Knowing that God reaches out to everyone in different ways – and for some people, that way might be, say, through J.R.R. Tolkien or even a Bill Murray movie – Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church is adding a new contemporary-style service on Sunday mornings.
This new 10 a.m. service, which starts on Sept. 12, offers the chance to praise (or to discover) God in a casual atmosphere with contemporary music, multimedia elements and laughter.
"No neckties, no old-fashioned hymns, no recitations – not that there's anything wrong with those things," said the Rev. Bill Pfohl, Jesse Lee UMC's senior pastor. "But certainly there are people in our community looking for new and non-traditional experiences on their faith journeys, and this service is for them."
Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The contemporary services will be held in Jesse Lee's Carriage House, at the west end of the church parking lot. (If the weather is really nice, a select few services will be held on the church's large front lawn on Main Street.)
"God wants us to live well, laugh big, and become ourselves," Pfohl said. "The contemporary worship service gives an occasion to consider both the big and little questions of life in a safe place with lively music, relevant video clips from current movies, and even to dialogue about the celebrations and challenges we encounter. There will be times in the service to ask questions, offer prayers, and even prepare a 'spiritual' to-do list for your week.
Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"This worship is to lift our spirits, but not to take us out of the world," Pfohl added. "Both sacred and secular media will be used to illustrate a variety of themes from discovering your passion, to meeting God in everyday life."
Henric Ideström, Jesse Lee's minister of music, described the new contemporary service as having a relaxed atmosphere but with a relevant message and passionate worship.
"It is perfect for people new to the church or searching for God but wanting something less formal," Ideström said.
If you want to sing during the service, or play in the contemporary service's band, contact Ideström at henric@jesseleechurch.com.
Also beginning Sept. 12, Jesse Lee resumes its two traditional worship services, at 9 and 10:45 a.m. (That's a change from the previous 9 & 11 a.m. schedule.)
Plus, the church offers an intimate 8 a.m. chapel service with communion each Sunday during the school year.
Sunday School for children up to Grade 5 is offered during the 9 & 10:45 a.m. services. Child care for infants and toddlers is available during all services except for the 8 a.m. service.
Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church is at 207 Main St. For more information, call the church office at (203) 438-8791.
