Gideon Report

Today we were in upstate Washington. I went to a UMC in Arlington. The (female) pastor was "back east" and a Gideon delivered the message.

My first impression of this church was from the outside. The architecture was older and not updated. It had the squared off tower and the stained glass above the entrance. You entered into a quite small area and went up a few steps to another landing before entering into the sanctuary. The sanctuary was rather small with four sections. I sat in my typical seat, third from the front on the left side center aisle.

There was a praise band almost completely composed of those over seventy. We sang two songs before the candles were lit. They do this thing where you stand as the acolyte passes your pew and then remain standing for the opening hymn. The hymnal was the Covenant Hymnal from the Evangelical Covenant Church published in 1996. Not sure why they didn't purchase the 1989 UMC Hymnal and didn't connect with anyone to ask questions about this or the history of the architecture.

The children's message involved the kids dressing in oversized clothes (for ease) from the letter to the Colossians regarding putting on the fruits of the Spirit daily. It was well received by the congregation and the one (10yo?) child.

The Gideon speaker was well spoken. He started with the usual Gideon stories of salvation around the globe and included a visual of the Spanish and NIV NT as well as the Live Bible for Teens. Then he told his own testimony of being a PK. Actually, since his dad was Ivy League trained he was TO, a Theologians Offspring! He shared why he didn't follow in his father's footsteps, but later could not resist the call to the Gideon's and his own successes with the prison ministry and winning souls.

Overall, it was an enjoyable service, but I would have liked to experience a regular Sunday in this church.