The Relevance of Tradition - Glorias Dixon

I have been an active participant in various church denominations all my life – Baptist (that would be good ole’ deacon “devotion” Baptist), a non-denominational church that combined traditional gospel music and progressive teaching, Unity Church, a predominantly Anglo church that focused on a positive path for spiritual living, and the United Methodist Church. Don’t think I’ve been “church hopping” all these years! I actively participated in churches in whatever city I lived in – Dallas, Nashville, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and back to Dallas. I still get goosebumps when I hear a deacon who can really call out ‘I love the Lord, he heard my cry” and the congregation chimes in with that moving response (some of you know what I mean).

There’s something about the traditional songs of the church that keep us grounded. I don’t ever want to abandon those things that got us through. However, as we move forward in outreach and discipleship, it is important for us to search for ways to engage all the people. The Village UMC is perfect for me. The 60 (sometimes 75) minute service encompasses all that I need – praise and worship, a word from the Lord, and an opportunity to give and to fellowship with my church family. It is a place where imperfect people gather to grow stronger in faith. We love each other, we encourage each other, and it works for me! It’s a place where I can comfortably wear my “I love Jesus, but I cuss a little” T-shirt, and I won’t be judged!

Thank you, Village family – for combining a little bit of everything I have experienced in more than 60 years of worshipping and walking with God. You rock!

Anybody who knows me knows that I love my church!