In recent years I’ve worshipped in more than 75 Dallas – Arlington – Fort Worth area congregations (see Visiting 75 Churches in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metro Area). Last year, I reflected on some of those congregations as well as my worship experiences in congregations outside of Texas in June (Where’s Greg Worshipping? 8+ Congregations in 3 States) and December (Happy New Year! Celebrating Visits to 12 Churches).
A few days ago I announced that I’ll be returning to parish ministry later this month (see Returning to Parish Ministry as Interim Pastor at Advent Lutheran), which means I’ll be worshipping at Advent Lutheran Church for the next year.
Before I begin, I offer this reflection on my worship experiences for the first six months of 2024. I’ve been blessed to worship with 12 congregations in 3 states.
Texas
- I started the year preaching and presiding at Central Lutheran Church in Dallas (see Preaching God is Still Speaking)
- I’ve worshipped more times at my home church – Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas – than any other
- I also served as a guest preacher at West Fork Presbyterian Church in Grand Prairie a four times this year (see So Many Churches! Getting Started in 2024 and An Unusual Way to Begin Lent)
- In March I worshipped and spoke at First Unitarian Church of Dallas (see 3 Worship Firsts)
- In April I served as a guest preacher at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Dallas and Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Dallas (see Preaching Love)
- In May I preached at First United Lutheran Church in Dallas (see A Pentecost First)
Out of State
- In January I worshipped at Mayflower Congregation United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the first time (see My Visit to Mayflower Congregational UCC)
- In March I worshipped at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the first time (see My Visit to Westminster Presbyterian Church)
- In May I worshipped at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the first time (see My Visit to Trinity Presbyterian Church)
- In June I worshipped at at Mosaic Community Church (a United Church of Christ affiliated congregation) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the first time (see My Visit to Mosaic Community Church)
- In June I worshipped at Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, Florida – a congregation I previously served (see My Experiences with 14 UCC Congregations)
I’d love to hear about your experience.
- Where have you worshipped in 2024?
- What was most meaningful?
- What was particularly helpful?