they're off! It was hard for me to ascertain exactly when service began, and when it ended. Did it begin when everyone heard the man behind the microphone telling everyone to find their seat? Did it end when they announced to let the wheelchairs and elderly file out for the after-service supper? I prefer to be told it is over, I need to be told to "go in peace", and I really like having a few moments after the Mass in which to sit in the pew and thank God.

So different!