The Bishop : Getting our priorities straight

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

How hospitable is your church? Our family attended the First UMC, Paris, a couple of weeks ago and received a “hero’s welcome.” No, it wasn’t a dedication, anniversary, or special occasion. The pastor, Rev. Van Lazaroff, invited me to come and preach during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. It just so happened that our two daughters and grandson were also visiting us on the weekend, so they joined us as well.

The church has a good spirit. There were several “amens” coming from the congregation, and the music was outstanding. After the service, we gathered in the fellowship hall for a delicious meal of fried chicken (affectionately known as the preacher’s favorite yard bird) and many home cooked vegetables, side dishes, and desserts. Needless to say, we experienced good fellowship and conversation during and after the meal.

Following the meal, we toured their community food pantry, supported by all the Christian churches in town to help feed the hungry. When families come to receive food, they are each given a cross, an “I carry a cross in my pocket” card, and a special invitation to become a part of the church. 

The Paris church has an impressive facility and history - not your traditional architectural church design. It reminded me of some of the Eastern Orthodox facilities in Israel, but very well maintained and utilized by the members and the community.

The church has had its ups and downs and at one time Annual Conference in 1938. In my opinion, this congregation is on the upswing and is participating in the new Conference-wide church transformation initiative.

I’m expecting great things to happen in Paris, Texas, through the exciting ministries of First UMC. (For further study see: First United Methodist Church of Paris: Our History In a Nutshell,” by Jane Logee, revised 2009).