A New Church Home in Thomson

By Sybil Davidson
 
This summer, something exciting began unfolding in the community of Thomson, Georgia. Dozens of United Methodists embarked on a journey that’s both brand new and one of the oldest traditions of our faith: house church.
 
It began when those who were in the minority on a vote about disaffiliation at their local church came together afterward and agreed to meet somewhere the very next Sunday. 
 
"As we considered how to move forward, my husband and I decided that we just had to open up our home,” said Virginia Wilson, a life-long United Methodist.
 
A Family Meal and Worship
 
As plans quickly came together for the first meeting of a United Methodist house church, Virginia knew “we had to have a meal—a family meal.” 
 
So the invitation was extended through word of mouth and personal social media for worship and a “potluck” family meal afterward. All were welcome! 
 
The Wilsons expected 20, maybe as many as 40, but 59 people walked through their front door that day.
 
"There were tears, but afterward we all said, ‘we needed this,’” recounted Virginia.
 
Uncertain at first how they would accommodate everyone for lunch, every person chipped in and flipped the living room into a dining room. There was no sign-up, but the meal was a feast. Everyone brought their best dish. 
 
Meaningful Connections
 
Each Sunday that followed, 50 to 60 worshippers gathered for United Methodist House Church at The Wilson’s. The attendees span generations, from older adults to young families, children, and youth, all united by their faith and their desire to be part of a welcoming United Methodist community. 
 
The roster is up to 100 who have attended. 
 
“People are coming who have been outside the church for years and who are excited about what we’re doing,” said Virginia. 
 
“We have grown by word of mouth, and by personal invitation,” she said, “But this is not about how big we are, it’s about how meaningful the connections are.”
 
It’s Church
 
On Sundays before worship, adults gather for fellowship coffee and children have Sunday school using curriculum shared by St. John UMC in Augusta. (“Half of us have young children,” said Virginia.) And someone always bakes something delicious!
 
“We are people who grew up in traditional worship, so we are doing what we know,” explained Virginia. 
 
Dr. Bill Hobbins, a United Methodist lay person and retired Augusta University professor, is leading worship.
 
Rev. Dr. Dana Everhart, South East District Mission Specialist, and Rev. Sargent Nelson are alternating Sundays preaching. 
 
Many of those gathering are musical and love choral singing, so the new congregation has hired a pianist and formed a choir—which includes two youth!
 
The Recipe
 
While the idea came together quickly, a seed had been planted more than a year ago when Virginia started following the Fresh Expressions movement. 
 
“I attended some webinars with Rev. Michael Beck and it really opened my eyes. You can have church in non-traditional places and it can still be church,” she said. “It inspired me to say, we can do this!”
 
The recipe is simple, she explained: hospitality, grace, discipleship, food, fellowship, plus personal invitation. 
 
"People are longing for connection, and not just us, people everywhere,” said Virginia. “We all want something real and to be together.”
 
A New Home
 
While these few months of house church have been inspiring and fruitful, the new faith community has something more permanent ahead.
 
Another long-time United Methodist family owns Austin Oaks, a living community that incorporates two historic homes, and has offered the large gathering room and several adjoining spaces in one of those homes to the New Thomson UMC.  One cheerful room is devoted specifically to the children’s ministry. 
 
It still has the feeling of a home, with the bonus of parking, accessibility, and neighbors right inside the building. 
 
New Thomson UMC held its first worship service at Austin Oaks on September 24 with 70 people in attendance!
 
The children’s room was bursting with joy as 14 children participated in crafts and Sunday school. And of course, a potluck community lunch followed the service.
 
Worship will continue weekly at Austin Oaks at 11 am each Sunday with Children’s Sunday School and a Coffee Fellowship for adults at 10:30 am.
 
For a journey that began as house church, it’s only fitting that the new location already feels like home!
 
Details are
 
Sunday Schedule:
Children’s Sunday School & Coffee Fellowship - 10:30 am
Traditional Worship - 11:00 am
(Children’s Nursery Available During Worship)
 
Location:
Austin Oaks
218 Jackson Street
Thomson, GA 30824
Parking in Truist Bank parking lot
 
Connect online:
https://www.newthomsonumc.org/