Continue to Raise the Glad Hosannahs

The Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services of last week included many visitors and guests.  The collaborative effort of the Quad Cities United Methodist Coalition demonstrated the joy and vitality of congregations within the area.   The collaborative efforts will continually expand to allow the youth and the adults of the various churches to work together.   The presence of Bishop David Bard during the good Friday service at noon also highlighted our connections and our episcopal structure.

      While many churches see increases in worship attendance on Easter, the presence of first-time visitors and the return of those who’ve been away parallels the type of festive environment that characterized Palm Sunday—the excitement created by simply having a large crowd is magnified by the presence of Christ.  For those who had gathered for the somewhat routine Passover observance, the response to the arrival of Christ heightened the enthusiasm.   Similarly, the emotions around the gathering on Good Friday were increased because of the relationships among the people who had gathered.  

    Although the worship attendance will probably be considerably lower on the Sunday following Easter (as compared to Easter and Good Friday), there is a sense of joy that we should maintain/share with others because of their presence in worship.  It isn’t just about the attendance figures.  Instead, it’s the opportunity for congregations to experience the synergy at every level from the youth to the adults, and among those who prefer different worship styles.  

    There will be other opportunities for the area congregations to collaborate involving youth and adults in mission and in worship.   Look forward to receiving more information in the coming months.  

In Christ,

Jon McCoy