Daily Archives: June 25, 2023

6.25.23

Today I was off from the pulpit, which gave me opportunity to worship anywhere or sleep in. I chose to go to church and worship at Meadowridge Community Church in Fort Worth, accepting an invitation from a neighbor a few months earlier. This neighbor told me how their church was intergenerational and diverse in race, and it was an offshoot of another bigger church nearby. I am always hesitant to believe anyone who says their church is welcoming and diverse because that perspective should be reserved for someone from the outside. It’s like looking in the mirror and saying, “I look good.” Yet… 🤣 Anyhow, Arnold, my neighbor, explained that their church was initially set up to reach diverse people. 

This morning we walked into Meadowridge Church and immediately felt at home. The people around us, the folks leading, were truly diverse in race, ethnicity, and generation. There were abundant children and young people, and also middle-aged and older, and we could sense joy in the air and freedom in movement. “Freedom” was today’s message. The choir and band were phenomenal. They sang my favorite hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” when we walked in, although to a more upbeat tune. Even though I was trying to catch up, I loved it. The worship space was set up differently because tables were set for lunch after worship. However, the setup allowed us to worship around a table, and what better way to serve communion than pass it to neighbors around the Table. Indeed, I can say that Meadowridge Community Church is the first church I’ve ever been in that reflects the diversity of the community and heaven. It wasn’t a predominantly white, black, Hispanic, Asian, Tongan, or two dominant group. The representation of each group was ideal. This Baptist church has it together, and we Methodists could learn something.

The pastor, leaders, and people were hospitable, wonderful, joyful, musical, and worshipful—described by my young Alaska people. 

Thank you, Meadowridge, for being the church with the community.

Here’s a short clip of our time there today!