ENID, OK - First United Methodist Church spent a couple of years offering traditional and contemporary services to their congregation and experienced some growing pains. Typically the two worship services didn't communicate with each other. But what they discovered was that when they brought the two together there was a joy in the combination and they worked well together.
When Rev. Devon Krause arrived he saw an opportunity to bring the two worship services together. "What I think is unique about what we have here with this team and with this church is that this group works really well together," Krause said.
The worship services were very divided before they began to merge the two. The staff for each service held their own meetings and there was very little interaction. One service was completely traditional while the other was completely modern.
Krause brought the two worship styles together. The new services truly are blended and not just divided into halves. Matt Johnson, Director of Chancel Choir/Song Leader, said, "We sing a hymn, we do a modern song, it goes back and forth."
Cindy Earl, Membership Specialist and Pastor's Support, said, "Devon is really good about pulling together people. One of his gifts is recognizing what people do well and then he will ask, "Will you come help?"."
What they have discovered over the last year is that 75% of the congregation has participated in finding their gifts and stepped up to do something within the church. They have all begun to work as one team.
Trent Simmons, Modern Worship Leader, was brought on to lead the praise choir singing modern music. Johnson, who was not involved in modern music before the merge, now plays in the modern band while also leading the Chancellor Choir.
Krause describes the blended service as more of a flow. The service starts out really exciting and then it gets focused on making a change in the world or in the life of a worshiper. Krause then uses his unique style and a room full of props to deliver his message.
Dr. Thom Whitaker, Director of Worship/Organist for 50 years, said, "It's been very challenging actually for me." "To bring more modern music into the church I think is a very good thing. But it's something I have to grow with," he added.
Some of the conversations in the beginning were whether they were going to get rid of the organ music. Krause said, "No, I think the gift is bring it together." Krause couldn't imagine his congregation without the organ.
When Audio/Visual Team Leader, Cody Atkinson, arrived, the services were being live streamed from an iPad. They now film with two cameras, better sound and more people are getting involved in the production of the services. With more members now a part of the team, the online experience has been much improved.
The services are now streamed to YouTube HERE and also shared on the church Facebook page. First Church offers two blended Sunday services at 9:00am and 11:00am. Enjoy blended worship music, experiential messages, programs for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Learn more at firstchurchenid.com.
First United Methodist Church is a place where you can invite a friend to the service and feel good about it. They invite you and your family to a service next Sunday at 401 W. Randolph.
There’s no dress code so you can wear jeans or a suit–they don’t care what you are wearing, they care about you. First Church offers a great nursery with loving folks ready to nurture your children.
Masks and social distancing are required, for now. If you have questions please call 580-237-2041.
