Local church hosts new contemporary service

The First United Methodist Church Commerce (FUMC-Commerce) has opened "The Bridge" a new contemporary worship service offered monthly on every second Sunday in the church's Family Ministry Center.

Associate FUMC-Commerce minister and campus minister for Texas A&M University-Commerce's Wesleyan Campus Ministry, Rev. Aleze Fulbright, leads "The Bridge."

"The Bridge" is a non-traditional worship experience for all who choose to participate," Fulbright said. "The hope is to fulfill the need of those looking for something different at church with casual dress, live contemporary music and a relaxed atmosphere."

Fulbright said the inspiration behind naming "The Bridge" stemmed from the fact that FUMC-Commerce has a reputation as a traditional church community. Therefore, "The Bridge" was designed in an effort to reach out to community members who may feel out of touch with the church, particularly young adults, families and A&M-Commerce students.

"I think the students that have come have said, 'Oh, wow, church is fun' and that's what we wanted to convey when we were planning for this last December," she said. "We wanted an opportunity to provide fun church and I think that we don't have that here in Commerce. We have an opportunity to reach people in that way."

Dr. John Dempsey, head of A&M-Commerce's Department of Mass Media, Communication and Theatre, is a member of FUMC-Commerce and helped to spread the word about "The Bridge" to the community.

Dempsey also said that he thinks that "The Bridge" is off to a strong start.

"I think it was a good move by the church," Dempsey said. "It's a nice relaxed experience that can bring together those who might never give a second thought about going to church on Sunday."

In fact, Fulbright said that "The Bridge's" diversity provides a welcoming atmosphere to anyone and everyone.

"It was really cool to see all kinds of ages and ethnicities," A&M-Commerce freshman business administration major JenAnne Shumway said.

Shumway also said that the video screens used in the service made it easy to follow what was going on, and she enjoyed the variety of scripture and music featured.

A live band that performed the musical selections is comprised of A&M-Commerce students, young adults from Commerce and other members of FUMC-Commerce who Fulbright said want to jam for Christ.

Approximately 120 people attended the Sep. 13 service, which marked "The Bridge's" official kickoff. Although rainy weather kept the Oct. 11 attendance lower, Fulbright said that she expects the upcoming Nov. 8 turnout to once again reach or exceed 120.

"More students are catching on board," she said.

"The Bridge" will be offered two more times this year on Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. Beginning Jan. 10, 2010, it will be offered every Sunday and continue to follow its present schedule with a free dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by worship at 7 p.m.

Those interested in obtaining further information can view the Facebook fan page for "The Bridge," or call FUMC-Commerce at 903-886-3220.