By Sofia Fernandez, Director of Contemporary Worship and Rev. Anna Brook Opalinski, Associate Pastor

This year marks a noteworthy milestone in our church’s history as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of our congregation. As we look back on two centuries of faith, fellowship, and service, we also celebrate a significant moment within this journey—the 25th anniversary of our Contemporary Service. 

What began in 1999 as the “SUN Service,” an acronym that stood for “Serving Unmet Needs,” this gathering infused fresh energy into our worship experience. The SUN Service was a place where modern music, a focus on fellowship, and contemplative prayer and worship came together, drawing a diverse group of attendees, including young families, newcomers, and long-standing members eager for a different style of worship. Over the years, as it evolved into what we now call the Contemporary Service, it has remained a cornerstone of our church’s mission to offer dynamic and inclusive worship that serves the needs of all. 

Music has always been at the heart of this service. From the earliest days, when a small band with just a guitar and a keyboard led the congregation, to the vibrant, full-bodied sound of our current worship team, the Contemporary Service   has been a place where music moves the soul and connects us to God in a profound way. Each Sunday, Moor Hall fills with the sounds of guitars, drums, and voices raised in praise, creating an atmosphere of joy, redemption, and reverence. 

But music is only one part of what makes this service special. The Contemporary Service is also about fellowship—a place where relationships are built, nurtured, and deepened. Whether it’s through small group discussions after the service, passing of the peace, or simply the time spent chatting by the donut table, the sense of community here is strong and enduring. It’s a place where we can come as we are, knowing that we are accepted, loved, and valued. 

Fellowship and music at our Contemporary Service have helped create a safe and contemplative setting for people to come and worship, no matter who they are, who they love, or where they are on their faith journey. The reflective nature of the service allows people to ask questions and to find the answers for themselves within Scripture, music, and relationships. The Prayer Station has been a crucial part of the service, indicating a physical space where prayer and action come together in people’s faith.  

As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, it’s important to express our deep gratitude to those who have made the Contemporary Service what it is today. First, to the volunteers—your dedication and hard work have been the backbone of this service. Whether you’ve been part of the worship team, served as greeters, helped with sound and lighting, or assisted in countless other ways, your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Your willingness to give of your time and talents has helped create a worship experience that is both welcoming and inspiring. 

We also owe a debt of thanks to the faithful members of our congregation who have attended the Contemporary Service over the years. Your presence, your voice, your prayers, and your participation have breathed life into this service. Many of you have been with us since the early days of the SUN Service, and your commitment to this community is a testament to your faith and love for God. 

Finally, we acknowledge the visionaries who conceived the SUN Service, like Rev. Mark Caldwell, and the leaders who have shepherded it through its evolution into the Contemporary Service. Your foresight, creativity, and perseverance 

have left an indelible mark on our church’s history, and we are forever grateful for your leadership. 

As we move forward, we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the past and hope for the future. The Contemporary Service has been a place of spiritual growth, community, and worship for 25 years, and we look forward to many more years of praising God together in this vibrant and joyful way. 

Happy 25th anniversary to the Contemporary Service, and happy 200th anniversary to our beloved church! Here’s to many more years of worship, fellowship, and service to come.