Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, Wakefield, MA

Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, Wakefield, MA

This blog documents my exploration as I attend the services of many different churches, predominantly near where I live in Massachusetts. These institutions are important, often overlooked and occasionally misjudged centers of our communities. These institutions have positive impact on their participants as well as others through their generosity and public service. It is possible that through this activity I may eventually consider a long term relationship with one of these pillars and foundations of the community, however I am eager to do a lot of exploring first.

The Building, and the History

The church is located right on the Lynnfield border in an area that is convenient to the centers of both towns. It is in a pleasant, perhaps quaint neighborhood of colonials and suburban New England appeal. The church is very unique looking, it has an art-deco style of architecture with a wood beam vaulted ceiling inside the sanctuary. A large clear glass window is situated behind the altar facing the street, while the side walls of the church boast large windows with solid stained panels that are almost an off-white to gold palette. The bell tower has a large repeating pattern rising through its center, and a steeple sits atop it that was rebuilt and just completed in January. I was unable to locate the history of this building, however there was another Methodist church in Wakefield originally located on Albion St. which was damaged in a hurricane in 1938 and torn down. Speculatively this church must date to shortly after that period.

Who Are The Congregation?

The Congregation appears to be a very close group of kind hearted people. Interestingly when it was time to pass the peace, people did not merely shake the hands or gesture to those adjacent to them as I have become used to, everyone got up from their pew and mingled, with everyone. As visitors my wife and I were certainly a little confused, but really struck by the gesture. This Congregation was very happy to have us as visitors, and were maybe a little disappointed when we didn't join the coffee hour. Sadly between our jobs which typically spill into the weekends, and other chores such as organizing my yearly donation to Uncle Sam, we did not have much time. Typically I post these write-ups Sunday evening, but this one had to wait till Monday due to our hectic schedules. 

We were provided a thoughtful welcome package for visiting, with information about the church. It included their booklet for the month of March. In it is a thoughtful tribute to the late Rev. Billy Graham tied to the Lenten season, composed by WLUMC's Rev. Glenn Mortimer. In addition to calendar events and various information on outreach and ministries, a personal recipe by Rev. Mortimer for Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Yeah, I am totally going to make those!

The Service

WLUMC had a lovely choir and they possess an organ and a piano, both of which were played to support the hymns that were distributed throughout the service. To honor St. Patrick's day, despite being protestant, the opening prayer was a selection from "St. Patrick's Breastplate." 

The Gospel reading was John 12:20-33 and it is a passage where Christ predicts his death and stresses that through this, his message will spread. "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

This tied into the Rev. Mortimer's sermon "Bearing Fruit," that we can & should spread goodness through the message and example of Christ. Each of us can make a difference through our positive actions and influence on others. The Rev. Mortimer was very passionate in his delivery captivating the congregation. A hymn "Now the Green Blade Riseth," tied everything together.

Before the sermon, the children were brought to the front of the church prior to their Bible study for a short lesson tied into the message of the sermon. A cute interaction of asking the children what various seeds would grow into brought laughter to the congregation.

What the Congregation Does:

Before touching upon the outreach, the social aspect of this church is incredibly strong. In the monthly newsletter the requests for participation, sharing articles, recipes, demonstrates a concerted effort to nourish the church community. The church is of course involved in many beneficial community activities. Project Linus provides handmade blankets to children and need. WLUMC contributes to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. There are also efforts to support community dinners for those in need. WLUMC also occasionally hosts theater events to benefit charitable causes. WLUMC has various social clubs including a book club, Bible study, and a Ecumenical Youth group that promotes charity.

Conclusion

WLUMC felt like a family. They are warm, caring, and strive to make a difference outside the doors of their sanctuary. The members are lucky, and clearly love their church, and each other. Those of us who drive down Vernon St. occasionally benefit from these individuals as they make Lynnfield and Wakefield richer by their presence.

Text and photographs by George Parks

Sources are embedded in links