52 Churches in 52 Weeks
😟 Protestant Explores Temple Lot • Finds Grieving Latter Day Church
updated
🚢 Go and Do Travel - Church History Tour (September 10-19, 2026)
• goanddotravel.com/09263churchhistory
• Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
🔍 Patreon
• patreon.com/cw/52in52
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Context
1:53 52 Churches Pivot
4:07 52 Temples in 52 Weeks
6:53 Patreon
8:27 Church History Tour
9:50 Same Heart, Clear Lanes
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #temple #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist #ldstemple
The first time you go to the temple for your endowment, you prepare a lot. You read, ask questions, and mentally rehearse everything. Then you go through an interview process and schedule several appointments. Several close friends assisted me throughout the whole process, and I can't imagine doing it alone. The second time? Life has already resumed. Work, travel, callings, ministering, and responsibilities quietly stack up — and before you know it, returning takes a bit more intention than expected.
Walking in, I was more nervous than I anticipated. Part of that was the sheer activity — the temple buzzes like a beehive, with people in constant motion walking in-and-out of the temple. Part of it was still feeling new to the setting. And part of it was realizing I wasn’t quite ready to do this one alone yet. Thankfully, a good friend came with me, which helped with the newness and iffy-ness when a new temple as large as the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple is still unfamiliar.
This visit included my first experience doing proxy work — for my great-grandfather — which added a kind of weight I’m not sure I’ve fully processed yet. Once things began, though, something shifted. Less analyzing. More stillness.
I spent some time in the celestial room, pray and quietly reflecting… looking up at this spectacular chandelier quietly centering your attention. There’s a story about that chandelier involving President Hinckley saying it needed to be bigger — and sitting there, I couldn’t help but feel that the questions I brought with me probably needed to be bigger too.
This video isn’t about explaining the temple or sharing anything sacred. It’s simply a convert’s honest reflection on returning — when the temple is still new, the nerves are still real, and faith is less about big moments and more about learning how to come back.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Before
4:48 After
12:30 Chandelier Story
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #temple #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist #ldstemple
The night began with over 30 minutes of gospel choir music — and I wasn’t prepared for how much ENERGY, JOY, and SPIRIT would fill the room. Song-after-song built "layer-upon-layer" — voices stacked, harmonies rose, people clapping, smiling, and sing, and the whole congregation felt pulled into a shared act of worship. This wasn’t “music in church” as background; it was worship that was alive, embodied, and participatory.
They ended the music with “This Little Light of Mine,” inviting individuals in the congregation to come up one-by-one and share what they were thankful for. The room echoed their gratitude back through music, and it created this beautiful loop of praise, community, and joy.
If you’re used to the quiet, reflective tone of a typical LDS sacrament meeting, seeing this style of worship within a Latter-day Saint context will be blow your socks off!
After announcements, children went to their classes, and the adults stayed for a message from Kristen Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. She shared the story behind her painting “And I Partook” — including the moment where she accidentally damaged it and thought she had ruined everything. She talked about praying, working through the night, and discovering that what felt “unrepairable” was transformed into something better than it was before. Her message centered on redemption, grace, and God’s ability to take our mistakes and turn them into something more beautiful than we imagined.
Between the gospel music, testimonies, and message, the night carried a sense of history, identity, resilience, and joy. Many spirituals and gospel traditions come from deep places — perseverance, longing, deliverance — yet they’re sung with hope and celebration. To witness that spirit in an LDS devotional created a powerful reminder that worship, when rooted in Christ, can take many forms, sound many ways, and still lead hearts toward Him.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 What is the Genesis Group?
2:48 Jaw-Dropping Gospel Choir
4:44 Layer-Upon-Layer
8:21 Bonner Family
9:15 Spirituals
12:32 Guest Speaker
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist
For much of my journey, red northern cardinals in their brilliant crimson color would appear at the most coincidental times - often during the very moments I was investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Silly... I know. And yet, they became these bright red streaks of unknown guidance that heaven was near, even though I couldn't see the full picture.
About a year and a half ago, I stood in the same temple during its open house. Still full of questions, I walked into the Garden Room. On the left, out of all the birds that could be chosen, there on the mural was a bright red cardinal. It felt like yet another nudge from above, completely illogical yet personally convicting.
A month later, I got baptized. My covenant path felt a lot like Simon Peter stepping out of the boat and onto the water toward the outstretched arm of Jesus that day. Fear. Anxiety. What if's. Every part of me wanted to stay in the boat - cling to the familiar - yet something deeper called me to trust despite the doubts.
Over time, those "cardinal moments" began to fade. A part of me questioned, 'why now?' Maybe it really was all in my head. But I've come to see that wonder wasn't meant to last forever. Faith had to mature from signs into action.
Recently, I was sent a post that shared how Simon Peter stepped out of the boat a second time. No mighty storm. No walking on water. No miracle. Instead, Peter saw the resurrected Jesus on safe shores, and he plunged in and swam with all his might to go and greet his Savior. The first time was a miracle, the second was a decision.
Yesterday felt like that second decision of getting out of the boat. The miracles had already been given, now it's my turn to swim.
I'm deeply grateful for those who helped guide me along the way in these spiritual seas - for every prayer, message, and quiet moment of encouragement along the way. You know who you are.
Here's to walking - and sometimes swimming - forward in faith.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Before Endowment
6:58 After Endowment
14:10 Out of the Boat
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist
This video reflects on this past week's conference called "Organized Intelligence: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on AI." The conference was held at the Church Office Building that featured educators, business leaders, historians, sociologists, social media influencers, and college students. Wednesday's keynote speaker was Elder Gong, who provided insights about keeping faith and discipleship at the center of innovation.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Church Office Building
4:10 Musical Number
5:13 Day 1
14:42 Day 2
17:25 Elder Gong's AI Talk
22:28 What Do YOU Think?
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #churchofjesuschrist
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Mark Driscoll's anti-LDS Rhetoric
7:17 Inside Trinity Church
9:45 Facial Hair
11:57 Cramped
13:28 Gen X/Millennial Humor
14:48 Security
19:47 12-Minute Worship
22:04 Driscoll's Combat Preaching
31:52 Communion Snack Bar
34:07 First-Time Visitor Bag
36:54 Seeker-Selective
39:53 Flowers
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #marshill #markdriscoll #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist
As a convert, there was a lot that I was curious about this time - especially surrounding this Apostolic Interregnum.
One of the highlights was Elder Kevin G. Brown's passionate message, reflecting on his own “Sacred Grove moment” as a convert and urging us to own our testimonies with sure witnesses of Jesus Christ and His gospel: “When you know, YOU KNOW.”
I also reflect on the “prophetic heart” I’ve seen in past presidents like Gordon B. Hinckley and Russell M. Nelson, and what it meant to witness President Dallin H. Oaks close out Conference. Often described as matter-of-fact, President Oaks revealed his own heart when speaking of his widowed mother, Stella H. Oaks, and the loss of his father when he was only 7. His remarks on the family carried extra weight knowing that his mother had been the model for the Cyrus E. Dallin statue The Pioneer Mother. At its unveiling, she was pregnant with her first child — a baby boy named Dallin, who now stands as the likely next prophet of the Church.
