Willow Vale Community Church-Free Methodist

I was initially very nervous about the attempt to find a church. People can seem overly friendly and make a poor introvert uncomfortable, or sometimes a newbie feel judged with a watchful eye to see if we actually belong or whether we’ll come back. I tried out Willow Vale because of the sign they had out– a website I could check out prior to coming to a service– perfect! Finally I worked up my nerve to go to a service. People were very friendly, but not in the scary way. People introduced me to other people, the Pastor gave me a pen, and they offered to feed me at the barbecue following the service. The service itself was enjoyable. Words to the songs are projected onto a screen, and seeing the song leaders really lets you see how touched by God they are. The songs are fun and catchy. Greet those around you, then return to your seat for another song, and there is the standard offering. This church is NOT about the money: they said they’d much rather have the comment cards with prayer requests than money in the offerings, because the people are more important. The sermon itself seems short. It is by no means boring– the pastor uses jokes, personal anecdotes, and sometimes slides, and you can fill in the blanks from the sermon to the sentences on the worship folder. My mom and Grandma came to the Easter service wih me, and my mom also really liked how it seemed more celebratory and focused on the positives of the resurrection, not just the pain and suffering of Jesus’ death. The services are very positive and appreciative, and I leave there with a good feeling. I love the people there and I look forward to going every week. I found myself quite sad the week I couldn’t go. I never thought I’d be a churchgoer, but I’ve found my religious home, and I’m so glad God led me here!