Scripture
– NIV
Psalm
22:25-31 –
From
you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear
you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek
the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever!
All
the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families
of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and
he rules over the nations.
All
the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will
kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve
him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his
righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!
John
21:15-19 –
When
they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you
love me more than these?”
“Yes,
Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus
said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again
Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He
answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus
said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The
third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter
was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said,
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus
said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed
yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out
your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want
to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would
glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were redirected from the church we were headed to this morning and surprised
the worship start time was not what we expected.
We
were welcomed warmly and given a tour of the basement kitchen and even into the
boiler room.
This
church is the outcome of three churches’ merging seemingly in harmony, unusual
in church mergers.
The
sanctuary has a large cross suspended, and I liked the ribbons over the wall
sconces to resemble the Methodist flame emblem.
The
woman who showed us the military honor wall, which I was pleased to see, told
us her husband is a Marine and he came by later to talk.
I
missed not seeing any children or young people for that matter, and I also found
no signage.
There
is a banner depicting Christ’s empty tomb but from where I was sitting I was
sure it was an upside-down kitten. I wish I’d gotten a better look.
Most
of the time I was lost during the hymns because I could not hear the choir.
The pastor
referred to the governor who ran for mayor because at that level he could do
something to help. I was reminded of when my brother was a state representative
and wanted me to run for some office. I told him I was willing to be a Justice
of the Peace or God, but I would want a job where I could help.
Jan’s
thoughts:
A
gentleman opened the door for us as we entered, greeted us, and then took the
time to give us some history and a tour. This congregation resulted from the
merger of three churches which, from all accounts, truly became one
congregation.
When
we returned to the sanctuary following our tour, I noticed a hospitable touch:
small bottles of water in several locations in the rear of the worship area for
anyone in need.
A
number of people extended an invitation us to join them at the lunch following
worship but we had to decline as we had other plans.
“Three
Threes” was the sermon title, which referred to Jesus’ restoration of Peter by
asking three times “Do you love Me?” With compassion, Christ “brought Peter
through boasting and denial to discipleship.” The lesson was summed up in one
statement: to love God, love the people God loves.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will breathe the Spirit anew on Your church. Encourage them and
continue to grow their faith. Amen.
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