Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 12, 2008 by decaturfbc
What made me happy this Sunday?
Well, my mom was with us for Sunday service and that made me happy. This is the first Sunday that she has been with us since we have moved to Illinois. She was really impressed with the congregation’s friendliness. I have said it before- it is our biggest asset.
The attendance made me happy. We looked pretty good.
The look of the sanctuary made me happy. As we entered the buidling, we were greeted by smiley faces in the windows. Four happy face posters (thank you Polly) ushered us into the sanctuary. The platform looked so cool. Smiley face balloons, beachballs, furniture and knick-knacks were everywhere. It was festive.
The attitude of the congregation made me happy. There was a good spirit Sunday.
The prelude made me happy. Lively and festive- great job Mike.
The story of the Pig of Happiness made me very happy. The pig chose happiness and developed so much of it that it leaked out to all the other pigs and onto the other farm animals as well. What a great story.
The congregational singing made me happy. The praise songs were great. I love “Shout to the North.”
Marcia’s Moment in Mission made me happy. To be reminded that mission is who we are and what we are about is important for us to hear.
The sanctuary choir made me happy. Their song was wonderfully done. Many churches don’t have choirs anymore and it is exciting to see this group who week after week work hard to prepare and then share God’s word in song.
Shelby’s song made me happy. The song itself is moving, and her rendition was great. She is a very talented young lady and I can’t wait to hear more from her.
RuthAnn’s basket message always makes me happy. It is a highlight of the service. And the kids were great. I talked to them at breakfast about staying off the platform because of the temptation to mess with all the stuff, and they responded wonderfully.
The puppets made me happy. The black light puppets are so funny. They did a good job with the song and the acrobatics cracked me up.
I was happy with the message. I think I made the points I was hoping to make. As we spend a few weeks in Matthew 5 - 7 (the Sermon on the Mount), I wanted to emphasize the importance of these chapters as fundament to understanding Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdome of heaven. Hence, the idea that the Sermon on the Mount is reflective of Jesus’ stump speech- his ongoing teaching. In particular, we looked on the Beatitudes. Jesus focuses on what makes us feel blessed, happy, fulfilled. Interestingly, it is not the stuff most of us would list. Rather, it is the recognition that if we take Jesus seriously, life changes and the facts of life, the circumstances of life, are not the stuff that bring us joy or happiness. It is life lived in the presence of God.
I was happy that Samantha, Shelby, Kailey and Joel chose to make public professions of faith at the end of the service. Now, it is the congregation’s responsibility to nurture them through our words, actions, and prayers.
It was a happy day. What about you- what made you happy? Feel free to share a comment- it would make me happy!
Steve
It WAS a happy day! I think God smiled with us and said, “Finally…..you’re getting it! Don’t be worried, trust Me for all things.”
Hats off to eveyrone who contributed to the music - choir, Worship Team, Shelbie. puppets….you are all amazing and have been the voice of God to us.
To truly live in the confidence of God’s presence, knowing that He is right there and that there is purpose and a plan for EVERYTHING that happens….the good and the bad alike, is really freeing. To live in the freedom, with grace, compassion and unending love is the challenge. Thanks for helping us to move in that direction, Steve.
It made me happy to read about the happy day.
May God continue to bless, guide and be happy as you serve Him.
An “old” happy cheerleader,
Mac Shotwell