I'm Back!

I've heard that you had a good time together Sunday. I missed fellowshiping with you, but we had a great (albeit fast) trip to St. Louis. As you may know, my Dad and Stepmother were renewing their vows for their 25th Wedding Anniversary. The best part of the ceremony was when the preacher had them hold hands and look at their rings. He encouraged them to look how their hands had aged and weathered with all that life brings, but at the way the rings look the same, holding fast just like their vows. It was really sweet.

We attended church with them before the ceremony, and it was nice to be in a church so different from ours. Not being raised in church, it helps me to get the perspective of what we have at Grace Life, good and bad.

First, the people were so friendly. It's virtually impossible to visit there and not be welcomed and spoken to. I know that we have welcome centers and greeters, but I think sometimes that makes the rest of us think that we are off the hook. I am going to purpose to greet an unfamiliar face everytime I go to church, because I want those people to feel as welcome as I did.

Secondly, the preacher gave a good sermon. It was true, and it was encouraging to me. However, it was totally the opposite of what we have. For example, I think you could be there for a year and never hear, "The original greek word means...," or "...to the people this was written to this would have great meaning." Do you realize that we get taught the Bible! Now the sermon I heard on Sunday had some Bible verses in it, but it was teaching me about "How God Answers Prayers," and using the Bible to reinforce it. There is a huge difference!

I explained it to Cecilia this way. Bro. Jeff takes a completed puzzle (The Bible) and dissects it piece by piece, explaining all the parts. Other pastors take a bunch of random puzzle pieces and try to create a picture out of them. Thank you Lord for the teaching that we get - and take for granted!

We don't have Visitation this week, but I hope you will look for someone that you can tell about Jesus, or invite them to class.