Doxology

Jason Oliver Evans, Greensboro, N.C.

My first day (Pentecost Sunday) at St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC was a definitely a learning experience. I arrived before the 8:30 a.m. contemporary service. I greeted the church groundskeeper Mr. Brown and waited for my supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Arnetta E. Beverly to arrive. Mr. Brown took on an impromptu tour of the facility. On the tour I met Sunday's liturgist Dr. Bergmann and host of other congregants.

Then Rev. Beverly arrived, greeted me with a hug, and escorted me and Dr. Bergmann to the Pastor's Study. We spoke briefly and prayed before we exited the study and proceeded to the sanctuary.

An acolyte joined us at the main door to the sanctuary. As service began the acolyte headed the procession of the pastor, the liturgist and me into the sanctuary. I walked beside Rev. Beverly as we headed first toward the altar (where she instructed me to bow) then into the pulpit.

At both services, Rev. Beverly introduced me as the summer intern. I gave a quick remark at each service. At the second service, Rev. Beverly invited me to pronounce the benediction. Then we sang a alternate version of the Doxology ("Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"). That was an honor. I will be preaching on the joint service on Trinity Sunday.

St. Matthews UMC is a wondering place to learn and grow as a minister. I'm learning to appreciate liturgical traditions which are different from my own (I'm a Baptist). I hope to learn more as the days go by.