Good stuff this morning.
It was Communion Sunday so I wore my robe and stole. As I try to remind folks, the stole is from a great friend in El Salvador, and I wear it to remind myself and those around me that the Lord’s Supper is not only an individual act, not only a local church exercise, but a connection with the larger Body of Christ.
Before Communion, I made some opening remarks, which felt long to me, about community and this goal I have of taking Phil. 2: 1- 11 seriously as a church body. Did it feel long to you? Was it worth the time it took? Do people listen to introductory stuff like that?
The service was wonderful. Mike- great job!
The choir was outstanding as usual and their song lent itself so well to the spirit of communion.
Joan’s “Somewhere It’s Snowing” was incredible. I had never heard that song before and was really moved by it. To compare that snowflakes to the joy of salvation is a beautiful metaphor. I think it will cause me to look at snow differently the next time I see it coming down.
The praise team section of worship was neat. I know we don’t always do praise and worship on Communion Sunday but I am a big fan and thought it was great. The songs fit the theme for the day and the praise team led us in some good singing. I like seeing Mike out front with the Praise Team. Having a man in the mix is a good thing.
RuthAnn blended her children’s sermon into the theme of the day remarkably well.
The message focused on the idea that we are called to capture the heart of our community. The message didn’t feel that heavy as I prepared it but it sounded very heavy as I delivered it. But heavy in a good way! Did it feel heavy to you? I ended with a question, a big time question, “If FBC closed its doors tomorrow, would anybody in the community miss us?” I hope that question and our desire for a positive answer will be a driving force as we work on future ministries in our community.
I agree, a great day of worship! Your intro remarks were wonderfully appropriate and helped us to get into everything that was going to happen. No way too long!
When we are instructed to “examine ourselves” before the Lord’s Supper, your conversation to us helped lead in that direction. I sometimes think we hurry through that process, again thwarting God’s speaking to us convicting us, and we too hurried to listen.
Thanks for the kind words: soli Deo gloria!
It was so cool to have RuthAnn’s lesson flow into the whole “light” theme today. Fabulous! And the choir/bell thing worked really well….thanks to Kay, Marcia, Joan and Amanda for playing and singing at the same time!
“Somewhere It’s Snowing” is one of my longtime favs, and Joan did it beautifully this morning. I think it reminds me of the constant grace of Jesus – that no matter how I “muddy” everything up, His grace and mercy covers me like the snow covers the earth, pure, clean, holy…completely. An incredible thought!
As to the “Would anyone miss us?” question: I hope they would – and that they would remember how much we loved them. Nothing else. Not who we were but how much we loved and served and cared for those around us. That’s my prayer!
I really enjoyed the service too. I loved the praise team time. Those are some of my favorite praise songs, a little more subdued than many, but fit perfectly with the mood of the service and communion.
I appreciate you challenging us to be more. I find as I am going through the daily studies and listening to the sermon, that I am becoming more disenchanted with some of the “operations” of the church that should be trivial and yet sometimes become the focus. We need to focus on caring for each other, caring for those who enter our doors, no matter who they are, and be willing to grow and change to whatever God intends us to be. Keep prodding us….I am a firm believer that people will step up to the level of performance that is expected from them. We need to set the bar high.
I would certainly hope that prople would miss us, but I would like to be more certain. I think we are definitely heading in the right direction to make the answer to that question, not a hopeful statement, but a statement of fact.
By the way – just wanted to share…. Katie was very tired Sunday – had been at All State in Peoria Thurs through Saturday and then had a youth symphony concert Sat. night. But – she was determined to get up and go to church so she could hear the sermon! Don’t often hear that from a seventeen year old!
Cool beans for Katherine! That is incredible! But she is an incredible person of faith for her tender age.
I think you are right, Cindy. We need to be challenged and the bar needs to be high. We can no longer operate in the “same old way”…..we’ve got to catch the new vision and put everything we have into it. It’s our future – and our task as being God’s people and His Church.
You certainly do a great job with the Worship Team and I’m so glad you’re part of it. Everyone does their best to help lead the congregation in praise. I’m so blessed by all of you!
Steve,
I found your church’s page while tooling around reading Caleb’s blog re Mission Year.
I didn’t hear this morning’s sermon, but I’ve heard many others. I don’t remember the sermons (others than I always loved them and looked forward to them! Still can’t look at a Calvin and Hobbes strip without thinking of you!), but I remember the life.
You and Judi were the pastors who touched me more than any other with the love you focused on your church and your community–anybody within your sphere of influence.
This note is to let you know that I’ve enjoyed your book list and am currently trying to read through some of the titles. I think of you and pray for you often.
Thank you.
Virgie (Madison FBC)