Join me as I share my MIC DROP highlights from an unforgettable General Conference weekend.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Outside Conference Center
4:25 Inside Conference Center
5:30 Prophetic Heart
9:47 Personal Recap
13:10 Talk by Elder Kevin G. Brown
15:14 Pioneer Mother
16:45 President Oaks
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist
🙏 Please keep the victims, their families, and the community in your prayers.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints
• goanddotravel.com/1125wavemakers
• Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
---------------------------
What does a LOST COW have to do with the oldest Latter-day Saint meetinghouse still in continuous use?
And what kind of MISCHIEF did a young Jeffrey R. Holland get into here?
Welcome to Pine Valley Chapel, a piece of living pioneer history where you don’t just see the past—you step right into it.
During the summer of 1855, two pioneer missionaries lost a cow. As the search party scoured the land, the cow was found in a valley filled with rich pine trees and tall grass. That valley would later host a lumber mill, though the pioneers yearned for a church echoing the style of their New England roots.
The responsibility of building the chapel fell to Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish shipbuilder. He agreed to construct it using shipbuilding techniques. Completed in 1868, the chapel still houses religious artwork brought by settlers, some of which remains today.
In April 2005, the chapel was rededicated by then-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who shared a personal connection to its bell. For decades, Pine Valley had no fire department, so the chapel bell served to alert the entire town in emergencies. Mischievous “Pine Valley boys,” including Jeffrey R. Holland, often rang the bell for fun. During the rededication, he was finally allowed to ring it—this time officially!
Although rumors have circulated about the chapel being torn down, they’re false. Its role as a full-time place of worship is ending, with congregants moving to a new chapel nearby. Pine Valley Chapel will be preserved as a historic site, keeping its pioneer legacy alive.
Sacrament meetings were expected to conclude this summer, though due to the recent Forsyth Fire, services will likely continue a few more weekends. The upcoming Labor Day service promises to be a big gathering—plan to visit if you can.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Pine Valley
0:33 Chapel Preview
3:55 Hymn
4:50 Wavemakers
5:30 Lost Cow of Pine Valley
9:04 Shipbuilding a Chapel
10:42 Tithing Office
11:54 1898-2004 History
13:11 Jeffrey R. Holland's Ties
16:49 Pioneer Features
20:41 52 is Next
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Gabriel Lewis - Ghosts of the Rail
youtube.com/watch?v=pv_I6iSJIb8
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #pinevalley
• goanddotravel.com/1125wavemakers
• Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
---------------------------
This one's different. Not just a church visit… but a life move.
After selling my home and loading up a U-Haul, I crossed state lines and seasons of life—driving through the Great Plains into the same Wyoming storm that diverted a Delta flight last week. It seriously felt like all of Old MacDonald's Farm came down from the sky (E-I-E-I-Oh no...). But after pushing through and reaching clearer skies, it became a beautiful metaphor for the calm that often follows chaos during big leaps of faith.
For me, asking for help doesn’t come easy. I’m used to doing everything on my own. But this time, I was assisted by two different Elders Quorums who showed up in full force to help me load and unload. What a relief. I saw firsthand what "men being men" can look like in a Christlike way — stepping up to help someone who needed a hand.
This past Sunday, I pulled into church… in the U-Haul. 🤦♂️ It was an SA fast and testimony meeting, and it felt a little different not being surrounded by families with kids. But what could’ve felt awkward (cue: culture shift) turned into a warm welcome from everyone I met. It's stretching me in good ways.
During my final Elders Quorum in Wisconsin, someone posed the question, “What is faith?” The first thing that came to mind was Matthew 17 — the kind of faith that can move mountains. And let’s be honest… that’s exactly what the early Saints did when they came to Utah. That same pioneer spirit is something I hope to carry with me as I start this next chapter.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Moving Day
0:55 Transition to Utah
4:08 The Wyoming Storm
7:06 Lehi SA 40th Ward
7:44 Elder's Quorum Help
12:29 First Utah Sacrament Meeting
15:01 Faith That Moves Mountains
19:30 $52K for St. Jude!
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Gavin Luke - When Sun Meets Moon
youtube.com/watch?v=WC4Cz7_gN9g
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #ysa #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #nauvoo
• goanddotravel.com/1125wavemakers
• Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
🔗 Mississippi River Friends of Historic Nauvoo
• facebook.com/FreeLiveToursinNauvoo
🗓️ Real-Time Event Calendar (Summer 2025)
• https://go.viiision.app/topic/62c60cbc78a49d15e36e7c22?feature=menu
🏛️ Historic Nauvoo Illinois and Carthage Jail
• churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/history/sites/historic-nauvoo?lang=eng
---------------------------
Join me as I explore the rich history and spiritual depth of the Nauvoo Pageant, a pivotal experience on my journey as a convert preparing for my temple endowment. From the inspiring performances by the dedicated missionaries to the sacred sites like the Red Brick Store and Carthage Jail, this visit brought new meaning to the pioneer spirit and the covenants I’m about to make.
In this video, I share honest reflections on what it means to connect with the past and prepare for a sacred future, especially after facing personal trials and challenges. Nauvoo isn’t just a historic town—it’s a living testament to faith, sacrifice, and hope that continues to shape my spiritual path.
Whether you’re curious about the pageant, the temple, or the deeper significance behind LDS pioneer history, this video offers an authentic glimpse through the eyes of a convert experiencing it all firsthand.
All performances and locations filmed with the proper permissions. This video is not sponsored by or officially affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Nauvoo Illinois Temple
6:06 St. Jude
7:30 Nauvoo Performances
13:52 Pageant Sacrament Meeting
17:00 Personal Story on Temple Covenants
30:24 Nauvoo Pageant Dates
32:58 Event Invitations
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #ysa #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #nauvoo
This week, we visit a few churches in Roblox, a platform with over 85 million daily users, and home to countless user-created "experiences"—including worship services.
This wasn’t my first foray into digital faith spaces. A couple years ago, I visited VR Church in the Metaverse and saw firsthand how virtual worship can open doors for people with disabilities, social anxiety, or even spiritual curiosity in places where traditional church isn’t accessible. It challenged my perspective.
So what about Roblox Church? While it looks different (and yes, some avatars were dressed like the Gingerbread Man, hot dogs, or anime characters), the heart was familiar: music, teaching, community, and a desire to connect with God. It’s easy to dismiss things like this as silly or shallow—but I left reminded that God meets people where they are.
Even in Roblox.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Preview
1:11 Church in Video Games?
2:44 What is Roblox?
4:56 Grace Church
6:56 Lack of Christian Gaming
8:19 VR Church
12:23 Sermon
15:24 Digital Discipleship
18:38 LDS Roblox Church
20:18 Catholic Roblox Church
22:08 Final Impressions
25:35 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Wave Saver - 8-bit Sheriff
youtube.com/watch?v=c35atEBBxgU
---------------------------
🚢 Go and Do Travel - Wavemakers '25 Podcast Cruise (Nov. '25): goanddotravel.com/1125wavemakers
Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #roblox #roblx #GraceChurchRBLX #rblx #lambofgod #sundayworshipservice #robloxgames #robloxchurch
What happens when one of the world’s most influential theologians gives a live lecture at a local church?
