Scripture – NLT
Psalm 136 –
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights— His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He brought Israel out of Egypt. His faithful love endures forever.
He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
He led Israel safely through, His faithful love endures forever.
but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings. His faithful love endures forever.
He killed powerful kings— His faithful love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites, His faithful love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan. His faithful love endures forever.
God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance— His faithful love endures forever.
a special possession to his servant Israel. His faithful love endures forever.
He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
Acts 2:46 –
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity…
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 –
For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.
Bob’s thoughts:
I passed this church one day looking for a feed store and it has been on our list since. In retrospect it seems odd that God led us here today, on a Sunday when most churches experience poor attendance. This one had a potluck brunch.
We were greeted when we came in, the change in service was explained, and we were offered the chance to stay or come back another time.
After a little Scripture and a few words of enlightenment, we shared Communion at each table. I was sorry when I realized I missed the opportunity to serve the pastor.
After a prayer, the congregation passed through an adjoining room to fill their plates from a scrumptious assortment of food.
We were able to talk to a few people and share a witness back and forth. The coffee was great and we had a little food.
We enjoyed the time we had to socialize and look forward to returning for a worship service in the future.
Jan’s thoughts:
This was such a different morning, but quite enjoyable.
This church clearly values hospitality: we parked in a First-Time Visitor parking space, the signage was exceptional, the elevator was greatly appreciated, and many people warmly welcomed us.
Today’s service was different – and appropriate for this particular Sunday, consisting of a devotional time, Communion, and a brunch all in the fellowship area. As it turned out, this was a relaxed opportunity to get to know some new friends.
During the devotional time the pastor referred to Communion as Christ’s “scandalous message of reconciliation.” What a great way to put it!
This visit was unique, and I’m overjoyed that we stayed. We definitely plan to return for a typical service.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will lead us back here soon to worship with our new friends. Amen.
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