Welcome To Worship 9/8/20
I had the pleasure of meeting a new couple who have been visiting Pine Valley United Methodist Church via “online” for several months. Their only visit to the facility was to participate in our community outreach Wednesday evening drive-through dinner. It was while driving through the line to get their hotdogs and hamburgers that they met Pastor Chris and had a brief parking lot chat. They recognized each other from years before.
Due to being a primary caregiver for an elderly parent, they have not visited onsite worship. Earlier this year, they saw a Facebook promo for an upcoming revival at PVUMC. They read with interest about the revival speakers and the format of the services. Although they were not able to attend, they began to “explore” the church’s website.
Two of our services spoke to this couple in a very encouraging way. The first was Pastor Tim’s State of the Church sermon. Romans 1:16, “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:” There were multiple things of interest, but one report stood out. Pastor Tim pointed out the number of folks attending worship services had increased by approximately 140 people from the previous year. Out of this increase, the number of professions of faith was about 30 plus. Luke 5:4, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” From this, they “gleaned there is an evangelistic emphasis that is central to the church vision.”
The couple does not remember the focus of Pastor Tim’s next sermon, but at the end, Pastor Tim “made a very enthusiastic appeal for volunteers to be counselors at the upcoming Franklin Graham crusade at Legion Stadium.” Matthew 9:37-38, “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” Pastor Tim explained that the staff had all signed up; no one was above the training. Then he mentioned there would be a special prayer service that week just for the crusade. From this, they “gleaned that PVUMC is a praying church.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” What the couple does remember about that service is that “evangelism and prayer are two vital components of a viable church.”
Shortly after this time, COVID limited their opportunities to attend church other than online. Soon PVUMC became one of their regulars. “We have thoroughly enjoyed the worship services, both contemporary and traditional. We have since learned about the “Four E’s” and the excellence in worship is obvious.” PVUMC seeks to connect hearts to Christ and one another through the 4 E’s: Excellence in worship, engaging spiritual formation, expressive faith sharing, and extra mile caring.
“In addition to enjoying the worship services, they have learned so much about the Church staff and how the Methodist Church functions via the Wednesday morning “Coffee With The Pastor’s.” The questions have been so insightful and educational. Hearing the staff discuss their favorite book of the Bible and why, the meaning of attire/robes, the history and theology of the Methodist Church, hearing Operations Director, Mark, share how the church’s vision determines how resources are allocated (Mark’s passion for souls was evident as he shared) and most recently hearing their respective calls to ministry. Beyond the “educational” aspect, the discussions provide so much insight into the person. We have been blessed by the Thursday night praise/sermon services and Pastor Tim’s Saturday night ‘devotion/sing-alongs.’ All of these services are God-honoring and reflecting a staff with a heart for Jesus. We also feel that all of these outreach endeavors are great ways of keeping in touch with the congregation but also provide an outreach focus.”
After sharing about their online visiting experience, their friends have visited on at least two occasions and talked about how welcoming everyone is! This couple “thanks the PVUMC staff and volunteers for what they are doing during this unprecedented time.” To them, we say, “Welcome to Worship and welcome to our church family!”