The First United Methodist congregation wasn’t content to look inward and preserve its sadly shrinking membership. 

Rev. Janita Krayniak said they weren’t content to be a caretaker church — provide a place for the current membership until the inevitable end. 

While I saw firsthand some of the emotions tied in with leaving their church building last week, I was impressed to hear that the congregation had made the decision as a way to look forward and continue to serve the community. 

For me, service to the community is a key factor of any church. I grew up Catholic and remember in Catechism classes learning of the history of missionaries to the New World and Asia, the sacrifices many of them made to spread the word and assist the communities they found themselves in. 

When my family lived in Georgia, we attended a non-denominational church that focused heavily on service and support to the community, assisting organizations that did good work, regardless if they had any affiliation to the church or were even a faith-based organization. 

James 2:18 says, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

The new federated church — combining the Methodists with Union Presbyterian Church — is working to ensure they are strong enough to continue doing good works, such as helping to hold Vacation Bible School and provide a variety of services. 

In an age of declining denominational church attendance this looks like the right move. And best of all, the beautiful church building left behind will still be a church under the leadership of the current Garland Community Church of God. 

Church names and locations may change, but it’s clear the important work to serve the community will continue.