God's Country
Members of the God's Country worship service celebrate the word of God a little differently than most.
Members are encouraged to wear their cowboy attire, complete with hats and boots. The services, which are Saturday nights in the former Knights of Columbus Hall, 232 E. North St., are part of First United Methodist Church.
“At 7 p.m., the music will start the hour service,” Tammy Gamble, God's Country worship service coordinator said. “Your heart will be blessed by one of the best country bands in the area, many who have played professionally.”
The sermons at the service are the same message that is delivered that week at First United Methodist Church.
The band is under the direction of Von McCommons, the worship leader at God's Country.
“This service is one of a kind, and Butler's only country music worship service, where we sing, pray, hear God's word and fellowship around a meal afterward, all in Jesus' name,” said McCommons.
The band has 11 musicians and singers, who lead the congregation in inspirational songs.
“We play foot-stomping, high-energy country gospel music at our services, and it's very obvious that our folks in the congregation have a great time enjoying our country style of worship,” McCommons said.
The congregation listens to the vocals of some award-winning inspirational country music artists during the services.
“We invite local country music entertainers to come and sing a few songs in our service on a regular basis, such as Loretta Ann and Donnie Clark to name a few,” McCommons said. “We also from time to time have award-winning inspirational country music artists, such as Tommy Brandt, Mary Jaymes and Charee White.”
The upbeat music keeps the congregation entertained as they hear the word of God.“They clap, they cheer and shout Yee-Haw!” McCommons said. “A lot of folks wear their cowboy boots and hats.”“Every Saturday evening you will find over 200 folks of all ages and ethnic backgrounds dressed in their jeans, some in boots and hats and even a little cowgirl bling,” Gamble said.The church service, which began about eight years ago, has gained popularity within the past couple years.“When I first started, our service averaged around 50 people in attendance every Saturday night,” said McCommons, who joined the staff two years ago. “We are now averaging 250 in attendance.”The service is also family friendly, offering day care and inspirational activities for younger children.“Before the sermon is delivered, the children 4 years old to fifth grade head to Kid Corral to the tune of 'Happy Trails,'” Gamble said. “Nursery care is provided for children 4 years and under.”After the hour worship service, all are welcome to stay and mingle with one another and share in a meal.“These homemade meals are prepared under the team leadership of Ron and Pat Henricks along with many volunteers,” Gamble said. “When the food is served fellowship continues.”“I have never been to a church service were folks have as much fun as we do in my 25 years of being a worship leader,” McCommons said.“We truly want everybody to feel that they are welcomed no matter where they are in their life mentally, physically, financially, or spiritually,” Gamble said.“It has been said many times, 'If Jesus was in town, this is the service he would attend,'” Gamble said. “There are no strangers. You walk in the doors, you belong. You will find a friend who will accept you as you are.”
