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Published: Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 / Updated: Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 07:58 PM

Monday night’s all right for St. John’s members

FORT MILL -- 

St. John’s United Methodist Church in Fort Mill opens its doors every Monday night at 6:30 pm for a worship service for the community.

After months of studies, St. John’s started this service last May. This new worship time allows for a different type of worship for the community.

“It is very casual and allows for an open door to everyone,” Pastor Carl Hunsucker says.

Since beginning, the Monday night service has proven to be a success. The church community has seen 50 or more people in attendance each week, Hunsucker says.

Along with adding a more relaxing environment for worship, it also gives an alternative option for people who cannot attend the 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. Sunday services.

“Whether people can make it or not, the service is here and open for everyone,” Hunsucker says. “It gives an option for people with Sunday jobs that can’t make it to our weekend services.”

Before the service begins, the church holds a reception for all visitors. This allows for refreshments and social gatherings before starting the service.

The Monday service is led by Dr. Bill Cummings, the music director at the church.

“It is a different pace of music than Sunday’s services,” said parishioner George Dickinson.

“It gives people an informal time to reflect.”

The music Dr. Cummings uses is shown on a screen behind the band allowing for the rest of the community to sing along in praise.

Along with the different pace of worship, St. John’s likes to bring in different speakers.

Pastor Randy Madsen, from Grace Community United Methodist Church, spoke at the service last Monday, Oct. 15.

“We have had different speakers on numerous occasions,” Hunsucker says. “It makes for a real fun time.”

St. John’s United Methodist church is located at 130 Tom Hall St. across from the Fire Department in downtown Fort Mill.

“Whether people are looking for a new church or just a place to worship, our doors are open to all,” Hunsucker says.