Letter: Search for church ends in happiness (Jan. 20)
Searching for a church is a personal quest. It is something that satisfies your needs. I have attended several churches, and always come up short.
I was raised in the Christian religion, and my search was in looking for the old Rev. Langy and Pastor Schlecty that I grew up with. One day I was returning from George’s Auto on Sunday morning and I passed the Methodist Church on Sunset (Avenue). Their sign said “Conventional Service at 10:30 a.m.” It was 10:30 now. I went past but turned around. I went in and listened to their service.
I went occasionally for a while but wasn’t that taken. Besides I was now flying on Sundays and most weekends I didn’t have the time. My wife, Gloria, mentioned that she wanted to find a church. Again we went to several and just weren’t that taken. Gloria was raised in West Virginia … That “Ol’ Time Religion.” I mentioned the Methodist Church and she went while I was flying. She said she liked that church and we began to go.
They sing the old songs that we grew up with, and with Pastor Goto … not a Pastor Schlecty, but a good message presenter, we enjoyed the service. Twice now I have received Communion. Most churches deny you unless you are a member and a practicing whatever. Pastor Goto said “This table is not the table of the Methodist Church. It is the table of the Lord.”
This is my feeling exactly. No one should be denied the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They use grape juice instead of wine, which I personally don’t think is right. Jesus did use wine. Today, however I noticed that the children were offered Communion. Taking both the bread and “juice.” This, I think is good.
If you feel the need for Holy Communion and are not a practicing member of a church, then consider the Methodist Church like Gloria and I. It is good for your soul.
Bill Hoffrage,
Madera
