Today we went to Good Shepherd in Madison, AL, on our way down to Florida. As we drove into the parking lot, we had a lady approach us to welcome us before we had ever gotten out of the car. To our surprise, she redirected us around the other side of the building. Apparently, the church parking lot we were in belonged to a "daughter" church of Good Shepherd, who was renting space in Good Shepherd until their own building was developed. (Talk about utilizing your space to the max!)
When we got around to the back, dozens of youth in teal shirts were swarming around at least seven big passenger vans. We were informed that 47 youth, and many adult supervisors, were going on a mission trip to East TN. Simultaneously, the church had two other mission trips to other places. All I could think was: If my home church had this many mission trips going on, there would be no one left in the church!
When we walked into the church, the immediate entrance was inviting and engaging. There were all sorts of people milling around and greeting one another and us. They had a small area set up very much like a cafe, with covered tables which had flowers in vases and condiment stations. Their church serves breakfast each Sunday. And I'm not just talking some donuts; they had bacon, eggs, biscuits & gravy, and a table loaded down with so many different kinds of pastries, my children's eyes were as big as saucers.
The minister of the younger children greeted us and took time getting to know my niece and my youngest daughter. She invited them to come in to her class, if they wanted to, during church. Had we pressed the issue, I think they would have gone. But we really wanted them to sit with us during church, so we thanked them and headed to the sanctuary.
There was a praise and worship band up front, who sang some wonderful songs, whose words were posted on a big screen up front. The back had a big glass window. When the room behind it turned on the light, we were able to see that it was a large room set up as a nursery/play room for children. The service was piped into the room so the parents could still enjoy the service.
There was also a glassed in balcony, for presumably the same purpose. From where we were, it almost looked like the balcony room could double as a meeting room of sorts.
A wonderful gymnasium was off the side of the sanctuary. The kids looked like they were ready to bolt through the door and just run. It looked like it was rather new, well-maintained, and well-used.
We sat down to worship behind all of the kids in the turquoise shirts, who were to receive a blessing before leaving for their mission trip. After some opening praise songs, one of the first things they did was pass the peace. We were greeted warmly by the people around us.
The sermon was about Moses and what an important figure he was in the bible. It was even proposed that he was the second most important figure, Jesus being the first, because he made the first covenant with God.
The worship band did a fabulous job of coming up with songs that tied into the Moses theme. In fact I was surprised by how many songs they were able to find! And they were well-suited for all ages, fun and up-tempo.
They did a wonderful picture/video presentation of their just-completed VBS. The kids from VBS all went up front in their VBS shirts and sang several songs from the week.
They blessed all of the mission trip volunteers, and blessed their journey. Then they spoke briefly about the offering: They do not pass around a basket. Instead, they have collection boxes in the back of the church, which they invite you to use for your offering, as you are so led. From the looks of their facility and the energy in the church, it did not appear as though they had any problems with this practice.
We sang some closing songs, and then were given a blessing. Afterwards, we were greeted by more people and made to feel welcome.
For this congregation, the energy was palpable. The room was actually buzzing and vibrating with the Holy Spirit. It was a definite testament to their love of the Lord.
When we left, we definitely felt (though sleep-deprived and weary from the drive) that we had worshiped God that morning. Many thanks to the kind folks at Good Shepherd for the wonderful worship!
~Amen!
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
1418 Old Railroad Bend Road, Madison, AL 35757
PHONE 256-232-3331 • FAX 256-232-3306
http://www.gslife.org/
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