Scripture
– NIV
Psalm
19:7-10 –
The
law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are
trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving
joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the
eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD
are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They
are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
James
1:22-25 –
Do
not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who
looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and
immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the
perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they
have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Matthew
7:24-27 –
“Therefore
everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a
wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it
had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and
does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on
sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against
that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were looking to worship today where we could participate in World Communion Sunday.
To me, it was special to partake of the elements in front of an impressive
cross. The large wooden beams of the arched ceiling gave a dome-like effect.
There are lovely fall banners and striking, brightly colored glass windows. There
is a wholesome age mix, a good sign of a healthy church.
We
were greeted by a few people nearby in the pews and by one woman before the
service who intentionally stopped to welcome us.
The
praise team sounded wonderful; I especially appreciated the lead female voice. There
must have been a mic problem with the Scripture reading, but the best font size
on the screens I’ve ever seen, and from the very back pew. I think the facility
would benefit from a new look at signage. I was happy with the time allotted
for personal prayer and confession.
Everyone
had to have loved the children’s choir presentation, it was a joy.
The
message started with photos depicting a perspective of the earth to the sun and
then outward into the universe with each entity spinning in their own right.
When the pastor asked what the one constant was, I’m sure he didn’t hear the
child near us answer “God,” but there is someone teaching their children well.
A
line I liked had to do with our lives being built on top of the Rock, the Word
of God. The sermon ended with two points: God is holy and God is love.
The
congregation seemed attentive to the pastor’s message.
We were
grateful to have had a few minutes to talk to the pastor after the service and
the privilege to lay hands and pray for him. I wish we could have served him
Communion.
Jan’s
thoughts:
Because
today is World Communion Sunday, we decided to attend a more traditional church
where we knew the occasion would be celebrated. It has been almost 8 years
since our last visit here.
The
sanctuary is lovely, with intensely colorful and unique stained glass-effect
windows and banners down both side walls. The sun shone through the windows and
all I could see were colors. The front wall had a gold-colored, filigree-type
ironwork backlit in green with a gold-colored cross hung in front of it and the
traditional wooden pews were set at a bit of an angle.
The
only person I had trouble hearing for some reason was the liturgist. And hearing
the children sing is always a joy.
The
two screens used to display the song lyrics were mounted high and the font was the
largest I’ve ever seen, so even from the very back pew, it was easy to see and follow.
The
untitled sermon focused on God’s unchanging nature. The pastor emphasized two
major points: God is holy, He has the right to be Master and Judge; and God is
love and condescends to be our Friend and Companion. When God sent Jesus, it
served to both satisfy His holiness and show His infinite love. This is the
centerpiece of our faith.
Communion
was celebrated as several rows at a time went forward and kneeled at the rail where
a small bowl contained the bread and the juice was in individual cups sitting
in cutouts on top of the rail.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray for Your continued
guidance for this church, thanking You for the blessings You have poured out.
Please encourage them and grow their faith, let the joy of serving You
increase. Amen.
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