Pastor Shandirai Mawokomatanda
Worship Style - Multicultural, traditional Methodist
It was Palm Sunday. We were looking for familiar and somewhat traditional music. Since we know that Wesley UMC has a long history of exceptional music, we chose to attend their service. We were not disappointed! As you can see in the pictures below, this church, built in 1927, has some absolutely amazing stained glass windows and a magnificent pipe organ. This Sunday there were approximately 100 people in attendance at their second service. What we did not expect was to be treated to a great choir, a gifted oboe soloist, a talented music director/organist and a joy-filled Ghanian choir performance. All were very special and inspiring. For a quick sample check out this YouTube clip: (https://youtube.com/watch?v=jT8dfVe9lWI).
Our next treat was when Pastor Shandi actually spoke the Word of God from memory as if Christ, himself, was present. The Scripture was Matthew 5:1-16, The Beatitudes. It was very effective and touching. This was followed by "The Word proclaimed through drama" performed by the youth group and then a children's message. The children were given an opportunity to take the "Mystery Box" home and return with something in it to share. A simply delightful 8 year old girl named, Krista, told us that she had brought a heart to remind us how much Jesus loves us by dying on the cross. She was so sincere and well spoken! She took our breathe away. Pastor Shandi then gave his "Reflection" entitled "The Blessed Way". This was on the 8th Beatitude, and he explained that this last Beatitude prepares us for the journey ahead. Matthew 5:11, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
As we entered into Holy Week, we were reminded that we will be persecuted because of our faith but we will be blessed by God. Matthew 5:12, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Jesus was there and goes with us into Holy Week. Thank you, Jesus!
Worship Style - Multicultural, traditional Methodist
It was Palm Sunday. We were looking for familiar and somewhat traditional music. Since we know that Wesley UMC has a long history of exceptional music, we chose to attend their service. We were not disappointed! As you can see in the pictures below, this church, built in 1927, has some absolutely amazing stained glass windows and a magnificent pipe organ. This Sunday there were approximately 100 people in attendance at their second service. What we did not expect was to be treated to a great choir, a gifted oboe soloist, a talented music director/organist and a joy-filled Ghanian choir performance. All were very special and inspiring. For a quick sample check out this YouTube clip: (https://youtube.com/watch?v=jT8dfVe9lWI).
Our next treat was when Pastor Shandi actually spoke the Word of God from memory as if Christ, himself, was present. The Scripture was Matthew 5:1-16, The Beatitudes. It was very effective and touching. This was followed by "The Word proclaimed through drama" performed by the youth group and then a children's message. The children were given an opportunity to take the "Mystery Box" home and return with something in it to share. A simply delightful 8 year old girl named, Krista, told us that she had brought a heart to remind us how much Jesus loves us by dying on the cross. She was so sincere and well spoken! She took our breathe away. Pastor Shandi then gave his "Reflection" entitled "The Blessed Way". This was on the 8th Beatitude, and he explained that this last Beatitude prepares us for the journey ahead. Matthew 5:11, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
As we entered into Holy Week, we were reminded that we will be persecuted because of our faith but we will be blessed by God. Matthew 5:12, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Jesus was there and goes with us into Holy Week. Thank you, Jesus!