Scripture
– NKJV
Romans
8:28-29 –
And
we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Mark
6:7-13 –
Calling
the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority
over impure spirits.
These
were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread,
no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever
you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will
not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your
feet as a testimony against them.”
They
went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and
anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were warmly welcomed by the usher at the door, the pastor, and many others. The
pastor pointed out the sanctuary and rest room locations, though I didn’t see
signage for either. Many people stopped by our pew to welcome us while I got to
admire the great wooden cross with a wide drape. The ceiling is a moderate arch
with engineered beams over knotty pine; the acoustics were good.
The
pastor had just returned from a family trip south and spoke about the churches where
they worshiped while there; somewhat of a taste of what we do. He referred to a
question raised there, “Do you know more about Christ than you did last year?”
A good question about our growth.
I
realized today that the paper outline of the message probably helps with the
congregation’s retention of the sermon.
The
highlight of the message for me was the pastor relating his encounter and
witness to their gas repair man. We often get that whisper from God to witness,
to tell our story. You are never wrong to speak up.
A
major change came for me when one of our sons was killed. My therapy was to
talk about it and tell people about him. My ministry improved so much because
of my passion. My healing came from this witness. I joke that at times it was
by force and there may be some truth to that, but I talked to Christians and
those of other faiths, and some who held no beliefs.
Years
ago, I was lamenting how little reaction I noticed when I would wear one of my
Christian T-shirts into a secular setting like Kennywood Park. Then I realized
I may never know how God used that witness; it may not have been the person who
saw my Christian message but one they told or who they asked about it. Never
hesitate to tell your story…Christ may have you there for just that
opportunity.
The
gas repair man may not have gotten the message, maybe he didn’t need it, and
maybe somebody will be saved when the story is relayed down the road. Let
Christ use you, it feels great.
I missed
a time of confession before Communion and the elements were shared silently;
from where we sat it didn’t look like the pastor was served.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
visit many rural churches and each is as individual as the people who comprise
it. This one was lovely with obvious attention paid to details. One such detail
was the cross in the front draped in purple and featuring a crown of thorns. As
if that were not enough, a small matching cross, including drape and crown, sat
on each small window sill.
At
first, I thought the Scripture verses on the walls were done with paint, but up
close I could see they were cut out of black paper, obviously a labor of love.
When
we arrived, as we stood inside I noticed the signage and the people not just
milling about, but talking excitedly, greeting each other, and hugging. More of
the same went on inside the sanctuary before worship, during the greeting time,
and afterward. Many people stopped to introduce themselves and welcome us, and
the pastor took time to greet and talk with us and provide directions on his
way into the sanctuary.
The
fair-sized sanctuary was nearly full, including the overflow space in a sort of
balcony with its own entrance.
The
bulletin included a flyer for a movie slated to open this coming Friday, March
16, called I Can Only Imagine…it is
the story behind the MercyMe song of that title. I’m not sure I’ll be able to watch
it, as this is one of the songs sung at our son’s memorial service. I’m sure it
will be excellent and well worth watching.
The
message was entitled Ministry Principles
for “Sent Ones” and focused on “The Teaching Model of Jesus/The Pattern for
Jesus’ Followers” – Follow Me, Be with Me, and Go as Me.” As the pastor put it:
the call from Christ is a call to conversion (seeing Him for who He is),
intimacy (spending time with Him), and mission (going out with Him).
He
closed with the reminder that there is a reason we are where we are. I have
been reminded of this regularly of late, so I felt like he was speaking to me.
I guess I needed yet one more reminder, so I am passing it along.
I
greatly appreciated that the service concluded with the Sacrament of Communion.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will encourage Your church to tell their story. May they boldly
witness for You. Amen.
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