Flint Hill and Haven Memorial UMC's Take a New Approach to Building Bridges
On Sunday, April 19, the pastors and choirs of Haven Memorial UMC (an African-American church) and Flint Hill UMC (a Caucasian church), both in the Southeast District, exchanged pulpits and choir lofts. This action came about because of the connectional system, the friendship between the two pastors and, most importantly because of the love of Christ that tears down walls and builds relationships.
Reflecting on the experience, Rev. Tiwirai Kufarimai, pastor of Haven Memorial UMC, writes, “No words can really capture what an experience our pulpit and choir exchange was. The genesis of this was a discussion between the two pastors of these two churches during their traditional Monday morning breakfast meeting that is intended to foster unity among area pastors as well as provide a platform for consultation and sharing.
“Kudos to our members who were caught up in the idea of pulpit exchange that they suggested we include our choirs the next time we want to do a pulpit exchange. The people at Haven Memorial enjoyed the inspiring music from the choir as well as the piercing and spirit filled preaching from reverend Dee Dowdy of Flint Hill United Methodist Church,” Rev. Kufarimai added.
Since Haven Memorial UMC dismisses worship earlier than Flint Hill, the congregation all came to Flint Hill UMC to join the worship service there. After service everyone fellowshipped as people had brought food to share as the congregations celebrated what God is doing in their midst.
Rev. Kufarimai adds, “One member who is in their upper seventies said they never thought they would see what happened on Sunday April the 19, 2009, ever transpire in their lifetime. They said they give the glory to God for the pastors of the two churches who heeded what God wanted as well as the members of the two churches for their willingness to live out the spirit of true Christianity and the connection of the United Methodist Church. Another member from the same church said they felt genuine love not only from members from the other church, but members from their own church.”
Rev. Dee Dowdy, pastor of Flint Hill UMC, writes, “I was excited the first time TK and I swapped pulpits. The people of Haven were so gracious, welcoming and affirming to me. So, when the opportunity came about to enlarge the scope of a second exchange, I was elated! When I arrived at Haven with my choir, the people graciously accepted us into their fellowship. During one of the choir specials, some congregants stood up and clapped in time with the music. My choir members were thankful for their exuberance. Upon arriving back at Flint Hill, we were able to hear Haven’s choir perform one of their choral specials; it was awesome! Just as they were about to wrap up their song, I saw something that epitomized what the days was all about. Skipping down the middle aisle of the church was two small girls, one was of African American dissent, and the other was white. As they came down the aisle, they were holding hands. Immediately, the thought went through my mind, ‘So, this is what heaven will be like.’”
The service also involved other leaders from both churches who helped this “swap” go smoothly. Rev. Jerry Abbett, a retired elder, who with his wife Celia attends Flint Hill, helped to lead the service at Flint Hill.
Rev. Abbett says, “To me, last Sunday is what the Christian experience is all about, the breaking down of barriers and coming together as one body. It is the will of God, explicitly taught in the Word of God, and demonstrated by the Son of God.”
Dorothea Walker, one of the choir directors of Haven Memorial adds, “The opportunity for Haven Memorial to participate in worship and fellowship services at Flint Hill reminded me of our purpose” to be God centered. It was not staged. It was not artificial. When we no longer make the thing that none of us have control of (skin color) the major focus of with whom we worship, but focus instead on Jesus Christ, we’re one step closer to becoming the people for which Jesus paid the ultimate cost.”
Mary Perry, choir director of Flint Hill UMC said “The positive response of the congregation by standing, clapping and singing along was rewarding and made the choir sing stronger and more energetically.”
While the impact of this swap is still unfolding, some changes were made in both churches in they way they “do” worship. One of the changes including adding the Apostle’s Creed and the Doxology back into the service on Holy Communion at Flint Hill UMC.
The other changes have occurred at Haven Memorial were it was decided that the choir will dismiss itself from the choir loft after they sing and before Rev. T.K brings the message. Also on Sunday April 26 , Haven Memorial UMC had four Caucasian worshippers in the service.