In this episode of 52 Churches in 52 Weeks, I made a trip to Elmbrook Church near Milwaukee to hear N.T. Wright speak in person—no books read, no theology degree required, just an open mind and a front row seat.
This wasn’t your typical church service. No worship band. No sermon. Just a night of Scripture, scholarship, and reflection—focused on John 20–21 and hosted by Admirato, the platform responsible for N.T. Wright’s online courses.
Whether you're deeply into theology or just exploring the edges of it like I was, this evening offered insight that hit both the head and the heart.
For this visit, I share what stood out, what surprised me, and the one question I had the chance to ask N.T. Wright myself.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to N.T. Wright
4:39 Lecture Sample of N.T. Wright
6:51 First Impressions
8:21 Admirato
9:34 Mary, Thomas, & Peter - Renewed Discipleship
18:00 My Question
18:49 Final Words
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
JOYSPRING - Come Be With Us (Instrumental Version)
youtube.com/watch?v=s9kCh8RAv4w
---------------------------
🚢 Go and Do Travel - Wavemakers '25 Podcast Cruise (Nov. '25): goanddotravel.com/1125wavemakers
Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #ntwright #churchlive #churchathome #churchonline #theology #theologymatters #theologicaldiscussion
Use code: 52IN52 for a discount
---------------------------
The first time I heard about Singles Wards… I was FASCINATED.
It was about a year after I first started learning about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when someone casually mentioned a “YSA” — a Young Single Adult ward -- with entire church services and congregations made up of just single adults.
Coming from a Protestant background, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea. In the churches I came from — and in conversations with other Christian singles and online groups — it always felt like singles were the one age group the church forgot. You weren’t supposed to treat church like a dating club, so the idea of a whole congregation made up of single people was wild to me.
For this week's video, we share some raw first impressions from my first-ever YSA Sacrament Meeting and YSA Stake Conference from Downtown Manhattan. I’ll also touch on how dating is shifting in general, some general thoughts on singleness, and what all this feels like as a recent convert navigating LDS culture.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Church... for Singles?
3:26 WaveMakers Cruise
4:49 Christianity/LDS Youth Movement
7:40 Church Void for Singles
16:20 Family Proclamation
19:24 First YSA Thoughts
23:20 Leah Mentality
31:17 St. Jude
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #ysa #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #singlesward
On the flip side, I also started searching for the ugliest churches.
One of the search results that turned up was St. John's Abbey Church outside St. Cloud, Minnesota.
After the devastation left from World War II, European reconstruction projects introduced Brutalist architecture in the 1950's. The term "Brutalism" sounds... well, brutal... but it actually translates to "raw concrete" (béton brut) in French. The raw building style borrowed from socialist utopian principles for equal housing. This spread especially to communist countries. The popularity declined in the 1970's, as the style became associated with urban decay and just looked cold and soulless.
Oddly, in the early 1950's when Brutalism was brand new, St. John's Abbey (one of the largest monasteries in the United States with 450 monks) decided to hire Marcel Breuerer to build their new church building with Brutalism in mind. Brue would later inspire the recent Oscar-nominated film, The Brutalist.
Awhile back, I had to attend mass and see this for myself.
It. Was. Different.
From the outside, it looks like a concrete spacecraft that crash-landed in the middle of Minnesota.
Inside, the very first image you're greeted by is a 7-foot tall, slender alien statue was represented John the Baptist, with a massive throat to portray his powerful voice.
There was also a prayer room to the side with a red glowing candle that eerily looks like HAL 9000 from the film "2001: A Space Odyssey".
As for the servuce, I walked in 10 minutes before the start. Oddly, no one was seated in the pews by me, so I decided to find a seat in the balcony - not knowing the congregation fills the seats right next to the altar. As a result, I had never felt more DISTANT (partly my fault), but also the atmosphere felt so cold being surrounded by so much concrete. Like being in a dystopian sci-fi movie.
I found myself looking out the window most of the time at some flowers for botanical life. Just a very, very unusual atmosphere to worship in.
I can understand why this is one of the few American church examples of Brutalism.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 St. John's Abbey
1:34 Ugliest Churches
2:25 Brutalism
3:35 St. Jude
4:38 Inside Brutalist Church
6:54 Keen Eye for The Abstract
8:52 Church History
11:42 Outside
12:44 John the Baptist Statue
14:45 Honeycomb Window
15:54 Distant Worship
17:26 Hollywood and USSR
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Sayuri Hayashi Egnell - Flowers in the Mirror
youtube.com/watch?v=w_JxZFVuln8
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #brutalism #brutalistarchitecture #catholic #catholicchurch #catholicmass
From years of abandonment to ambitious plans for revival, learn how faith, community, and vision are bringing new life to this sacred space. Discover the challenges of restoring the campus, the unexpected connection to the new American Pope, and what it was like in its raw form as plans ramp for its transformation.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Outside Pope Leo's Childhood Church
4:28 Inside St. Mary Church
6:10 A Strange Balance
10:34 Curious Crowds
14:17 History of Church Building
17:34 Amazing Story of Keeping Building Alive
18:57 Crowds Gather After Pope Leo Announced
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
AFTR - Amazing (Instrumental)
youtube.com/watch?v=RkfEFhSeh0s
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #popeleoxiv #popeleo #catholic #catholicchurch #vatican
Had they pressed on with that risky detour… would it have ended in a Wild West gunfight?
About 10 miles south of Tucson sits San Xavier del Bac Mission — the “White Dove of the Desert.” Founded in 1692 by Father Eusebio Kino, this centuries-old settlement was part of a chain of Spanish missions across the Sonoran Desert.
A Jesuit of Italian descent, Father Kino was like a mix between Indiana Jones and Spock — if you handed him a rosary and a horse. A brilliant and colorful figure, he was a missionary, geographer, astronomer, humanitarian, and is even considered Arizona’s first rancher.
He earned the trust of the Tohono O'odham people and other Indigenous tribes, advocating for their dignity and opposing the enslavement of Christian converts during the height of Spanish colonization.
Decades after Father Kino's death, Spanish Franciscans took over the mission. Working alongside the Tohono O'odham, they completed the present mission church in 1797. By 1821, Mexico had gained independence from Spain and expelled all Spanish-born clergy — leaving the mission neglected.
When the Mexican-American War broke out in 1846, a ragtag military unit known as the Mormon Battalion embarked on the longest infantry march in U.S. military history. After fending off a wild herd in what became known as the "Battle of the Bulls," Lt. Col. Philip St. George Cooke led an uncontested capture of Tucson on December 17, following the Mexican Army’s withdrawal. Determined to reach the San Xavier Mission, Cooke set out with about 50 armed men — but they were soon spotted, prompting the Mexican forces to retreat even farther south. Realizing his men were exposed and vulnerable to ambush, Cooke called off the risky detour and resumed their westward march toward San Diego days later.
