Cokesbury United Methodist Church

 

Hello Friends,

 On this Pentecost Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit two churches for morning worship.  Julia and I set off for Knoxville this morning.  The first church that we visited was the traditional service at Cokesbury United Methodist Church.  As we entered, there was a festive atmosphere.  Early in the service the pastor made clear that this was Pentecost Sunday and that this was a high and holy celebration day third only to Christmas and Easter.  The day of Pentecost is described in the book of Acts and is called the birthday of the church.  It is the day the Holy Spirit was given to the believers.

As such, the day was filled with some glorious music.  There was a brass quintet that accompanied the music throughout the service.  They were very good.  A highlight for me was the offertory which was the Widor “Toccata” played by the organist and the brass quintet.  The choir was good, but early on seemed a little quiet.  Our favorite song they sang was called “Wade in the Water” and is based on an old spiritual.

For me the service was a little slow and I think it was because the flow was not as smooth as I am used to.  I think it was also due to there being different elements than I am used to.  One unique thing that happened in the service was an infant baptism.  The pastor mentioned the unfortunate reality that the mode of baptism has been fought about among Christians for centuries.  I agree, that we as the church have often fought about things to the detriment of the Gospel Message being preached.  However, it also made me appreciate the symbolism that our baptism represents.  The being buried with Christ under the water and rising to a new life as a believer is powerful to this Baptist boy.  It did occur to me that while this precious child was baptized with water, that there still remained a day when he would have to choose for himself who he would serve.  This is a great tradition in the Methodist church, but I continue to prefer our dedication of children and baptism by “dunking” of the new believer.

Another neat and uncomfortable moment for Julia and I was a Renewal of Baptism Covenenant and a Renewal of Church Membership Vows.  We got to stand and restate our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Then we had the opportunity to go forward and reach our hands into bowls of water in remembrance of our baptism.  That part was neat for Julia and I, even though we did not go foward and dip our hands into the bowl of water.

This was followed by a renewal of Church Membership vows.  Only members were invited to stand and respond to the following “Will you be loyal to our church and support it with your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service?”  I like this element of vows, a covenant, but it was uncomfortable sitting in the service as an outsider.  The pastor noted that it would be strange for the visitor.  So it was one of those moments that the church had to choose between two options: go forward with this element which was very meaningful in the context of the birthday of the church or keep the service more open to visitors.  I don’t fault their decision.  It was a good element.  And I really like the words and the idea of their church covenant.  I thought how many of our members are living this covenant to be loyal to our church with prayers, presence, gifts and service.  However, it also made me question the balance between what we do that makes visitors feel like outsiders.  I have been in the church for so long that I am not a good barometer.  I need to seek out visitors and find the balance between meaningful elements, but still an open and inviting atmosphere.

Ironically the sermon “The Church Exposed – Established to Grow” based on Acts 10:9-16 had three points: Led by the Spirit; Passionate about Jesus; and Inclusive of Outsiders.

It was good and the morning was a good experience.  I came away with the above lesson and the idea that I need to use more solos, instruments and other musical expressions in our classic service.  it only takes time and coordination.  But all in all, it made me grateful for the many things that we do well and for our Baptist beliefs.

 More later about the second church we visited.  Until then may the Power of the Holy Spirit be evident in you.

Cameron