50 States Church Surch Week 16

Church Surch Week 17, MT. Comfort United Methodist Church

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

Today marks my first foray into a Methodist church. I got a late start as a camper chatted me up, (a wonderful thing) so I entered as the bells rang and the service started. Pastor David, a big, bald guy talked about a special service on 9/11. I thought, "Oh no, we're going to be focused on civic and cultural things." But we weren't, and what he said about 9/11 was still appropriate for today, that others have and still may be fighting against America and her values.

The announcements came next, and people seemed to jump up and announce whatever they wanted. Are the inmates running the asylum? No, he kept it under control.

Pastor Dave held an umbrella and announced they're initiating an umbrella crew that will escort people to the building in rain. Plus, why not have valet service? It seemed like a great idea. They already have a porte cochére, so it would work perfectly.

We took a break to meet one another, and I walked from the back to the front, with people introducing themselves at a great rate. Nice.

'Professor Dale' did the kids' sermon and taught how magnets lose their magnetism and become just steel. He stuck them in a magnetizer and voila-magnets. Then he explained that the Bible is our magnetizer. I just thought the science lesson was cool.

Next we recited the Apostles' Creed, which is right on. In fact, here it is:

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:

The third day He rose again from the dead:

He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

I believe in the Holy Ghost:

I believe in the holy Catholic Church: the communion of saints:

The forgiveness of sins:

The resurrection of the body:

And the life everlasting. Amen.

Then we repeated the Mission Statement of the church, which was to reach people for Christ, but in better language than that. I like both, as we keep before us what we believe and why we are here. Good stuff.

Pastor Dave sings in a barber shop quartet, and the worship is with a piano and guitar.

But they sang the old stuff. Beautiful songs with awesome lyrics, but I think our music should be contemporary. Some of the music from those days were rewritten bar songs, but they were current, contemporary music- at that time.

Pastor Dave preached on Ephesians 6, where we are to put on the full armor of Christ. After getting to know him better, I think he could have worn a suit of armor.

Where to get a one? Ask a gamer downtown this weekend.

He announced a potluck after service and invited everyone, even guests. That's once.

We ambled out and shook hands with the pastor, and he was friendly as could be, considering the lineup coming out. But Myrna, his wife, proved to be quite friendly. They've only been here for a month. She invited me to stay for the meal. That's twice. David and Barbara approached. I met them during the service and they invited me to the potluck too. Third time's a charm, I'd love to!

The church story unfolded from numerous sources. They've gone through a number of pastors, and the last one was pathetic. My words. Sometimes Christians say real things couched in nice words, but he was pathetic. Membership has plummeted.

I could feel the church both breathe a sigh of relief that the other pastor is gone, and their excitement with Pastor Dave. He's the real deal.

While we ate like pigs, (okay, I did) he walked around and talked to folks at each table, then picked up plates and dishes. A servant minister, how cool is that?

I spent an hour with David and Barbara, and John and Maureen, talking about everything from building a Bradley GT kit car to trucking to why Scottish wear kilts and how effective they are in battle. You'll have to live in ignorance.

As I geared up to leave, Pastor Dave drove by, slammed on the brakes and admired the bike with me. Told me he's excited about this church. I told him everyone else is excited about him.

And guess what happened to the non-performing pastor? They shipped him to a different church. No accountability. Pity the next church.

But Mount Comfort (I love that name!) Methodist Church? Two thumbs up.

Now they have hope.