“What Is a Good Church?”
September 22, 2026
Earlier this year, I got a new pair of glasses. But for some reason, they
just didn’t feel comfortable. The nose pads didn’t sit evenly, my ears hurt,
and my eyes felt dizzy. After a few days of trying to get used to them, I found
myself wearing my old glasses again.
Have you ever had a similar experience?
Perhaps you bought a pair of shoes because you loved the way they looked,
only to discover that they were uncomfortable and ended up staying in the
closet. Or perhaps you bought a book because you liked the title, but for some
reason, you found it difficult to engage with.
So, what makes a good pair of shoes? What makes a good book? And what
makes a good church service?
C. S. Lewis once suggested that the best church service is the one we
notice the least:
“As long as you notice, and have to count the steps, you are not yet
dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don’t notice.
Good reading becomes possible when you need not consciously think about eyes,
or light, or print, or spelling. The perfect church service would be the one we
were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God.”
That is a beautiful picture of worship. The goal is not for us to notice
the service itself, but to notice God.
In fact, our Fall Bible Study on 1 Corinthians is exploring a very
important question: “What does it mean to be the church of Jesus Christ?” Last
week, we had a wonderful first gathering. One of our discussion questions was:
“If someone came to South Yarmouth UMC for the first time, what would you
hope they would experience? What would you hope they would say about our church
when they leave? What kind of church does Jesus want us to become?”
This past Sunday, we had a new visitor. After worship, as I was greeting
people at the door, he told me that he had been too shy to introduce himself at
the beginning of the service. But he said he really enjoyed the worship and
felt welcomed and at home. He said he would come back next week with his wife. Another
couple told me that they came back after six months because they love our
church.
What an encouragement! Thank you, church!
My prayer is that South Yarmouth UMC will become the most loving place
in town – a place where everyone feels welcomed and at home, where everyone
is valued and truly seen, and where we learn to get along with one another and
grow together.
And as we prepare to celebrate our 175th anniversary next year, may our
church become even more loving, welcoming, compassionate, and generous. May we
become a church that reflects the love of Jesus more clearly than ever before.
If you were not able to join us in person this past Sunday, you can watch
the worship service on YouTube: Sunday Worship Service. Our services are also
broadcast on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30
p.m. You can also read this week’s message, “Jesus and I” (John 6:5–13):
Sunday Message: “Jesus and I”
Printed copies of the Sunday message are now available on the back table
each Sunday morning. Please feel free to take a copy for your own reflection or
to share with someone else.
During our recent Church Council meeting, we also discussed the
possibility of livestreaming our worship services. Our Worship Committee will
follow up on this. In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts
and wisdom with us.
Please continue to remember those on our prayer list in your daily
prayers. In particular, please pray for David Beauchamp as he recovers from
recent surgery, and for Irene Shaw as she prepares for upcoming surgery. We
also continue to pray for Julie Kennie, Thomas Osborn, Norma Atwood, Jeannette
Leupold, Don Loring, Gayle Kerr, and our beloved homebound members. May God
surround each person with his presence, peace, and healing.
Lastly, our Fall Bible Study on 1 Corinthians meets today, September 22!
- In-person group: 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall
- Zoom group: 6:30 p.m.
Whether this is your first time or you have been part of the group for
decades, you are welcome! We are always beginners when it comes to
learning the ways of Jesus.
Meeting ID: 932 8625 1580
Passcode: 045814
I give thanks to God for each of you. Thank you for helping make South
Yarmouth UMC a place where people can experience the love of Christ. Have a
blessed and joyful week ahead!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Victor
P.S. SUNEOS Gathering This Sunday
Our next SUNEOS Gathering will be at Tugboats on September 27
at 5:00 p.m. This is a fun opportunity to enjoy fellowship, get to know one
another, and support one of our local restaurants. There is a sign-up sheet in
the Parish Hall. Please see Jackie Neumann if you have any questions.
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