Open House
Originally Published on April 27, 2008
Today, Sunday, April 27, 2008 marks the first St. Paul’s UMC Open House Sunday…and it was a great success. With building tours, informational displays throughout the church, and an hour-and-a-half combined worship service, the day was jam packed with positive and uplifting experiences within our church family. After A Thousand played gathering music and a couple of special numbers in the sanctuary in combination with children’s choirs, the chancel choir, handbells, and loads of other special presentations by the many ministries of the church. We were all blessed with a beautiful and envigorating experience.
The band often worries about being invited to the “traditional” atmosphere…although we try our best to stay in touch with those people who attend the normal 10:00 worship. In the past, we’ve gotten very mixed reviews…and I’m sure there were a few naysayers in the congregation today. But all-in-all, I felt that we were met with a very warm and accepting reception by those who may not normally hear or see what we do on a weekly basis.
We did it up our own way, and pulled no punches…which I believe to be the best policy…and God was surely in our midst as we had the entire congregation on their feet and clapping, even though they didn’t know the song!! It was an awesome feeling, and I was literally shaking with excitement afterwards.
We may not know or reap the rewards of this day immediately…but I feel as though we have a lot to look forward to as a result.
Praise be to God!
The band often worries about being invited to the “traditional” atmosphere…although we try our best to stay in touch with those people who attend the normal 10:00 worship. In the past, we’ve gotten very mixed reviews…and I’m sure there were a few naysayers in the congregation today. But all-in-all, I felt that we were met with a very warm and accepting reception by those who may not normally hear or see what we do on a weekly basis.
We did it up our own way, and pulled no punches…which I believe to be the best policy…and God was surely in our midst as we had the entire congregation on their feet and clapping, even though they didn’t know the song!! It was an awesome feeling, and I was literally shaking with excitement afterwards.
We may not know or reap the rewards of this day immediately…but I feel as though we have a lot to look forward to as a result.
Praise be to God!
PS…the pictures aren’t great…but you get the idea…