One bit of local folklore: inside the mission, you may have noticed the so-called "San Xavier mummy" — a body in a glass coffin. It was originally a statue of the crucified Christ from a nearby mission. When that community was abandoned in 1849 due to Apache raids, the people relocated to San Xavier, bringing their saints with them. Somewhere along the journey, the statue’s legs were lost. According to legend, the statue was laid in a coffin with the missing legs concealed — serving as a kind of "spiritual scarecrow" to ward off would-be raiders by making them think they were entering sacred ground guarded by the dead.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Outside San Xavier
2:15 Inside Look
3:35 World's Most Interesting Man
6:44 Father Kino (1645-1711)
15:56 Mission Church Built (1792)
18:32 Mormon Battalion Passes (1846)
25:30 San Xavier Mummy (1849)
28:11 Tourism
28:45 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
American Legion - Tiger Waltz
youtube.com/watch?v=cBYGp3SD0Pw
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #mormonbattalion #latterdaysaints #lds #mormonism #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #catholic #sanxaviermission #sanxavier #catholicchurches
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Mesa
0:26 Mesa Temple Grounds
3:21 Mesa Easter Pageant Clips
5:14 Walk on Desert Trail
7:04 Gardens
10:21 Manhattan Temple
13:59 Oakland Temple
16:08 Growth in Eden?
21:50 The Gardener
23:54 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Toby Tranter - Distant Echoes
youtube.com/watch?v=8zcsqJfNkxQ
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #temples #temple #mesaaz
Since then, I’ve often been asked: What’s happened? What’s changed? What’s new?
This past Friday, I had the chance to participate in proxy baptisms for some of my direct ancestors—including a grandfather and one name that stood out: an unknown grand-uncle who shared both my first and last name. Through the FamilySearch Library, I discovered he was the son of my great-grandfather—the same great-grandfather who had joined the Church. This grand-uncle died when he was 8.
It was a simple moment, but a meaningful one—to feel connected across generations in a way I hadn’t before.
This morning, I took a prayer walk to reflect on the past year - crossing over the same bridge as I took the first steps going from the Protestant label to Latter-day Saint.
The best way I could summarize things was Slow. Steady. Growth. Nothing flashy. Just taking time to deepen and strengthen my spiritual roots. Whereas before I felt my relationship with Christ relied on Bible-Bible-Bible, now I find my roots REACHING for the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, prophets, temples, church members, and various other resources to deepen that nourishment.
I've still been attending other churches as part of my channel, but it's been very strategic in order to regularly attend sacrament meeting. My attendance is often three out of every four Sundays, and if possible when traveling to document other churches, I'll visit the nearest ward.
I've found that there's been a merging of sorts between my "Protestant Brain" vs. new "LDS Lens." Martin Luther's prayer in a thunderstorm when he vowed to become a monk (thus setting the course for the Protestant Reformation) feels very similar to Joseph Smith's prayer during the First Vision. During one talk I heard in Paducah, a member said she didn't feel convert was the right word, rather she had JOINED the Church. That has stuck with me.
This, and many more reflective thoughts, are shared in this video.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Chicago Illinois Temple
5:12 Prayer Walk
8:18 St. Jude
9:39 FAQs
12:22 Slow. Steady. Growth.
17:25 Protestant / LDS Church Practices
20:46 Martin Luther / Joseph Smith Prayers
22:10 ProteSaint
24:14 Talks
28:59 Protestant vs. LDS Dating
36:12 Second Temptation
38:17 Next Steps
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Megan Wofford - Come Spring
youtube.com/watch?v=udjWRvQ49vE
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#mtc #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #temples #temple #provo
In this video, I explore Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Michigan—the place where Adventism took root in the 1800s. From Ellen White’s Civil War prophecy to the great Battle Creek fire that some believed was started by an angel, this tour had some WILD moments.
🔹 What I Saw and Learned:
⛪ The first Adventist meetinghouse (1861)—where Ellen White had a vision about the Civil War months before it started
🔥 The mysterious Battle Creek fires—was it divine intervention?
🛠️ The Horsey Horseless Car—a bizarre invention designed to "help" horses not fear automobiles (yes, there’s a picture! Spoiler: it didn’t work)
📜 The Underground Railroad connection—how Adventists played a role in helping escaped slaves during the abolitionist movement
🏠 James & Ellen White’s home—where some of the earliest Adventist ideas were formed
This was quite a unique church tour, and I’m excited to take you along for the ride from the perspective of a newcomer.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments—what surprised you most?
If you enjoy faith journeys and church history, be sure to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more spiritual adventures!
#SeventhDayAdventist #AdventistHistory #HistoricAdventistVillage #sda #ChurchHistory #BattleCreek #ChristianHistory
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Adventist Village
0:35 Background
5:40 Inside Tabernacle
8:34 Wild Impressions
11:32 St. Jude 2:1 Match
12:54 Before Service
16:35 During Service
18:45 Foot Washing
21:25 After Service
22:31 Art
24:09 Millerites to SDA
26:15 Cereal Wars
27:53 Pioneer Exhibits
32:53 Final Thoughts
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Kikoru - You're the Cure
youtube.com/watch?v=PDXAIr1Shik
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#atthemovies #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #churchlive #churchathome #churchonline
For many churches, Christmas and Easter are the biggest services of the year—but some Evangelical megachurches are taking a seeker-sensitive approach to expand their reach. From Super Bowl-themed services to At The Movies sermon series, these churches aim to meet people where they’re at.
This past weekend, I got wind that a church in basketball-obsessed Indiana was embracing a March Madness-themed service.
Going in, I thought for sure this church was going to mix the Bible and basketball. I was thinking they'd so something like David vs. Goliath - the original 16-seed over 1-seed upset, with David busting every bracket in ancient Israel after slaying the giant. Or maybe they'd do something with Esther's Cinderella run, rising from obscurity to save her people, leading the PA system in the Israelite kingdom to play "One Shining Moment." And of course, Jesus Christ defeating Death in OT, returning in the greatest comeback in all history.
Inside, I was greeted by a basketball court that was set-up for churchgoers of all ages to take some shots from the 3-point line. Inside, the stage was modified to a hardwood floor, as pump-up basketball anthems blared like "We Will Rock You." The first half was all worship and baptisms, while the second half was the sermon—though an unexpected medical emergency forced the pastor to call a timeout.
So did Northview weave faith and basketball together in a meaningful way? Or was this just another example of the church being too much like the world? Find out in this week's YouTube video.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Northview
0:47 Seeker-Sensitive Churches
3:17 Indiana Basketball
5:35 St. Jude
6:30 Baptisms & Worship
8:39 Bible + Basketball Ideas
9:56 Giveaway
10:42 Arrival and Marketing
15:12 Church Services
17:21 Sermon's Medical Emergency
20:43 Post-Service
22:25 Seventh-day Adventists
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Mary Riddle - The New Black
youtube.com/watch?v=5e-dK9xmP2Y
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#atthemovies #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #churchlive #churchathome #churchonline
But what happened when the first Protestant Church dared to plant its flag in the heart of Mormon Territory, marking it as the first non-LDS and anti-Mormon church in Utah?
In 1862, Utah was a land defined by Latter-day Saint faith. The Civil War was raging, Abraham Lincoln was president, and nearly 50,000 Latter-day Saints called this territory home. For anyone not of the LDS faith - whether Protestant, Catholic, or even Jewish , you were labeled a 'Gentile.'
