History of the Service

mOn May 20 1981, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church sanctuary, parish office, hall and rectory burned to the ground. One of the members of Rainbow Lakes United Methodist Church was driving by and saw the flames. He awoke Father Philip Stegeman, who lived on the premises, and got him and his dog, Bic, to safety. The next day, Reverend Wilbur Williams, pastor of R.L. United Methodist Church, went to the site. After seeing the devastation, he called a meeting of the R.L. United Methodist congregation and voted to allow the Catholic congregation to use their sanctuary. This relationship between the two congregations worked beautifully. Everyone cooperated sharing expenses and use of the facilities--forming a relationship much like the early Christians in Acts.
mAfter building their new facility at its present location, St. John's parishioners invited their sisters and brothers from R.L. United Methodist, to share their Thanksgiving service. On the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving both congregations gathered, eating their communial "meal with exultation and sincerity of heart" (Acts 2:46). After worshiping together, all were treated to pumpkin pie.
mSince then both communities have remained close, joining in worship and prayer on the Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving, alternating churches each year.