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University UMC's contemporary service attracts young people

From left, Associate Pastor Kelly Menke, Chiton Brinson, Justin Thacker, Lori Brax, Jenna Penquite, Charlie McMichael and Stuart Eshleman lead the Act II contemporary service at University UMC in Salina. (photo by Jack Morris)

Written: 11/23/2009

By Jack Morris
Special contributor
SALINA—“Act II” is a weekly, 5 p.m. Sunday service at University United Methodist Church in Salina that features a short sermon, relaxed atmosphere, friendly conversation and lots of contemporary Christian music. The service is targeted to young adults ages 18 to 30.

The music for the service is provided by a Christian rock band “to allow students to praise God in their own way,” bandleader and drummer Stuart Eshleman said recently.

Six of the band members are Kansas Wesleyan University students, including Eshleman, singers Jenna Penquite and Cecilia Martinez, singer and saxophonist Charlie McMichael, bass guitarist Justin Thacker and guitarist Chiton Brinson. Lori Brax currently is the pianist, and I play guitar.

Senior Pastor Rev. Mike Rose, Associate Pastor Kelley Menke and Walter Marsella deliver the informal messages, which often are supported by video clips from the Internet.

“The purpose of ‘Act II’ is to open the church to a new style of worship for the campus and community,” Rose said.

He hopes the contemporary music, relaxed atmosphere and unusual time would attract people who are not attending church regularly.

The “Act II” service is followed by “Buck Meal,” where students can enjoy a buffet dinner for a modest donation.