Why is Grace Point Switching to Saturday Nights?

Grace Point continues asking how can we expand our reach in the community to encourage others in their faith journey? As a part of that we’ve questioned whether Sundays at 10am is the best time to reach our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing more and more individuals and families facing issues related to work and activity schedules that rule Sunday mornings out as the time to gather with the church. Sundays are no longer viewed as set a part for church.

When we extend invitations we hear comments like “I’ve got to work on Sundays” or “Sundays are the only time I get to spend resting” even “My kids play soccer on Sundays.” We also have had a number of our members get “called out” for work on a Sunday morning. Increasingly, Sundays are filled with competing activities. We can always question the “validity” of such activities, but rather than fight this trend and limit the number of people we are hoping to encourage, we’re making an adjustment in our approach.

In surveying the community, outside of Catholic Mass, it appears Sunday mornings are the only option for families in Odessa to gather for worship with the church. Certainly there are a few churches that offer Sunday and Wednesday evening gatherings, but these are not seen as “main” worship gathering times.

We understand the historical nature of gathering as the church on Sunday mornings. We have valued this through our own heritage and history, but rather than focus on what we “like” or are used to, we’re committed to reaching those who are disconnected from Christ and his church. Rather than continue to lament about how “no one makes church a priority” we are making people a priority by offering a legitimate option for gathering for worship with the church.

We believe there are plenty of great churches in Odessa gathering for worship on Sunday mornings and there are thousands of people unable to participate in Sunday worship for a number of reasons. We are not satisfied with this, so we’re providing an option on Saturdays!

Some may ask, why not do both Saturday and Sunday? Logistically, we cannot. Our current size limits us into choosing. We do not have the budget nor the facility to meet on both days, today. So we’ve drawn a line in the sand and we’re taking a stand to reach those who are disconnected from Christ and his church, who need to be encouraged in their journey of faith.

We believe individuals and families across Odessa are looking for a church that gathers with it’s neighbors, friends, and families in mind. We’re striving to be that kind of church.

Take a step of faith and be a part of the gatherings on Saturday nights at 5:05PM at Jordan Elementary School, 9400 Rainbow Dr.

Remember, if you need something to change in your life, chances are you need to make a change.