The Lake Orion United Methodist Church in downtown Lake Orion began offering a new contemporary worship service in June, in addition to the traditional services already offered. So far, the response has been extremely positive.
The contemporary praise service is offered from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sundays at the church, located at 140 E. Flint Street.
The church also offers a reflective service with communion at 7:55 a.m., and a spirited traditional service at 9:15 a.m.
Elements of the contemporary service that differ from the traditional include the music, which is more praise-based, rather than traditional hymns.
The contemporary service has an adult praise band, as well as a youth band and drama skits, which help interpret the gospel message.
Another difference in the contemporary service is the use of projection for announcements, words to songs, Bible verses, Bible points during the message, and graphics to help interpret the message.
Like the spirited traditional service, the contemporary service includes a worship bulletin and children’s time.
Child care for infants and toddlers is provided, as well as Sunday School, however, the service is ‘family friendly,? and older children are encouraged to worship with their families.
LOUMC member and contemporary service committee member Becki Doyle said ‘the new service came about as a result of suggestions from people in the church, who wanted more contemporary music. Some of them had gone to services at other churches, and wanted to incorporate some new ideas into what we offer.
‘Now we have three distinctively different options at three different times,? she said. ‘No matter what your spiritual style, or your schedule, you can still come and worship God here.?
Doyle said the contemporary style of worship encourages more congregation participation, which people seem to enjoy.
The number of people attending the 11 a.m. service has doubled since June.
‘We did have 40-50 people attending at the 11 a.m. service. Now we have 100,? Doyle said. The LOUMC has about 950 members.
‘We know that God speaks to people through a variety of styles and formats of worship. It’s really about each person and each family finding out what helps them experience God’s presence and love,? she said, adding that the church’s goal was to bring more people to God.
‘No matter what service you choose to attend, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a handshake,? said Doyle.
The LOUMC is currently looking for members of the community who would like to become involved in the contemporary praise service, as a vocalist, instrumentalist or performer for the drama skits.
‘If a person has a special talent, such as puppetry or drama or music, we’d like to hear from them,? Doyle said. ‘We can help them use their gifts to share God’s love and joy with others through contemporary worship.?
You do not need to be a member of the church to be involved. Contact the church at 693-6201, or email LOUMC1@sbcglobal.net for more information.