The Church Hopper

For years, I have driven past this church that the city seems to have grown around. It is definitely a central focal point in Danville’s west end, as it appears to be set in the middle of the road.

On Sunday, July 31st, I attended Mount Vernon United Methodist Church for their 10am service. I was able to find street parking and walked through their gorgeous front doors. Upon walking in, I was surprised to see a “Finding Your Way Around” map of the church. As a church visitor this is so helpful… However, as someone who has been on safety committees and taken active shooter trainings, I was alarmed by how easy it was for me to access information about where everything was in the building.

I walked into their beautiful sanctuary and sat down. I got there a few minutes early so I was just sitting and taking it all in. (Verses walking in as the service is starting… I am bad about doing that…) I noticed that others had bulletins, so I walked over to an usher who was at a different door and asked for one. I quickly noticed that their pastor was on vacation and that a familiar local pastor would be filling in.

The service itself was very traditional in their order of worship and their choice of hymns. The sermon was not as traditional as one may expect but was fantastic and delivered in a way that usually only a guest preacher can… ( in a stepping on toes, unapologetic, but loving way.) He started with this question – and statement. “When was the last time that a passage of scripture amended you? And, if you can’t remember, then you are probably not spending enough time in the Word!” I knew, from that moment, that I needed to buckle my seat belt cause this was going to be a great message, and it was!

As I was leaving, a very friendly church member walked up to me and thanked me for visiting with them today. She walked me over to a table at the back of the church and handed me an information paper on the church. She also wrote her name and phone number on it in case I had any questions. I thought that this personal touch was very meaningful to me as a visitor. Another church goer spoke to me as we walked to our cars. Only three people spoke to me which was disappointing… But, overall I did have a nice visit to my first Methodist church on this journey.