Church on the Mountain
Published: 3/6/2009
My wife Kim and I recently took a short vacation. We enjoy snow skiing, and had the opportunity to do that at Copper Mountain, Colorado. The mountains are truly spectacular during the winter, bringing to mind many thoughts and thanksgiving for God’s creative work. We enjoyed being outside, being together, and recalling memories of many ski trips over the years, most involving our three (now grown) children.
One of the most inspiring parts of our trip was the mountain-top worship service on Sunday. We had seen the sign posted near the top of one lift (at 11,000 feet), saying “Mountain Church Service meets here, 12:30 Sunday”. Since there wasn’t a United Methodist church in town, we planned our schedule to attend this service.
When we arrived we propped the skis up in the snow and gathered with a group dressed in come-as-you-are ski attire (this was certainly an open-air church!). New snow had began falling and the view from the mountain shelter was awe-inspiring, to say the least. Someone passed out small song books so we joined in some familiar songs. The worship leader had a simple, inspiring prayer after calling attention to God’s amazing creation and asking for prayer requests. Another person gave a brief message, based upon some of Peter’s experiences in John’s gospel. After a closing song, we were back on the slopes – having been blessed by participating in a short service with other Christian believers from all over the country.
Why do I mention this? Because the local community Christian church had made the effort to reach out to us and other skiers in that place – not just this Sunday, but every Sunday when people were on the mountain. They took the Good News of God to the people. It sounds a little like John Wesley. It also sounds like many of our Missouri United Methodist congregations -- those who look around them and reach out in many ways to bring Christian community to people who might not come into their doors. Some of those congregations are reaching out to students on college campuses. Others to prisoners in jail. Others to people on vacation at lakes and campsites. I’ve even heard of pastors who held regular chapel services for professional athletes. And I thank God for all of these.
Who are the people around you that might like to remember God’s presence? What are the opportunities you might have to connect someone to Christian community, especially when they’re away from home? As I was reminded in Colorado, it often takes getting out of the church building to where those people are – even to the mountain if one is nearby! I hope you’ll join me in looking for ways to do this more, while celebrating and encouraging those who are already doing it.
And THANKS for all your faithful leadership in your congregation – and beyond!