Dear Friends,
What a month it has been! In celebration of your hard work and sacrifice to open your new, renovated building you have held a block party; hosted free Christian yoga, a kids’ acting program, a showcase for local young people to play their music, training days for clergy and youth workers, a night of bold leadership with Rachel Billups, a 150th birthday for United Methodist Women, and a fantastic choir festival with over 70 voices singing together in one voice; and had a former NFL player share his story of transformation and recovery. Tonight we will come together for laughs and fun with local improv troupe Comedy Sportz. Nearly 1000 new people have walked through our doors to experience your hospitality.
There is one other fantastic number I want to share with you.
Last week we had 79 children and youth involved in our Sunday morning program! Last year on the same Sunday, we had 12. When I saw that comparison, I did a double-take. Is that true? I hope you are seeing that God is indeed using this space to gather a new generation of people to experience Christ’s love in real ways!
We are genuinely Downtown for Good!
Next Sunday we will culminate our Grand Opening Celebration on World Communion Sunday. We will be privileged to be joined in worship by our bishop, The Reverend David Bard. Bishop Bard will be our preacher of the day and he will preside over the sacrament of Holy Communion. He is an excellent preacher, a pastoral presence and a visionary leader for the future of the United Methodist Church in these changing times. Bishop Bard joined us three years ago when the renovation was in its early stages and has returned to celebrate its completion!
After the 11:00 worship service next week, we will have a pancake breakfast and brunch. This will be one more way we can enjoy the work that God continues to do through the people of Royal Oak First United Methodist Church.
Hope you will join us for worship next week!
This is an exciting time to be part of this movement.
Grace and Peace,
