Stepping Into Tomorrow
How will we get there?
Hollywood,
1868
A gathering of Methodists in Hollywood became an officially-recognized congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
named Joy Chapel.
1933
Following a fire at Joy Chapel, a new sanctuary was constructed at our current site.
1946
The foundation was laid for the sanctuary of Hollywood Methodist Church that we still worship in every Sunday.
1961
An education building was added, that continues to provide space for the preschool, youth group, Bible studies, offices, and community events.
Such is a snapshot of the history of what is now called Hollywood United Methodist Church. While it is far from a complete history, it lists some major events. We could add in the replacing of the original Joy Chapel in 1894. We could add the renaming of the fellowship hall to Galilee Hall in 1983 following the closing of Galilee United Methodist Church in Oakville. We could add the early 2000’s, when funds began to be raised to build a new sanctuary upon getting news that there was no space for a new septic (space was later found). We could add 2025 when those formerly-raised funds were used to breathe new life into our buildings with restored stained glass windows, a new sanctuary roof, and new flooring throughout our space.
All of these events tell the story of our church. All of these events help paint a picture of where we have been. All of that is true and good and deserving of celebrations and thanksgiving. And yet telling our story like this strikes against a well-loved hymn. The words of Richard Avery tell us,
“The Church is not a building; the Church is not a steeple; the Church is not a resting place; the Church is the people.”
Our buildings are a part of our history, but only in that they were the space where the Church - that is, the people - were able to gather, to worship, to study, to grow, to celebrate, to serve. These buildings have been such a gift to the congregation throughout the years and will continue to be well into the future. The question we have to ask ourselves is
“How will we faithfully use these gifts to be the Church that God is calling us to be in 2026 and beyond?”
This is a question that the Hollywood Unified Board (HUB) wants to answer. As the leaders of Hollywood UMC, we want to know where God is leading the people called Hollywood UMC and how we can best use our resources to follow it. We want to know the gifts and graces of the people. We want to know the dreams of the people. We want to know who we are missing in our discussions. It’s a tall order, but I think we can do it with some help.
The first help is one that we have already begun using. The Baltimore-Washington Conference has an entire program devoted to Church Vitality. It is staffed by pastors who are trained to come alongside congregations that are asking the questions we are asking. They will walk with us. They will give us tools to better understand the questions we are asking. They will give us the tools to get a better understanding of our community. They will provide us with a Vitality Coach to work with us through it all. And the best part? It is of no cost to Hollywood UMC. This program is funded through Apportionments/Mission Shares that we–and other churches in the Conference–send to the Conference every year. This is what being part of a connectional denomination looks like.
The second help we need? That’s where you come in. To help us and the Vitality Coach best understand where we are, there is a survey. It’s one some of you actually might have done a few years ago, but we weren’t ready to begin this process then. Yes, it is a long survey. It might ask some questions you don’t know the answer to. It might ask questions you didn’t even think were relevant. The more who complete the survey, the better the information we will have to walk the road before us. If you are reading this letter, you are eligible to take this survey.
Link: https://app.readiness360.org/survey/login
Code: 0975764732
This process is one I believe we make with thanksgiving and faith. I remain so thankful for the road we’ve walked thus far, before I was called to be your pastor and the road we’ve walked together since 2020. From your presence in worship to your continued generosity, to your participation in our ministries, to your unending prayers, I am grateful. I am excited by the work we have before us because of the people I am with. May the God who started our story over 150 years ago walk with us into the future that God has planned for us.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Matthew
