The May 16, 2012 newsletter, “The First Word” is now ready for downloading. Click this link to go to the PDF file.

What do you think most people look for in a Church? Is it a good children’s or youth program? Is it a beautiful building? Is it a choir that sings the type of music they like? Is it good fellowship or a good “preacher?”

I have always believed that it is all of these things and more. I have gone to several seminars, training events, and classes over the years that have all dealt with the topic of church growth. They have all mentioned one or all of the items listed in the first paragraph, but I have felt that there was still something more that attracts people to a church.

A few weeks ago I read an article by Lyle Schaller, a church growth expert for many years. He wrote something that not only made sense, but it brought things into focus for me.

He writes that it is not where the minister is on the theological spectrum or the denominational affiliation of the church that attracts people. He states that it is what people hear and feel during the worship experience that determines whether or not they will return.

He states that if we want our churches to grow, we need to offer people a “note of hope” in our worship services. It needs to be a note of hope and optimism about the future.

I agree and I believe that our worship services strive to offer hope each and every Sunday. Every part of our service, from the preludes and prayers to the anthems, hymns, and sermons all seek to glorify God and to offer all of us hope for the living of these days.

Another important factor in offering hope is joyously welcoming people to our church. That first experience/encounter of people when they walk through our doors for the first time goes a long way in making them feel wanted and hopeful.

I hope that all of us realize how important it is for each of us to greet everyone we see on Sunday mornings with a smile and a word of welcome that offers people a “note of hope” as soon as they walk in the door.

As always, I look forward to seeing you, especially in worship.

 - Rev. Paul Goodrich

Patsy “Pat” Stanbrough died Tuesday, May 15. Funeral services are planned for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, in the Hampton-Vaughan Chapel with Rev. John Dillard officiating.

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Mary Stacks died Monday, May 7, 2012 and her funeral services are scheduled at FUMC this Thursday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m. Mary volunteered in the church office and was known for her quiet demeanor. To read the full obituary, click this link to go to the article in the Wichita Falls Times Record News.

Photos from the May 2 children’s musical, “Old Testament–Fast Forward” are now posted to the church’s Flickr account, courtesy Matt English. Click here to view those photos.