Christians, rather than just a set of beliefs and ideals.
“ It’ s not me or any of the institutions,” Lilley said.“ Those are good and necessary things, but what really has made this possible is the hard work and faithfulness of UMC Fulton and Christ the King members. It’ s a local story. It’ s Fulton people coming together to make it happen.”
For their part, the churches’ leaders have exemplified the cordial relationship between their congregations, complimenting each other as host and guest, respectively.
“ They’ re nice guests,” Shells said.“ It’ s working fine.
“ I’ m super grateful to Christ the King and to Joan in particular for their hospitality,” Lilley said.“ It’ s made Fulton UMC possible.”
As the unlikely relationship grows between Christ the King Catholic and UMC Fulton, Lilley is enjoying the opportunity to watch believers grow in Christ together despite centuries of division between their greater churches.
“ I just get to witness it and sing their praises.”
ben. sutton @ djournal. com
THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL
Joan Shell of Fulton stands inside the sanctuary of Christ the King Catholic Church in downtown Fulton on March 22, 2022. Christ the King is Fulton’ s lone Catholic church and occupies the city’ s first chu ch site.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
- Matthew 18:20
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