Laity Sunday

Submitted by Susan Angell

This service was awesome!!! The organist played, the choir sang, the ushers sang, Chris and Dan sang, we sang....Boy oh Boy, we Methodists like our hymns. The children, lead by Andy and Teresa, brought food items for the food pantry to the altar rail as part of the procession. Doreen did a very nice children's message. All the children joined the Jr Choir as they sang. Rosemary spoke the message titled "Love is a Blessing" and it was goooooooooooood. Betsy Morrison read scripture. The collection of pledge cards directed by Kathy Brann of Finance and our lay leader, Earle, was done by 12 people with 12 baskets representing the "Fishes and Loaves" story and they were blessed at the altar. Prayer cards were read beautifully by Claralee. Lastly Ellen lead us in a rousing benediction to close. The joy was there, the spirit was there and I am glad I was there.

PS For those who aren't familiar with this Methodist tradition, every year during the Fall, United Methodist Churches host a "Laity Sunday" during which the people of the church lead worship instead of the pastors. It was a real treat for Jamie and I to sit in the pews and witness God's Spirit working so powerfully in the church. Wow! Thank you to Earle Harvey as Lay Leader for coordinating this worship service as his role in developing and discipling the laity of the church and celebrating the Lay ministry of the church. Seeing so many new faces helping to lead worship was wonderful. Thank you to all who participated! Pastor Gwyneth