SHERBURNE – A new non-denominational Christian church was recently incepted in Sherburne, and has a great deal to offer for both children and adults of all ages.
World Channel Outlet Ministries was started by founder and Pastor Wendy L. Gillette in 2011, and began with a media ministry with the mission to bring God’s word through social media. The WCOM Church opened its doors in 2013, offering a Sunday church service that involves traditional and contemporary music; prayer; and a sermon that relates Biblical-based messages to parishoners in an accessible way through real-life antecdotes and connections.
While members are welcome to tithe as part of the service, they are also encouraged to write down prayers or concerns that will then be placed on the “Prayer Tree.” The tree serves as a symbol of support and casts light on those prayers.
“I am a person who has dedicated her life to God, and I want His people to have a deep understanding of Him and His Word and what He desires for His people through practical, insightful teachings,” Gillette said. “I want all who participate with WCOM to reach their full-potential by molding and shaping everything that we offer as real and obtainable knowledge for your daily life.”
WCOM church holds a regular Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. in a renovated building on Gillette’s property, and in the summer months has service outside, weather permitting.
When asked about the anticipated growth of the ministry and church, Gillette said, “God has given me a great vision for WCOM. Bit by bit and in His timing, we will continue to grow our local church through sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ one-on-one, in groups, and through social media. We will continue to grow to push our borders to serve God, locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Beyond Sunday service, WCOM provides a variety of services for the community by offering individuals and families spiritual encouragement, food, clothing, and household items to those in need. During Christmas time, there is a gathering with activities for children, snacks, wagon-drawn horse rides and music.
Interactive presentations for Christmas time and Easter have also been used to convey Biblical messages that are instructional and enjoyable for adults and children alike.
For those who are home-bound or wish to follow service from long-distance, WCOM uploads all of its sermons and human interest stories to its Youtube channel. Daily spiritual messages are also sent out to followers via email and Facebook. The videos range from a man who goes into prisons to teach plumbing skills, sharing the New York state school changes, to people sharing their craft, their passions and people helping animals.
“I started the ministry by doing video stories with my dog in tow as a way to reach and teach people about the God I know and love,” Gillette said. “It was a fun and easy way to get to know people, share their stories, and allow the end results to reach other people who can relate to what was shared, all the while exhibiting Godly principles.”
WCOM recently expanded to include a Bible study group for adults on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and a weekly children’s activity throughout the summer on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the church. The activities are hands-on, practical, and teach Godly principles in fun, engaging ways.
Another aspect of WCOM that is unique is Gillette’s incorporation of her farm. Sometimes she has used the horses to help connect parishoners, especially children, to her sermons. The animals also provide an outlet for children and families so they can have a fun, interactive experience.
Said Gillette, “We were blessed with the gift of draft horses for the use of the ministry and they allow us to offer wagon rides, allow children and adults the opportunity to get back to basics, reconnect to nature, and God’s animals.”
All are welcome to join World Channel Outlet Ministries and Church (501 c 3), which is located at 125 County Road 20, Sherburne. Call 674-4026 or visit www.wcomwalkingthewalk.org for more information.