Do you know, some Sundays are just so full of God's provision and grace that His blessings just keep on overflowing! As I prepared for today's activities, I looked at quite a lot of things that needed to be done, things that needed to be said, people that I needed to talk to, songs I needed to practice, the sermon I needed to preach (and keep to 15 minutes!) and I thought 'Wo! Slow down Lord! I can't keep up!"
This morning we had the privilege of welcoming Barry and Ann into membership of our church. Now to some this may sound a little strange that churches should have some of formal membership. Well we, in the Baptist tradition follow the teachings of the first church where 'they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship'(Acts 2:42). It is a sign of commitment between individuals and the church fellowship to support one another as we serve the Lord in our community.
Some people tend to drift from one church to the next and don't seem to put roots down where they can grow in knowledge of God and in fellowship with other Christians. This is a real shame because there are so many benefits from being in a loving church family where you are supported, encouraged, taught and loved. Most people who come to SBC find it a welcoming church and a very loving one - not just a superficial shake of the hand and the usual pleasantries, but an authentic caring and love for the person no matter what their background. I am pleased to say that these were just a few of the things that drew Barry and Ann to us.
After the full service this morning, (which over-ran to 12:10pm as was pointed out to me
by my son, Nathan), and time for lunch it was out again to prepare for 'Praise The Lord' This is an ecumenical praise service held in the local junior school where Christians gather to praise God, here His word, receive ministry and generally have a great time of fellowship together. We started packing the PA, amplifiers and instruments at 3:30pm for a 6:30pm start, so we just had enough time to set up, sound check and pray before everyone arrived!.
Revd Richard Deimel brought God's word from the letter to the Ephesians and reminded us that with Christ there are no denominations and that we are all united by the Holy Spirit. It was great to be in a room full of brothers and sister in Christ from different churches and backgrounds all praising God together.
I finally arrived home at 8:30pm tonight gagging for a cup of tea and something to eat (although I could probably go without food for a few days and you wouldn't know!) and a quiet reflection on how great our God is! It has been a very tiring day, and I shall sleep well tonight, but I thank God for all the people I have seen blessed by God today in so many ways. It is well worth the effort to be a part of what God is doing in our community.
Sleep well!
Pastor Pete
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1 comment:
"Some people tend to drift from one church to the next and don't seem to put roots down where they can grow"
I think finding a church for some people is hard because they are looking for the thing that felt good about their old church.
People are consumers or participants or contributors. Sometimes when life stage happens or troubles come they become consumers or shoppers again.
When a pastor's goal, as it should be, is to see people become fully devoted followers of Christ, it is sad to see shoppers come and go.
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