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Pivoting In/Out of the Pews
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Worship services, fellowship gatherings, Bible Studies, men and women's groups, outreach to church members and the marginalized communities in need of food, clothing and visitation. These are just a few things that have typically defined churches in the U.S. Then COVID hit, and it hit hard. This was a harsh blow to churches who were told to close their doors immediately for an undetermined amount of time.
My guest today is Pastor Lisa Petty of the United Methodist Church in Montrose, CO. The story of how the leadership and church members in this rural church pivoted in and out of their pews is inspiring. Through prayer, conscious decision-making and heart wrenching choices, this congregation chose to continue worshiping God, loving each other and their community well.
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere" Psalm 84:10 (NIV). This verse calls all who claim a Judaeo-Christian faith base to ask and answer the question, "Where exactly are God's courts?" Pastor Lisa and MUMC redefined worship with online and outside services as well as making worship packages and delivering tablets loaded up with worship services to shut ins. Their determination to love each other and their community meant being creative in finding ways to deliver meals that once were served daily in the church basement once they could not let anyone in the building. So, they hired a food truck to deliver meals in the parking lot. The tender story of meeting with parishioners through their windows and on cell phones will melt your heart.
These are just a few ways this church rose to the occasion of loving each other well while in lock down of COVID. They are a stellar example of "When the going gets tough, the tough get creative."
To find MUMC on line or to find out about times and days of worship services and outreach opportunities go to: https://www.montroseumc.org/
The website for Stephen Ray Watts and the band Dotsero https://dotseroband.com
The website to connect with Laura Padgett https://lauralpadgett.com
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