About Us - Worship Services | Wellington Square United Church

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Believers’ Prayer

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. — Acts 4:31

I’VE BEEN THINKING …

...about the future of Christianity. I’m stuck in a city (Oxford, England) where you can’t walk a block without seeing a church of some description. But are they historical artifacts, or do they house vibrant followers of Jesus?
We sometimes hear Christianity is declining and might soon be extinct. Guy Chevreau has a different experience; he’ll be preaching and teaching here next weekend. My recent experience confirms that good news.
The first Sunday I was in England we were on the road, and pulled into a small town along the south coast. The service was already in progress when we walked in, greeted by a warm smile, and a volunteer setting out extra chairs to sit in the area under the bell tower. Splendid service. 800 year old building, full of worshippers. Very community and family friendly. Screen and projector gave us lyrics and liturgy. Good sermon and sacrament. Altogether an
experience of vibrant, relaxed, informal, worship in a small community.
The next Sunday was ‘high church’ very formal – a bishop presiding in full robes, an Oxford choir of professional singers – magnificent. Communion with majestic prayers, incense and candles – very mystical and powerful. Highlighted by the ‘confirmation’ of a 60 year old executive, who had been touched by the Holy in this community of formal worship, and now every workday, walked across the street from his office for mid-day prayers.
Two Sunday experiences so different, yet so meaningful.
So what makes an ‘alive’ church? What brings us into a connection with God that can be life changing, or soul sustaining?
Obviously not style, or music, or even personality of the priest/preacher. (DARN!) But no, it is the presence of God, that keeps a church alive.
May our faith be vibrant and contagious, and may there be a faith community here, still worshiping and serving Jesus —
800 years from now.

With love… ORVILLE

Wellington Square United Church

View full calendar

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Believers’ Prayer

I’VE BEEN THINKING …

Stretching Prayer

Orville at the Meeting House

I've Been Thinking...by Rev. Dr. Orville James

New Testament in a Year

Baptism Sundays

Communion Sundays

Sermon Notes and Online Messages

The Bands

Service Times