Relate Church is a church of hope. From the greeters in the parking lot to inspiring, biblical teaching from the pulpit, Relate brings light to a world tinged with darkness. While workplaces can be hostile, divorce seems the norm, and a close family just a dream of the past in today's world, the pastors and churchgoers know their higher calling and follow Jesus Christ's lead to live a purposeful, abundant life. I'll share my first experience at Relate not because my story is especially interesting, but because it reveals the character of the individuals who make it such a great place to attend week after week. I hope you'll be able to experience the same kindness and warm welcome they gave me a year and a half ago.
My first Sunday service was both inspiring and overwhelming. I was inspired by the greeters and hand-shakers, the gathering of families, and the upbeat, surprisingly modern worship music - not to mention the message of hope, delivered in a peaceful setting. The overwhelming feeling came from a slight disbelief in just how joyful so many people seemed. People opening doors, worship singers under the bright lights, and people chatting with their friends seemed to smile far bigger and wider than the average joe. I hadn't been in such a genuinely uplifting environment and frankly, because I knew it wasn't phoney, I was caught a bit off guard.
While it was an eye-opening experience, my expectations were about to be exceeded once again just as I turned to leave. A quick tap on the shoulder led me to whip around expecting to see a long-time friend. However, it was the pastor who just poured his heart into the message he preached all of one minute ago. While I obviously knew Pastor John's name from the introduction, he humbly said "Hi, I'm John" and shook my hand. We chatted and after he welcomed me to my first service, I meandered through the groups of families and friends chatting in the foyer at what was my first of 75ish consecutive weeks at Relate Church.
Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Relate Church and His grace and presence is felt between its walls every Sunday. I look forward to many more weeks to come.
Charlie Hughes
Charlie is a businessperson, an incredible golfer, and possibly the friendliest person you'll ever meet. He serves with our Host Team.
