Scripture – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 NIV –
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bob’s thoughts:
Recently we were headed to this church and got here after the service started so we opted for another church that shares the building. We have been redirected so many times that I don’t doubt God’s hand in where we go. Today I learned why He wanted us here: we were able to go forward and lay hands to pray over the Deacons and Elders being ordained. It always makes me smile when He leads us to pray over the people He has chosen to do His will. The ordination brought us back to our Presbyterian roots and we were glad He led us here to participate.
The extended time of greeting and passing Christ’s peace was brought to a close with the male worship leader playing guitar and singing as he walked up the aisle sort of herding God’s sheep back into the pews.
We were greeted at the door and found signage directing to the restrooms.
There is a great large cross over an unusual stained glass panel at the front of the comfortable and pleasant sanctuary. I especially liked the stained glass and candles that were projected on the wall.
The man and woman leading the singing have incredible harmony; it was most enjoyable to hear them leading. The words were projected with good contrast.
There were a number of young children and we all enjoyed some of their answers during the children’s message. I thought it was a great segue to Presbyterian evangelism – go fishing for seekers, take a Bible and sandwich, feed them and they will come. God calls who He will and uses you where you are needed. We need only answer His call.
We were thankful to have a few minutes with the pastor after worship. God is doing amazing things here.
Jan’s thoughts:
We headed for this church in December but due to a timing mix-up that week we ended up at a different church that meets in this building. Today we gave it another try, and I was glad we did.
We were greeted as we entered the building and immediately handed a welcome bag and bulletin. Several people welcomed us with smiles as we made our way to the restrooms downstairs thanks to well-placed signage.
The sanctuary was striking with a floor-to-ceiling vertical stained-glass window and a cross most of the size of that window in front of it. The modern design of the building, the sleek style of the pews, and the fresh style of the artwork on the walls made the contemporary music feel just right. The music was led by a marvelous mother-son duo whose voices blended superbly.
A true joy of this morning was to participate in a service of ordination and installation of officers, something we have not taken part in for a long time. I was grateful to be able to go forward to lay hands and pray for this group of servants and was intrigued by the pastor’s remarks as he pointed out the baptismal font front and center, connecting baptism with church leadership.
I appreciated the Children’s Chat as the speaker took the children through the physical motions of fishing then related it to fishing for people.
The Meditation was Called, Confirmed, Collected – Signed, Sealed, Delivered and focused on Paul’s call and authority in the subject text. He emphasized trusting that our conversion, our gifts, our call, are from God and are not mistakes or accidents. God has already defined us and what He says to and about us is trustworthy.
We appreciated our conversation with the pastor following worship.
Our prayer for this church:
Father, we lift Your church to You and pray for Your continued blessings as You grow their faith and knowledge of You. Amen.
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