Where we worship
Address: P.O. Box 39, Harlem, GA 30814 (115 W. Milledgeville Road)
The Rev. Roger Vest is the pastor of Harlem United Methodist Church.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Telephone: (706) 556-688
Affiliation: United Methodist
Web site: www.harlemgaumc.orgServices: Sunday - 9 a.m., informal service with praise band; 10 a.m., Sunday School for all ages; 11 a.m. traditional worship; 5 p.m. - U-Turn youth ministry; 5:30 p.m. - FaithWeaver Friends children's ministry; 6 p.m. - Camp meeting-style singing and Bible study
Pastor: The Rev. Roger A. Vest
Congregation size: 400 members, 190 in worship weekly
Membership: Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond counties
Founded: 1874
Known for: "Our concern for all people of our community. Our worship, youth, children's and outreach ministries all point to God's unconditional love for all people," Vest said.
Music: 9 a.m. service - praise team leads worship with guitars, keyboard, drums, etc.; 11 a.m. service - choir leads worship with piano and organ.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about giving your church a try? "Everyone is welcome. I would invite them to come and journey with us as we seek to know and grow in Christ," Vest said.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the faithful today? "Discernment,'' Vest said. "How does God want me to serve and in what capacity? Because we all have been given different gifts and talents, our role as disciples is going to vary ... What are we to do with the gift of salvation that God has given to us? Too many Christians have not thought and prayed through this very issue. If we are truly to be who God called us to be, then we need to wrestle with these questions every day.''