Bethesda Church

September 7 2008 10:00 a.m.
Bethesda Chuch 1350 Grant Ave. Winnipeg
"Nondenominational Evangelical"
Pastor Mark Wilcoxson

So my little project is off and running with this first (rather successful) church visit! Bethesda is a little Church in River Heights, known for the often quirky messages on its sign. What was remarkable from the get-go was how friendly everybody was! I literally had three introductions before I was through the (tiny) lobby, and once inside the sanctuary I found myself embroiled in a number of full-fledged conversations. I have never experienced such a warm welcome to a church, and I certainly hope to go back sometime.

The service itself was quite nice. The sanctuary was about 3/4 full with a pleasant mix of older and younger people. Their musical offering consisted of a pianist, guitarist and two singers, all aided by lyrics projected onto the front of the sanctuary. The music certainly wasn't traditional hymns but was still meaningful and beautifully done. There was a presentation in the middle about an "Experiencing God" study which flew completely over my head, but soon afterward Pastor Mark took the stage and brought things back on track.

Pastor Mark was an engaging, active speaker. The sermon was about knowing a "real and personal" God, and how the God of the Old Testament can be connected to Jesus. Pastor Mark spoke for quite awhile but he kept it very interesting and the pace was breakneck. He had a way with his inflection that drew you in and really brought you to a happy, warm conclusion as he finished a point.

After the service I met many more people, had a conversation about other churches to visit (and tennis) and was invited by three different people to join them for lunch downstairs (I really wanted to, but I had to go). Pastor Mark cordially shook my hand as I left and implored me to come back sometime - what a friendly guy!

All in all this was a wonderful "first church" experience. I was particularly excited because of the contrast between this and my old church: the point of my little experiment is, after all, to have new church experiences. I would certainly go back to Bethesda church, if not simply because the people there are fantastic.

Hope you tune in next time!
Best,
-Brock

LINK: http://www.bethesdachurch.ca/