WordUP To Host Complimentary Lunch

Community members are welcome to visit WordUP Ministries on Sunday, Oct. 26, when the church will host a chili cook-off. The complimentary lunch will also include grilled cheese sandwiches, desserts and beverages.

Activities will take place at 11:45 a.m., immediately after the 10:45 a.m. church service. Visitors to the first-time event will be able to taste a number of chili dishes made by church members.

"The ladies of the church are putting this together," said pastor Buck Mowday, noting that the event will take place in the church's cafe. "We will have at least seven different pots of chili. We will have little sheets of paper (where people can vote) for their favorite." He noted that chili that may spicy will be clearly marked.

The latest activity is part of the church's effort to promote camaraderie among church members and the community.

"We are always trying to figure out ways that WordUP can be involved in our community," said Mowday. "Our cafe opens at 10 a.m. There will be snacks that morning and coffee before the service. We do that every Sunday. On the first Sunday of every month, we have a breakfast, and that is open to (the community) at 9:45 a.m. And it not just sandwiches. It could be scrambled eggs, steak and eggs or pancakes."

The Sunday service is casual and contemporary and includes a message, readings from Scripture and worship music. "We offer practical (information) that you can apply when you go home through the week," Mowday stated. "We talk about Scripture, but practical ways to fulfill those Scriptures in your life."

WordUP started as Soup, Sandwich and Talk events that were held at the Gap Fire Company. Each program included a variety of free soups and sandwiches with a short sermon. The programs were the predecessor to the creation of WordUp Community Ministries in 2018.

"We are the church; the building is not the church," said Mowday. "And the church is not just the service. Church is happening in our cafe way before we come together to worship the Lord. We are big into relationships. It is part of our vision."

He said that first-time visitors are especially welcome to check out what WordUP Ministries has to offer. "People here are very friendly. We have a great group of people," Mowday added. "We have greeters downstairs and upstairs when you come in."

WordUP is located at 160 Route 41, Gap, on the second floor of the Dutchland Inc. building. An elevator is available.

For more information, visit www.wordupcommunityministries.org or search for "WordUP Community Ministries" on Facebook. Services are also livestreamed on the Facebook page.

Those with questions may email buckmowday@gmail.com.