Mid-year is a good time to pause, reflect on the first half of the year, and refine plans for what lies ahead. A few years ago I began sharing a mid-year update on my experiences of worshiping in different congregations (see Where’s Greg Worshipping in 2024? 12 Congregations in 3 States). This year’s edition is a bit simpler, but no less meaningful.
In August 2025, I concluded my part-time ministry as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas (see Giving Thanks: 14 Months of Worship in the ELCA). As 2026 began, I suddenly had the freedom to worship wherever I chose.
That flexibility didn’t last long. Early in the year I began serving as Supply Pastor at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas as a Supply Pastor during a time of transition. A short time later, I accepted a part-time call as Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth. Even with those ministry commitments, I’ve been blessed to worship with seven congregations in three states during the first half of the year:
- Ordination Service: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Gerald, Texas (see Three Churches in Three Days: Renewed Hope for the Future of the Church)
- Supply Pastor: Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas (see Ash Wednesday: Are You Ready?)
- Interim Senior Minister: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth (see My New Role: Interim Minister at First Christian in Fort Worth)
- Sunday Service at my Home Church: Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas (see Being Clergy, Being Church in 2026)
- Sunday Service: King of Glory Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas (KoG worshipped at White Rock Center of Hope in late 2025 – see Worship in the Food Pantry – then I worshipped with them on their campus to begin 2026)
- Sunday Service: Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, Florida (see Returning to Naples United Church of Christ: Where My UCC Journey Began)
- Sunday Service: New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (see My Visit to New Covenant Christian Church)
So What?
I am grateful for the opportunity to worship with these seven communities of faith. Each congregation has reminded me that while every church has its own culture, traditions, and strengths, each also offers a unique glimpse of how God is at work in the world. And, each has given me hope for what is possible.
Beyond these worship experiences, I’m also thankful for the opportunity to spend time with many other congregations through my work as CEO of White Rock Center of Hope. Those visits continually remind me that the Church’s greatest witness isn’t found within the walls of a sanctuary but in the relationships and partnerships that transform lives throughout the community.
I would welcome hearing your story. If you have worshipped somewhere beyond your home church or faith community, please share your experience.