In October 1862, a small military camp was established a few miles outside Salt Lake City to protect the mail route from Indian attacks. To serve the military personnel and other non-LDS settlers, Rev. Norman McLeod was tasked as military chaplain. His sermons were fired up with anti-Mormon messages that railed against the Mountain Meadows Massacres, polygamy, and "Brigham's God." By 1865, a church was established as a hub for "Gentile" settlers.
McLeod's sermons ruffled many feathers, and he eventually resigned. Afterwards, First Congregational Church took a different approach by bettering the community through free education. It was part of an effort to win over Utah's children, including many LDS students. By 1890, Congregationalists had founded 36 schools across the state, enrolling 2,500 students annually .
First Congregational Church continued to endure into the 1960's. Members told me they hired a charismatic preacher and decided to build a new, state-of-the-art meetinghouse that opened in 1965. Shortly thereafter, the charismatic preacher was wooed away and promptly left. The new building left new challenges, and as the pandemic dwindled attendance and repairs became too costly, the congregation sold their building in 2022 to make way for future apartments. The congregation now meets at All Saints Episcopal Church down the street.
Yet, even in closure, there’s a symbol of reconciliation. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the church’s stunning "Walk to Emmaus" stained-glass window was sold to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to find new life as part of a temple entryway.
If true, it’s a poignant reminder of how time can soften divisions. What began as a bold challenge to Latter-day Saints over 160 years, has now given way to reconciliation and shared heritage.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 First Congregational
0:43 Preview
4:51 Worship
6:02 Congregationalism
7:06 Utah 1862-1865
8:53 Rev. Norman McLeod
11:37 Free Public Schools
13:03 Meetinghouse (1965)
15:03 Sell (2022)
15:34 Recap
17:40 "Walk to Emmaus" to LDS
19:41 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Clarence Reed - Didn't I Say Forever
youtube.com/watch?v=wzQ0gJLlWRc
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#mtc #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints
In this video, I take you inside the MTC—a place where thousands of young Latter-day Saints prepare to serve missions around the world. As someone who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints later in life, I’ve always been fascinated by the missionary program and its role as a rite of passage within LDS culture. This tour was a chance to deepen my understanding of this incredible institution and see firsthand how missionaries are trained.
From the massive backlit images of scriptural stories to the Great Commission displayed prominently, the MTC is designed to inspire and prepare missionaries for their 18-month or two-year service. One of the highlights was being invited to observe a Finnish language training session, where missionaries were already speaking Finnish just weeks into their training—a testament to the immersive methods used here.
The campus itself is beautiful, with art, statues and my favorite - baptism pictures in extreme climates. There was a sense of purpose that permeating every corner, and it became clear that the MTC isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about shaping hearts and minds to exemplify Jesus Christ.
As a convert, I didn’t serve a mission, but I’ve seen the impact of missionary work firsthand. It was missionaries who engaged me with the Church, and their patience, kindness, and dedication changed my life. This tour reminded me of the courage it takes to leave behind comfort and step into the unknown. Whether you’re a member of the Church, a convert like me, or simply curious, I hope this video gives you a deeper appreciation for the missionary journey and the incredible young men and women who embark on it.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Utah
0:42 Missionary Impact
4:21 Convert Curiosity
5:34 Protestant vs. LDS Youth Transition
9:00 MTC Overview
12:59 60+ Languages
15:09 Touring MTC
18:04 Finnish Classroom
19:26 Great Commission
22:36 Nametag over the Heart
25:33 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Dream Cave - Strong and Courageous
youtube.com/watch?v=zyY0Iq5E1OY
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#mtc #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #temples #temple #provo
It all started with Danny Thomas, a struggling entertainer who prayed: "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." He kept his promise, founding St. Jude in 1962. One pivotal story that stuck with him was that of an 8-year-old African-American boy who had been hit by a car of a white driver. Frantically, the driver brought the boy to two hospitals, but was turned away due to segregation. Danny carried that newspaper clipping for years—a reminder that St. Jude would be for every child - no matter of race, creed, or finances.
But Danny wasn't alone. Hollywood helped make it happen too. Elvis auctioned off FDR’s presidential yacht to raise early funds. Stars like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Sammy Davis Jr. also played a role. Today, Inspiration4 even raised $240M for St. Jude through a space auction.
Walking inside, I saw something different. St. Jude doesn’t feel like a hospital—it’s filled with hope. In the Kay Kafe, I was told that doctors, researchers, and families eat together, forming bonds beyond medicine. This culture and personal touch could be attributed to the Nobel Prize-winning research, life-saving treatments, and a mission that keeps changing lives.
Danny Thomas said it best: “Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.”
Want to be part of the story? Consider donating, sharing, or spreading the message. Because at St. Jude, hope lives on.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Outside St. Jude
0:55 Preview
4:26 Inside St. Jude
7:04 The Dream
8:25 Danny Thomas
11:46 Why Memphis?
13:27 Elvis Contribution
16:33 The Culture of St. Jude
18:17 Pavilion Chapel
21:29 Hope Lives
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Dye O - I See Blue
youtube.com/watch?v=Nq0JrJA980U
Victor Lundberg - Chasing Horizons
youtube.com/watch?v=GKfE1xjYp_w
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #StJude #HopeLivesHere #DannyThomas #Memphis #ChildhoodCancer #ALSAC
The Dog Chapel at Dog Mountain was built by folk artist Stephen Huneck as a sanctuary of love, remembrance, and celebration for our four-legged companions.
Inside, its walls are covered floor to ceiling with heartfelt notes and photos, left by visitors honoring the dogs that have left their paw prints on their hearts. What started as one artist’s vision has transformed into a living, ever-growing tribute to the bond between humans and their pets.
I was surprised to see just how deeply this place moves people. From the whimsical pews with dog carvings to the quiet reverence of visitors reflecting on their beloved pets, the Dog Chapel is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been for a spiritual setting.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Vermont
1:06 Preview
3:08 Visit
4:06 Initial Thoughts
5:28 History
8:13 Recap
11:54 Future Videos
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Pandaraps - Strapt (Instrumental Version)
youtube.com/watch?v=CdCD1XwY8w8
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #vermont
Stave churches emerged in Norway around the 11th century, built entirely of wood with intricate carvings. Though once numbering nearly a thousand, only about 30 remain today. Their design reflects Norway’s rugged geography, abundance of timber, and late conversion to Christianity—largely influenced by King Olaf in the 10th century. As stone cathedrals rose in Europe, Norway’s builders applied Viking shipbuilding techniques to construct these stunning wooden churches.
But what really sets them apart? Dragons. Just like medieval cathedrals had gargoyles to ward off evil, Norse dragon carvings adorned these churches—showing how Christianity blended with Viking traditions. Another fascinating detail? The rooster weathervane, a Catholic symbol ordered by Pope Nicholas I, which merged with Norse folklore as a sign of vigilance and protection. And then there are the intricate portals—many featuring fantastical creatures like dragons and serpents, which some interpret as references to Ragnarök, the Norse apocalypse, symbolizing the ongoing clash between good and evil."
