Scripture
– 1 Thessalonians 5:12-27 NIV
Now
we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you,
who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest
regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we
urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive,
encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure
that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for
each other and for everyone else.
Rejoice
always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do
not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all;
hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
May
God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole
spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Brothers
and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you
before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We
were warmly greeted by those near us and during the welcome time, and some
thanked me for my service.
There
is a large cross outside in front of the church and a wooden cross over diagonal
paneling on the wall.
It
was a real treat for me to be able to clearly and easily hear and understand
the pastor.
There
are two projection screens, making it easy to see the words as we sang. I
enjoyed hearing the pastor get an amen when he spoke.
Was
pleased to note in the bulletin that Wednesday is reserved as the Pastor’s
Sabbath. Another thing that made me smile from the bulletin was See You at the
Pole. When our late son was a high school junior, we got a call from the
principal: “Your son is standing out by the flagpole by himself and won’t come
in.” Senior year, different school, same call. We were proud he was never
embarrassed by his faith.
There
was an extended prayer time with various stations set up around the sanctuary.
While I didn’t go to the stations, it did give me time to pray for the church
and its leaders.
Enjoyed
the female voice at solo at the end of the service…her voice was too big for
the sanctuary. We were also privileged to witness a baptism afterward.
The
church has been looking to acquire property and recently God led them to adjacent
land and buildings with even a parking area. They hope to develop the green
space for community involvement. God is leading them to exciting times.
Jan’s
thoughts:
We
were welcomed warmly by several people before we even found seats, and by
others after we sat.
The
sanctuary has plenty of comfortable seating and acoustics that enabled us to
hear well. The male voices leading the music blended well today, and with only
a keyboard and two acoustic guitars for back-up, provided a pleasant sound.
There
were numerous announcements, including participation in a Samaritan’s Purse mission
trip to flooded areas. This congregation seems to be very busy outside their
own walls. They have recently purchased some property adjacent to their own
which they plan to use to move out into the surrounding community in the hope
of reaching unchurched neighbors.
Many
churches have a greeting time, but this congregation greeted each other during one
of the songs; it worked well.
The
pastor kindly provided instructions for the planned Prayer Stations which were
set up around the sanctuary. There was a kneeling rail, a prayer room, paper
and a paper shredder signifying confession and repentance, stones and a bowl of
water representing confession to the Lord, a Sign of Hope poster board where everyone
was invited to share messages or prayers of hope, and a prayer request bowl
where the prayers submitted will be prayed over at prayer gatherings.
This
church does this every fourth Sunday. Obviously, prayer is a vital part of this
congregation’s spiritual life.
The
message focused on the Scripture passage and verse by verse the pastor pointed
out the necessity of prayer in order to accomplish each Biblical command.
Following
the message, everyone stepped outside for the baptism of an 11-year-old. I
appreciated her testimony beforehand where she recounted accepting Christ in
third grade. Praise God is all I can say.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we pray You will continue to bless Your church. Guide them in the use of this
area You have given them and encourage them as they endeavor to spread Your
Good News. Amen.
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