Mystery Worshipper: Amanda B. Reckondwyth
Church:
West Valley International, Glendale
Location: Arizona, USA
Date of visit: Sunday, 2 August 2026, 10:45am
The building
A very simple structure, oblong in shape, on a campus including a classroom building of similar appearance. The interior is likewise simple, with grey carpeting and blue conference-room-style chairs. A communion table had been set up in front of the platform on which musical instruments were arrayed. The plain glass windows were covered with white drapes, held in place by tissue boxes. The drapes were required to block out the torrid Phoenix summer heat – the temperature outside read 115 degrees Fahrenheit, typical for this time of year.
The church
They appear to be very active in their outreach to the community. In addition to Sunday school and the Sunday worship service, there is Wednesday evening Bible study for youth, and Thursday evening Bible study for adults. They also hold a variety of off-campus events for youth, adults, and seniors.
The neighborhood
They are located on 67th Avenue, a major north-south thoroughfare, between Glendale Avenue and the wonderfully named Bethany Home Road. Several new apartment complexes have been put up in recent years, including the over-55 community into which Miss Amanda recently moved (directly across the street, as chance would have it, from the church). A courtroom of the Maricopa County Superior Court, as well as other government offices, are located on the corner of Glendale Avenue and 67th Avenue.
The cast
No names were given and no one was introduced. Their website lists three pastors and a number of ministry leaders and deacons. One of the pastors (I assume) gave a short talk before communion, and another (again, I assume) preached. Deacons distributed communion and took up the collection. One of the ministry leaders (probably) gave announcements.
What was the name of the service?
Family Worship with Communion.How full was the building?
I counted 200 chairs. Attendance was sparse at the opening, but by the time communion took place it was about seven-eighths full. Predominantly a young to middle aged crowd, I was glad to see.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
A few people shook my hand and said, ‘Welcome. Glad you’re here.’ The majority, however, paid me no attention.
Was your pew comfortable?
The chair was very comfortable.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
A sign posted outside the church warned against carrying weapons. Safe in the knowledge that the service would be weapon-free, I entered and was given a handout. There was quite a bit of loud chatter in the lobby – I had initially taken a seat in the back row but moved closer down, where people were sitting quietly. Just before service time, I returned to the back row. A Bible quiz was being projected – I knew the answer to most of the New Testament questions but didn’t do as well with the Old Testament.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
‘Good morning. I’m glad you are here with us.’
What books did the congregation use during the service?
The handout contained only announcements and sermon notes. The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version (blue cover) was in the seats, although some seats had the New International Version (red cover).
What musical instruments were played?
Digital keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass guitar, drums enclosed in the obligatory Plexigas shielding. There were three female vocalists and one male.
Did anything distract you?
Only the usual gaggle of gentlemen who didn’t know that they should remove their hats in church.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Happy-clappy ruled the day. The music was of the Christian rock variety. Lots of hand clapping and arm waving. Each number was applauded. Communion took place at the beginning of the service, right after the opening music. One of the pastors (I assume) gave about a 20 minute talk comparing the Jewish practice of atonement with Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He cautioned us not to receive communion unworthily, but only if we have confessed our sins and have accepted God’s forgiveness. ‘And if you haven’t done that yet,’ he said, ‘do it now. Forgiveness will be immediate.’ Communion was pew-style, with the deacons distributing a small container with two sealed sections: one holding a tiny morsel of cracker, and the other grape juice. As the pastor pronounced the words of institution, we opened first the cracker section and then the grape juice section. After we had received, the deacons collected the empty containers.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
I left after 30 minutes, during which time the preacher had gotten only about one-eighth of the way through his sermon outline.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
3 — I’m sorry, but I can’t rate the pastor any higher than that. He had an interesting premise, but he treated it in a rather haphazard and extraordinarily wordy manner.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
His text was Acts 20:17-31 (Paul reviews his good works before departing for Jerusalem). The pastor began by recounting a visit he made recently to a region that had suffered earthquakes. (I believe he was referring to Venezuela, but this was not clear.) The people there seemed overcome by hopelessness, not knowing what to do next. How could they continue? We often feel this way about our own lives. God sometimes gives us hardships so that we can prove our faithfulness. There is no greater example of this than the apostle Paul. His divine calling superseded his physical needs.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
As different as it was from what I am more familiar with, I thought the way communion was handled was heavenly. The pastor’s pep talk before communion was rather inspiring. His admonition not to receive unworthily was spot-on. I prefer a proper morsel of bread to a tiny cracker, and wine to grape juice, but who am I to make demands?
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Too much Christian rock music! At the beginning of the service, after communion, during the offertory, and Lord knows where else. The people were obviously getting jiggy with it, but this kind of music is not for me.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I don’t know, as I left early, like I said. There were two or three people out in the lobby who saw me leave, but a sign on the wall indicated that the restrooms were in another building, and so I am happy to have them assume that I left in search of the facilities. Whether they noticed that I didn’t return, I don’t know.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
I don’t think any was on offer, but I really don’t know. I retired to my friendly neighborhood Chinese restaurant, where I enjoyed a lunch of Mongolian Beef, one of their best dishes, in my opinion.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
0 – The service clearly appealed to the congregation, and I don’t begrudge them this if it’s what they want. But I prefer a more traditional, liturgically structured service with more serious music and more carefully prepared preaching. I can’t imagine anything that would draw me back to this church.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
I’m afraid it didn’t.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?
The inspiring way in which communion was handled.