The Chapel in the Hills in South Dakota is an exact replica of Norway’s Borgund Stave Church and reflects the country’s Lutheran heritage, which took hold after the Reformation. Oddly enough, stave church replicas have also appeared in the Midwest, particularly in states with strong Scandinavian roots like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Today, the Chapel in the Hills serves as both a tourist site and a place of worship, holding summer services steeped in tradition.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Chapel in the Hills Preview
2:09 Stavkirke Flashback
3:15 Stave Replicas
4:53 Worship
6:24 Norwegian Time Capsules
7:47 Why Stave Churches Are Different
9:56 Norwegian Construction
12:19 Dragons
13:46 Rooster
14:56 Wooden Heads
15:28 Portal
16:13 Lutheran Tribute
17:16 Church Service
18:30 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Alexander Nakarada - Fólkvangr
youtube.com/watch?v=GZyht7u-wfw
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #stavechurch
From a historic Thanksgiving Mass to the tumultuous aftermath with the French Huguenots, uncover the dramatic events that shaped the nation’s oldest city. Through colonial upheavals and burned church buildings, discover how America’s oldest church congregation has endured for nearly 500 years.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 St. Augustine
1:17 Shores of First American Mass
2:53 Inside Cathedral Basilica
5:00 Black Eye in New World Christianity
8:45 1565 Thanksgiving Mass
11:14 Huguenot Massacre
12:36 Colonial Challenges
16:06 American Controversy
18:12 Commemorations
19:48 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Luwaks - Reversed Beginning
youtube.com/watch?v=7z_zau2mWYA
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks
St. Martha Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, holds a truly unique place in history as the 'American Circus Church.'
Its story began in 1927, when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus established their winter quarters in Sarasota. At the same time, little St. Martha's was looking to build a new church building to replace it's old wooden structure. Father Charles L. Elslander was selected to be the first spiritual leader for Catholics in Sarasota, with a congregation of just 132 members.
Father Elslander began to reach out to many of the circus families, who were predominantly European Catholics. This would begin a unique bond blending faith and entertainment.
Shortly thereafter, the church faced many challenges during the Great Depression, yet the church thrived, thanks in part to the vibrant and generous circus community.
Starting in 1935, the parish embarked on a bold mission to build a new sanctuary during the economic downturn. Circus performers contributed their talents by hosting benefit shows on church grounds, drawing audiences with awe-inspiring acts before beginning their annual tour. Their efforts culminated in the construction of a beautiful Spanish mission-style church, which opened its doors in 1941.
Inside St. Martha, the legacy of its circus ties remains evident. Two wagon wheels and a lion cage with a full-sized mounted lion (gifted by Allan Hill’s Circus) stand as powerful symbols of this extraordinary partnership.
To this day, St. Martha Catholic Church welcomes visitors from around the world, especially as the home for Circus and Traveling Show Ministries in the Roman Catholic tradition.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Ringling Museum
0:32 St. Martha Preview
3:00 Inside Church
4:03 First Reaction
6:22 Circus History
10:33 Ringling Bros.
12:12 How Did the Circus Build a Church?
16:48 USA Circus Church
17:53 St. Jude
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Martin Klem - Sea Clown
youtube.com/watch?v=yEtQ73Px5YE
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks
But 45 years before the iconic ball drop in New York's Times Square became an annual tradition, New Year's Eve held a radically different meaning inside the churches and homes of enslaved African Americans.
This gathering, known as Watch Night, was not just an annual church service, but a night of solemn prayer for deliverance and liberation.
This religious tradition would set the stage for what would become one of the most significant Watch Nights in history: Freedom's Eve, December 31, 1862.
In this video, we'll explore that history and how it still echoes in Watch Night services today.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Minneapolis
0:30 Episode Overview
1:52 New Year's Eve Church
3:31 Overview of Watch Night
6:10 Worship
7:39 Exodus 40
8:55 Watch Night Origins
12:22 Before Emancipation
14:53 Legacy After Emancipation
15:57 Watch Night Today
21:54 Previews
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Heyson - Gettin' Ready
youtube.com/watch?v=8v9wdh22xS0
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #watchnight #watchnightservice #churchathome #churchonline
Each December, the acclaimed Tabernacle Choir of Temple Square takes center stage at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City to fill the air with the holiday spirit. Their annual Christmas concert has become a cherished tradition, blending world-class music and inspiring storytelling to celebrate the holiday season like no other.
Last year, I was invited to attend this spectacular event in person. The program featured musical numbers by Broadway star Michael Maliakel and a touching retelling of 19th century French literary giant, Victor Hugo, and his compassion for children in need. His story was brought to life by various actors and narrated by British actress, Lesley Nicol. Three days before his death, Hugo penned the words "To love is to act." The performance was a stirring reminder of what Christmas is all about.
Last year's performance recently aired on PBS a few weeks ago.
In this video, I share my experience of an unforgettable night.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Utah
0:46 Annual Christmas Concert
3:34 "I Wonder as I Wander"
7:25 Thoughts on Musical Masterpiece
9:13 LDS Arts & Music
11:01 Christmas Classics
12:19 Victor Hugo's "To Love is To Act"
19:03 St. Jude
20:52 "Gloria in excelsis Deo"
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Johannes Bornlöf - Angels We Have Heard On High (Piano Version)
youtube.com/watch?v=9bpsxBNabJY
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #tabernaclechoir #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints
Step into a world of pure imagination , where one of America's largest multi-site churches will use MOVIES to bring Biblical truths to life in today's culture.
Well over a decade ago, Life.Church introduced its At The Movies sermon series to address lower attendance during the summer. For a full month, Life.Church volunteers at various campuses will will transform its lobbies to bring blockbusters to life. From the galaxies of Star Wars to the kingdoms of Super Mario Bros., it's a space where faith and fun collide in an unexpected way.
The movie theme has become quite popular to attract an audience who may not necessarily to go to a traditional church. As a result, more Evangelical churches are adopting the idea.
This past summer, I found myself in Omaha to attend a Life.Church campus that had been transformed into the whimsical world of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. From chocolate waterfalls to giant candy decor, it was quite a colorful and unusual setting to attend church.
After witnessing such a church setting, I left with a number of questions that are addressed in this week's video.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Wonka Church
0:39 At the Movies
3:18 St. Jude
4:30 Pre-Service Music
7:35 Entry Points
10:35 Life.Church Story
12:19 Wonka Lobby Impressions
14:53 Inside Experience
17:30 Movie Sermon
22:08 Close to Service
22:48 Church Entertainment Pros & Cons
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Arthur Benson - The Friendly Ghost
youtube.com/watch?v=2DwWAzc5CcA
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#atthemovies #52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #lifechurch #churchlive #churchathome #churchofjesuschrist #churchonline
It once was a beloved 19th-century tabernacle, where its walls echoed with generations of faith, worship, and community.
But then in December 2010, tragedy struck when a fire reduced it to ashes, leaving only its charred outer walls still standing.
Yet, out of those ashes rose a sacred transformation into a House of the Lord.
The Provo City Center Temple is a story of loss and rebirth, a brick testament to resilience, resurrection, and the divine power to make beauty from ashes.
As I continue with his spiritual series, while sharing my conversion into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Provo City Center Temple has been bookmarked in my mind for the past year and a half.
Rewind to April 2023, I was driving through Provo and spotted a golden Moroni statue perched atop this building.
'Oh, that MUST be a Temple,' I thought to myself. 'I gotta take a look at this.'
