between Catholic and Protestant. The Methodist Church – particularly more tradition-minded congregations like UMC Fulton’ s – have liturgical practices rooted in the old Anglican Church, a direct offshoot of the Catholic Church which shares many of its practices. As a result, the two churches share common sources from the past for their practices.
“ Sometimes we have the same readings. It’ s kind of surprising,” Shells said.“ My son is a Methodist. I’ ve listened to the reading in our church, then go into his church with him the next morning and hear the same reading, and to have their take on it is interesting.”
Those similarities occasionally lead to scheduling conflicts – for instance, when both churches want to hold a Good Friday service – the two congregations take the conflicts in stride
“ We kind of step on each other’ s toes at times, but we expected to,” Shells said.“ We’ re very similar. We both have Good Friday services. It’ s surprising to me how similar our celebrations are. So we just kind of have to work on the time.”
One body, many parts
I Corinthians 12:12 presents the idea that the Church is“ one body, but it has many parts.” The remarkable relationship UMC Fulton and Christ the King Catholic have built showcases that biblical ideal through the common ground the two congregations have established as members of the body of Christ. Reverend Lilley lauded how UMC Methodist has bene-
COURTESY PHOTO | UMC FULTON
The UMC Fulton choir sings during a service at Christ the King Catholic Church in March 2024. Having the use of the property has allowed Reverend Smith Lilley and his congregation to perform all the normal functions of a church.
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