We have a home!
We felt led by the Lord, once given diocesan approval to plant a Reformed Episcopal church here in Wilson, to find a place for Sunday worship. We hadn’t exactly outgrown the living room, mind you, but we wanted to find sacred space to gather each week outside of our home. It would be a real step of faith for us and a sign to the community that we are serious about the mission our Lord has given us to live as a worshiping and evangelistic community.
When Bishop Morse came in December to confirm our first members, we gathered in the sanctuary of Winstead United Methodist Church on Tarboro Street. We found in Reverend Haley a welcoming host eager to assist us in the Kingdom work. This week the administrative leadership of his congregation extended the welcome in a more formal way and have approved our use of their sanctuary on a regular basis on Sunday afternoons. We could not be more thrilled and thankful.
One of our concerns was that we were way too small a flock to make good use of their large, beautiful sanctuary. Bishop Morse suggested we gather “behind the rail”, with the congregation worshiping in the choir before the altar. That way we have all of the benefit of sacred space with an added sense of intimacy in our gathering. What a blessing it has been to come each week to worship at Winstead. We have an increased sense of anticipation for our Eucharistic services and our proclamation of the Gospel.
To the congregation and pastor of Winstead United Methodist Church, we offer our heartfelt thanks. We will pray for you each week as we gather at your altar. May the Lord increase his work in both of our congregations as we witness together the life of grace in Jesus.