I found a parking spot to get a closer look as the late-April snow pelted me. I knew nothing about the transformation story of the Provo City Center Temple at the time. All I remember is getting closer, I saw this statue of a child walking from her mother to her father (with the Provo City Center Temple in the background). A happy family statue. It MESMERIZED me.
At first, my "Protestant Brain" had read comments in the past that "Mormons worship family" and "family is an idol," so that was my first thought. Yet, where else had I seen a statue celebrating... family... especially in today's day and age.
For whatever reason, this statue was seeded in my mind. Through the past few seasons, whenever I found myself back out in Utah, I would pass this spot again and again.
This past summer, I was invited to do my first proxy baptisms in Utah. The question was what temple to choose from.
In this video, I share some of the dark times as a recent convert, the detours in my covenant path, and how the story of this temple and statue inspired new steps to take.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Provo City Center Temple
2:58 Story of Loss & Rebirth
3:50 Keep Coming Back
8:32 Proxy Baptisms
10:23 Dark Times
14:42 Sinking on Covenant Path
19:07 Temple's Family Statue
21:24 The Space In-Between
23:43 Refined Steps
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Gavin Luke - Greater Than You or I
youtube.com/watch?v=5c3QhSgWDUg
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist #temples #temple #provo #ldstemple #byu
16 of the nation's 20 largest airports have chapels, as do many more around the world.
This past summer, I had plans to fly out of Chicago's Midway International Airport.
Unfortunately for me and the tens of thousands of people across the world, we happened to be flying on the morning of the global CrowdStrike IT outage. According to reports, there was a faulty security update, and it resulted in 8.5 million Microsoft systems crashing across the globe. It's been called the largest IT outage in history.
As the airlines ironed things out, I was walking around Midway to find a decent chicken sandwich. A public address system announced they were holding an interfaith chapel service in Concourse C. As the 'church guy,' this was a perfect impromptu church visit to see how worship centers work inside airports.
The chapel was basic. Furniture, CD player to play some relaxing gospel music, and the bare necessities. The chapel holds three 30-minute Protestant services each weekday with a full-time chaplain. On Sundays, there's two separate A.M. Protestants services and two Catholic masses. There's also an Islamic representation with prayers rugs and compass on the ceiling to show which direction to pray - though there's no services.
The first airport chapel in the U.S. was Our Lady of the Airways. It was built in Boston's Logan International Airport in 1951 and it was explicitly meant for people working at the airport. Not passengers. That eventually began to change. The first Protestant chapel was at JFK International Airport in the 1960's, with a tri-fecta outside arrangement of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish chapels.
Eventually, a lawsuit about free speech forced airport chapels to take a step back. As a result, Christian chapels have given way to mediation or reflection rooms.
Big Picture, the shift in airport chapels reveal a range of approaches to contemporary American religion and spirituality.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 MDW
0:16 Preview
1:21 IT Outage
2:25 Midway Chapel Recap
5:33 Airport Chapel History
7:45 Other Chapels
8:48 Approach Shift
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Giants' Nest ft. Daniel Kaede - Island in the Sky
youtube.com/watch?v=ZvkncPGk8AU
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks
Over the past month, we've been exploring several of the churches that have been attended the Presidential candidates.
After attending the childhood church of Donald Trump - First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (Queens), we make the drive to Marble Collegiate Church in downtown Manhattan. For 50 years, Trump his home church and was heavily impacted by the teachings of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
When Trump was running for President in 2016, Marble Collegiate Church distanced themselves from Trump - saying he had past ties, but wasn't an active member.
With this video, we look into what Trump has said about his church life, his faith after the assassination attempt, and also what Marble Collegiate Church is like today.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 New York City
0:37 Preview
4:06 Marble Worship
6:05 Organ Concert
8:22 Marble History
14:09 Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
16:12 Trump's Church Past
19:28 Marble Church NOW
22:13 JD Vance?
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Zorro - Chatbot
youtube.com/watch?v=CicKblceg60
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #donaldtrump #donaldtrumpnews #donald #trump2024 #trumpvance #churchlive #churchathome #churches
On this channel, we explore churches. So, the past month, we've been taking a look at the churches that have shaped the lives of the presidential candidates?
We previously explored Tim Walz's Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Last week, we switch to the Republican ticket and fly into New York City to attend the childhood church of Donald Trump - First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (Queens), New York.
This week, we flew out to San Francisco to worship at the church that Kamala Harris calls her spiritual home, Third Baptist Church. The church is deeply rooted in social rights and advocacy, something that has been at the heart of the church's identity since 1852. Rev. Amos C. Brown has been leading the church for nearly 50 years now, and has played an integral role in Harris's spiritual life.
Much more is explored in the video. Let me know what you think.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 San Francisco
1:08 Candidate Churches
2:08 Trump's Childhood Church
3:16 Episode Preview
4:32 Worship at Third Baptist Church
7:21 Kamala's Religious Look
9:11 Roots of Third Baptist Church
13:59 Before Service
16:35 Social Distancing Signs
17:22 Political Service Recap
22:11 Final Look
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Ballpoint - 2V2
youtube.com/watch?v=T6Wz8wtMD1E
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #kamalaharris #kamala #kamala2024 2024 #harriswalz #churchlive #churchathome
Today, we dropped a special Halloween episode, featuring the final service of the year at Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. The church is historic in its own right, starting construction in 1685 and still operates as the oldest, continuously-used church building in New York state.
The church gained legendary recognition in 1820, when Washington Irving released "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." In the scary tale, the story tells of a dark October night with the eerie echo of hoofbeats, marking the arrival of the Headless Horseman. In search of his missing head, he would terrify unfortunate souls in the churchyard at night.
It was America's first ghost story. Interestingly, the story is based off true-life events... to an extent.
During the American Revolutionary War, this area of farmers was stuck in-between American and British forces. As a result, there was a great deal of spycraft - since neighbors couldn't know for sure who's side anyone was on.
One curveball to add to this situation was King George ordering Hessian soldiers to the area. They were trained soldiers, and had no problem looting. One night, the Van Tassel family farm was burned down to the ground by Hessians. A mother frantically searched for her baby and was about to enter the fire when a Hessian soldier saved her and reunited her with the baby.
A few days later, a Hessian soldier's head was decapitated by a cannonball during the Battle of White Plains. Catching wind, Elizabeth Van Tassel convinced the town's elders that it was possible this Hessian could have been her rescuer, and asked if he could have a Christian burial. The elders agreed, and buried the "Headless Hessian" in an unmarked grave near Old Dutch Reformed Church.
After several years passed, the tale reached a young writer named Washington Irving, who lived in the area for several years and undoubtedly collected information. He later would pen "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," making Old Dutch churchyard as the setting in what would become one of the 19th century's most spookiest tales.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Cemetery
0:40 Church 24
1:36 Legend of Sleepy Hollow
3:54 Old Dutch Reformed Church
6:50 Overview
9:26 Dutch Colony
10:02 Frederick Philipse I
12:39 Philpse Manor Mistake
15:02 The Headless Hessian
18:18 Washington Irving
20:15 Old Dutch Church Recap
23:10 Preview
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Howard Harper-Barnes - Mysterious Forest
youtube.com/watch?v=AnCDS5JJ9ng
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #sleepyhollow #headlesshorseman #halloween #halloween2024 #hauntedchurch #hauntedhouse #haunted #hauntedstories
On this channel, our weird thing is exploring churches. So, I've been curious. How does church shape the lives of these candidates?
