Dear Friends,
Since I arrived at the church in 2019, many of you have expressed a desire for more fellowship time as part of our communal life. The effects of the COVID-19 have increased this feeling; after many months apart, I think all of us have a renewed appreciation for Christian fellowship and connection. Thus, I’m very excited to tell you that we are changing our Sunday schedule this fall to increase our opportunities for fellowship with guests and one another.
Beginning August 15, our new Sunday schedule will be:
- 8:45 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
- 9:45 a.m. – Sunday School for all ages and Fellowship Hour in the Atrium
- 11 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and Modern Worship in the Christian Life Center
Additionally, we’ll be adding an all-church meal each Sunday at 6 p.m. in the CLC. Mission Bell will provide this meal at a very low cost, allowing even more time for fellowship and the convenience of eating together before or after classes and activities.
The Board of Stewards unanimously adopted this new schedule based upon feedback from a survey of the congregation and conversations with pastors, staff, and various groups in the church.
I’m excited about our new schedule and the energy and fellowship opportunities it will bring!
- A dedicated Sunday School and Fellowship Hour, as well as a weekly all-church meal, will set aside intentional time for us to deepen our relationships and welcome guests each Sunday.
- Pastors will be free to attend the Fellowship Hour, Sunday School classes, and the Sunday evening dinner.
- Our new worship times will mean that more of us will worship together rather than dividing into five worship services, increasing church unity and connection.
I know that some questions remain outstanding. In the coming weeks, there will be further communication concerning the new schedule. This communication will come directly from staff overseeing specific ministry areas, such as Children, Student, Adult, and hospitality ministry.
The father of Methodism, John Wesley, said: “there is no religion but social religion.” Relationship and community are at the very heart of who we are and what we do as Christ-followers. I believe this new schedule will build community, accentuate church unity, strengthen our worship and study experiences, and allow us to more effectively welcome new people into our fellowship. Though it means that all of us will need to adapt, I truly believe we will all benefit.
In Christ’s love,
Rev. Holly H. Gotelli
Senior Pastor
