Services at Grace
Some have commented about our church resuming two services after the summer is over. September 19th of 2021, we will move back to one service at 9:30am with more contemporary elements such as a praise team, and another service at 11am with more traditional elements such as organ and hymns. Those who have commented wonder why we aren’t sticking with just one service at 10am. They ask this because, rightfully so, they point out that we do not have two full services. Why not just stick with one, especially as we deal with the delta virus of COVID-19? I’d like to offer a few thoughts on why we are resuming two services in a few, short weeks. First, let me say that my head and my heart don’t agree on this issue. I understand that strategically, for the overall good of the church, it makes sense to have one fuller service, rather than two smaller services. My heart, though, tells me something very different. Please note that folks on both sides of this issue have told me that they will leave the church if we change, or, if they are on the other side of the issue, don’t change. Though I worry for the spiritual state of those who use such totalizing language and only see this issue in black and white terms, I have grace in my heart for all. I want the very best for this church and for all those involved. I don’t “have a dog in this race” and can see the good (and bad) in both traditional and contemporary forms of worship. I grew up with contemporary music, and embraced traditional worship while in college. All the churches I have served have had both styles of worship. I don’t believe either style is “right” or “wrong,” but the question is really about the next right thing for this church. So, a few thoughts on having two services:
Perhaps at the forefront of my mind is the pandemic. Like many of you, I thought we were escaping masks and mandates when the vaccine caused COVID rates to drop so significantly in the spring and early summer. With rates steadily increasing, and numbers about to surpass the worst parts of the pandemic so far in some areas, COVID is, again, a threat. Vaccines and masks help, but so does social distancing. If we have more people in one service, we make social distancing more complicated. Two services keep our population spread out. Also, the children, who are still not able to be vaccinated, are largely contained to one service. This leaves the traditional service just a little more protected. We want to set things up so folks can make healthy choices as much as possible. We will continue to monitor the effects of COVID in our community closely.
Another consideration for how many services the church has is that a reduction often means permanent changes that cannot be undone. Blended worship (a combination of contemporary and traditional styles) satisfies those who are open to a variety of music styles. But for some, only contemporary music will satisfy. For others, only traditional music will satisfy. Blended styles can leave some folks unsatisfied. Moving to only blended worship is a significant change for the church and it is important that we gather, discuss and work out our identity as a church. I am loathe to make the decision alone, or with only one group of leaders. This is a decision that needs to be made with input from the rest of the church, and, again, its tough to do that while COVID is still impacting our community. I think a discussion like that needs to wait for a more opportune time.
Finally, as the Church Council shared their thoughts on having one or two services, we were divided. Some saw the benefits of one service, others of two. The Book of Discipline (the rule book for Methodists) encourages a “consensus/discernment model of decision-making.” That means we work together and try our best to agree together on the decisions we make. Though we won’t always have perfect alignment, this was the first time in my time at Grace that the leadership was so starkly divided on a decision. I felt that our leadership was not ready to make a transition in worship services. As I talked with those same leaders outside of the meeting, I deeply appreciated those who said, “Pastor, whatever decision you make, we will support you.” I am moved by your trust, and pray that our decisions together will be a blessing for the future of Grace United Methodist Church, but significant decisions around changes in worship must truly be made together. I look forward to these discussions, not because I am eager for change, but because it will help clarify who we are as a church and what our mission is together. We want to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ. That happens when we are united and building community through the love of God and neighbor.
If you still have questions feel free to email me, call or visit me at my office by appointment - pastor.brian@gumc.org or 201-891-4595. Let’s work together for the good of our church and our community. God bless!