Last week, we took a look at Tim Walz's Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota (the Democratic VP pick). This week, we switch to the Republican ticket and fly into New York City to attend the childhood church of Donald Trump - First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica (Queens), New York.
Special thanks to youtube.com/@stuartedge for helping a small-town Midwesterner like me navigate New York City, as well as those who assisted with travel.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 New York City
1:03 Preview
2:00 New York City
3:43 First Presbyterian Worship
9:05 Trump & Church
11:16 First Presbyterian History
13:35 Trump's Church Life
15:32 Recap
19:22 After Service
23:05 Thanks and Preview
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Ooyy, Janset - Calling
no link available yet
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #donaldtrump #donaldtrumpnews #donald #trump2024 #trumpvance #churchlive #churchathome #churches
On this channel, our weird thing is exploring churches. So, I've been curious. How does church shape the lives of these candidates?
Last weekend, I drove over to Pilgrim Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota. According to media sources, this is the church home of Tim Walz, the current Governor of Minnesota and Democratic VP pick for Kamala Harris.
While looking online, Walz grew up Catholic in Nebraska. After he married, he converted to what he refers to himself as a "Minnesota Lutheran". 20% of the Minnesota population is Lutheran (according to Pew Research), making it one of the most - Lutheran states in the U.S., thanks to a wave of Scandinavian Lutherans who settled in the region in the 19th century.
In the video, I explore how different the church is compared to others - such as singing bowls, a land acknowledgment, a sermon on equality, and wild send-off hymn featuring egg beaters and congas.
Next week, we'll took a look at the Republican ticket by exploring the childhood church of Donald Trump in the Queens borough of New York City. You won't want to miss it.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 St. Paul
0:41 Tim Walz's Church
3:09 St. Jude
4:00 Pilgrim Worship
5:21 U.S. Lutheran Landscape
8:19 Outside Observations
9:33 Impressions
10:03 Kids
12:04 Progressive Worship
15:33 Equality Sermon
17:42 Lord's Prayer Twist
19:12 WILD Send-Off
19:42 Post-Service
21:17 Trump's Church
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Ooyy - Hypercell
youtube.com/watch?v=7yRgsU5IMOA
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #timwalz #kamalaharris #election2024 #election #harriswalz
They always say don’t mix religion and politics, but with this visit tied to the upcoming presidential election, I couldn’t resist! In this video, we take a peek inside First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois—the very same church where Abraham Lincoln worshiped for over a decade before becoming the 16th President of the United States.
I was surprised to learn there’s debate among scholars about whether Lincoln was truly a Christian. His faith faced heavy scrutiny before his presidency, largely because he never formally joined any church, despite his deepening religious beliefs over time.
Lincoln’s parents were swept up in the emotional revivalist movement of the 19th century, but it left him skeptical of such expressive displays of faith. It wasn’t until the death of one of their sons that Abraham and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, began regularly attending First Presbyterian Church. Lincoln developed a close relationship with Rev. James Smith, an intellectual preacher who allowed Lincoln to approach Christian doctrines in a pragmatic and logical way, rather than embracing the emotional revivalism his parents experienced.
Throughout his life, Lincoln attended various churches, but First Presbyterian Church in Springfield remains the most significant. Mary Todd Lincoln was a member, and the church proudly promotes itself as “Lincoln’s Church.” After the Lincolns moved on, the congregation relocated to a different building, but they still display the pew the Lincoln family rented for their Sunday mornings.
Much more is explored in the video, including a powerful rendition of the spiritual “Deep River.” Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Springfield Illinois
1:43 Was Lincoln a Christian?
4:11 St. Jude Fundraiser
5:12 First Presbyterian Church
8:20 "Deep River"
11:44 Lincoln's Early Faith
13:26 Pastor James Smith
15:16 Faith During Civil War
19:27 Faith's Role in Speeches
21:13 Assassination
22:31 Lincoln's at Church
24:11 Mary Todd Lincoln
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
America The Beautiful (Marching Band) - Traditional
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #abrahamlincolnbiography #abrahamlincon #abrahamlincolnquotes #lincoln #uspresidents
At the time, I was on a personal journey, exploring a wide range of different churches as a Protestant. Part of me was hesitant to accept the invitation, unsure of what to expect, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience something new.
What I encountered was far beyond what I anticipated. The stark contrast between the chaotic street preachers hurling insults outside and the peaceful, unifying choir singing praises inside the Conference Center left me absolutely stunned. It was a moment of deep reflection.
After another year of investigation, study, and spiritual growth, I made the decision to be baptized this past April. Now, 18 months after that life-changing General Conference, I returned – but this time, as a member of the Church.
In this video, I share my thoughts and reflections on how my perspective has evolved since that pivotal day and what this year’s General Conference experience was like as someone on the inside.
Also, make sure to check out @brothazinthefoyer - was great to bump into the crew.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Morning
0:32 Conference 18 Months Ago
3:57 Nicodemus Stalling
6:40 Inside Conference
8:54 Children's Choir
9:30 My Conference Morning
16:22 Outside Street Preaches
22:21 Afternoon Session
25:35 Post-Conference Thoughts
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Aiyo - On My Way
youtube.com/watch?v=N_Zef_p4YL4
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #generalconference #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #churchofjesuschrist
The next step was to do go inside a temple to perform 'baptisms for the dead' (also referred to as 'proxy baptisms'). As a former Protestant, this practice was much different than anything I had even heard of.
I decided to drive to the Nauvoo Illinois Temple due to the historical significance of what is symbolizes among the early Latter-day Saints. During construction of the temple, Joseph Smith was murdered in a mob attack. Despite the significant blow, it didn't stop the religious movement. As tensions grew in Nauvoo, Brigham Young directed that the Temple be finished to perform ordinances (including baptisms for the dead), despite knowing they would be forced to leave. The Saints were pressed out in 1846, the Nauvoo Temple was damaged by an arson fire in 1848, and then what remained was hit by a tornado in 1850.
Miraculously, the Church didn't just survive, it thrived. 150 years after the original Nauvoo Temple's destruction, a new Temple started construction with the building plans from the original.
Before walking in, I had a mix of nerves and excitement. Previous temple open house visits had helped in the past. Still, this was going to be unlike any type of spiritual experience I had ever done before.
So how did everything go?
Check out my thoughts in this video.
---------------------------
⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Nauvoo
1:06 Before Entering Temple
4:30 Temple Thoughts: Then vs. Now
13:32 First Temple Experience
19:38 Tips
20:37 'I'm Not Good Enough'
---------------------------
🎵 Music:
Gavin Luke - The Slow Shift
youtube.com/watch?v=CEj1R10MY3I
---------------------------
📱 Follow on Social Media:
📷 Instagram - instagram.com/52churchesin52weeks
♪ TikTok - tiktok.com/@52in52
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/4dPa08w
---------------------------
#52in52 #52churchesin52weeks #latterdaysaints #latterdaysaint #lds #bookofmormon #mormonism #conversion #conversionstory #nauvootemple #churchofjesuschrist


