Vicksburg United Methodist Church starting in September will host a new worship format for the early Sunday service, featuring a new band and contemporary praise music. This service will start at 9 a.m., usually last about 45 minutes with the same theme as the 11 a.m. service. It will be more casual with the music at a higher volume.
The first service in the new format at the church, 217 S. Main Street, will be held on Sept. 13.
The Celebration and Praise Service will have a slightly modified version of Pastor Buff Coe’s sermon and Bible lesson, but will also be technology friendly through the use of videos, smart phones and social media whenever possible. It is the hope of church leaders that this new style of worship service will attract people of all ages that enjoy more upbeat music and are also looking for a strong, Bible-based message to carry them through their week.
The new Praise Band will feature a lot of young, local talent directed by Tamra Stamm who will provide vocals and piano. Other band members currently include Kristin Gustavson, vocals, Alex Ensing and Stacy Cron on guitar, and Joel Smola playing drums.
The Celebration and Praise Service will be a complement to the more traditional blended worship service, which features piano, organ and choir, that will remain at the 11 a.m. start time with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 9:50 a.m. This is an exciting new step in the evolution of a church that has been in the heart of Vicksburg since 1870. Everyone is welcome on Sundays this fall to pray, sing, love, learn and gather to worship God, according to Pastor Coe.