Pastor Ron Wilson
Worship Style - Traditional Methodist
As a result of knowing the current pastor and given that it was a beautiful late fall day, we decided to take a ride out to western Massachusetts. We were warmly greeted and said our hellos to Pastor Ron. We were stunned when we entered the sanctuary. This is a relatively new building, and the sanctuary with the large cross is absolutely beautiful! We were called to worship by the choir singing "Holy Ground." The children were taught the message of the Scripture lesson from Matthew 25:1-13, where Jesus tells the parable of the 10 virgins who took their lamps out to meet the bridegroom. The message - Be Ready. The choir did an impressive a capella piece entitled, "Keep Your Lamps," which included a wonderful drum accompaniment.
It was Stewardship Sunday, and the sermon was entitled,"The Mysterious Economy of Receiving and Giving." Pastor Ron told a story of how a good friend from theology school knew of a difficult financial situation he was in and offered him $100 to cover the cost of typing his thesis. Although he resisted, she insisted and asked that when he was able that he just pass it on. He suggested that we are either like the Sea of Galilee or the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is full of life as fresh water flows in and out. However, the Dead Sea is just that, dead. Water flows into the Dead Sea, but nothing flows out. There is no circulation, no passing it on. Pastor Ron went on to suggest that to be truly affluent you must be free flowing. So we were challenged with the question - Are you in or are you out? If you are in, say "amen" - sounds like "I'm in." AMEN!
Worship Style - Traditional Methodist
As a result of knowing the current pastor and given that it was a beautiful late fall day, we decided to take a ride out to western Massachusetts. We were warmly greeted and said our hellos to Pastor Ron. We were stunned when we entered the sanctuary. This is a relatively new building, and the sanctuary with the large cross is absolutely beautiful! We were called to worship by the choir singing "Holy Ground." The children were taught the message of the Scripture lesson from Matthew 25:1-13, where Jesus tells the parable of the 10 virgins who took their lamps out to meet the bridegroom. The message - Be Ready. The choir did an impressive a capella piece entitled, "Keep Your Lamps," which included a wonderful drum accompaniment.
It was Stewardship Sunday, and the sermon was entitled,"The Mysterious Economy of Receiving and Giving." Pastor Ron told a story of how a good friend from theology school knew of a difficult financial situation he was in and offered him $100 to cover the cost of typing his thesis. Although he resisted, she insisted and asked that when he was able that he just pass it on. He suggested that we are either like the Sea of Galilee or the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is full of life as fresh water flows in and out. However, the Dead Sea is just that, dead. Water flows into the Dead Sea, but nothing flows out. There is no circulation, no passing it on. Pastor Ron went on to suggest that to be truly affluent you must be free flowing. So we were challenged with the question - Are you in or are you out? If you are in, say "amen" - sounds like "I'm in." AMEN!