CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 24, 2021: We yield to missionaries!

 Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 24, 2021

In all the years I have had the privilege of guiding the Adult Bible Study, one phrase has stuck in my mind:

"We yield to missionaries."

I first heard this phrase from a fellow facilitator from the "class next door." We agreed early on that visiting missionaries would have the entire period to do a presentation to our combined classes regarding their field. 

Even though we no longer have two classes, we've continued the tradition of letting missionaries have the class. We still "yield" to missionaries.

Last Sunday, we had the honor of having John and Dee Cook with us. The Cooks have a ministry in parts of the world that, under regular thinking, would be considered dangerous. And while some would think those regions deserve to be blown up, their heart is to see the gospel spread to as many as possible. 

The challenge, of course, is with what we are doing in our own, arguably less dangerous, neighborhoods to share the gospel. it was an enjoyable, challenging time. The Cooks also took a few minutes to share in the Morning Service which followed.

Mike Bull wrapped up the book of Hosea with a topical message. In my opinion, it was an unusual approach. But, as per usual, it was a Biblical message--which is the point, right?

The morning did not end after the last song. First we had a special business meeting to talk about some property and then there was a Q&A luncheon with the Cooks.

So it was busy, active, unusual, and blessed day.

So how was your church service this weekend? 

CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 17, 2021: a word about my pastor

Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 17, 2021 

At our church service on Sunday, we observed Pastor Appreciation Day. We called Pastor Dick and Becky and Pastor Norm and Jessica to the front, presented them with gifts, and prayed over them. 

I've know Pastor Dick for 30 years, give or take. I'm tempted to think of how old that
makes me, but I get a little perspective when I realize he became pastor at roughly the same time I graduated high school! He has been a faithful under-shepherd to the flock. One of my activities is archiving messages (most of which are being painstakingly digitized) and I can tell you that Pastor Dick is a man whose textbook over the decades has been the Bible He is authentic. 

I haven't known Norm as long, but in his role as Youth Pastor, it is hard to picture a time he has not been here. He is a man of vision and integrity and humor. 

So we began the service by appreciating our pastors. Last week, we had an overview of Hosea. Today, Pastor Dick opened up for us the first three chapters. It is hard to believe some producer hasn't turned this account into a full scale prime-time drama! But more than just the drama of it all is the promise of restoration and deliverance of God's people. 

In our Adult group, we finished up the first part of Romans 8. Next week, we will be having some guest missionaries speaking in our class, so we'll be taking a break before the second part of this great chapter. So thankful for this group and their insights, knowledge, and observations...born out of a desire to know Scripture better. I'm so blessed to be with these folks.

So, how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 10 2021: Hosea, can you see? (groan!)

Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 10, 2021

Those who are familiar with the books of the Bible, or who did "Bible drills" in Sunday School, or even those who have access to the table of contents in their Bible know that after the book of Daniel comes the book of Hosea. And since our series on Daniel wrapped up last week (I know, I know, I didn't do a church report post!), it was time to start this brand new series.

Mike Bull was our speaker this Sunday. He handled the overview of Hosea, titled, appropriately enough, "Overview of Hosea."  For those who haven't read Hosea in a while, it is the account of a prophet of God who is told to marry a prostitute as a living object lesson of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. I won't give any spoilers, but the book develops a beautiful theme of God's love and redemption in spite of the wife's sin--indeed, in spite of OUR sin--indeed, in spite of MY sin. 

Practically speaking, the overview was concise and to the point and about half as long as last week's wrap up of Daniel, which was also to the point--seriously, Mike addressed some very timely and instructional things last week--but not quite as concise. 

Also launching this week was our annual foray into "Operation Christmas Child," a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, which seeks to fill shoe boxes with small gifts  and send it to children around the world. It's fun to be a part of this ministry each year, knowing how these boxes will be used. 

Adult Bible Study went well. Lately, we've been able to finish complete sections of our outline. While nobody minds having to stop in the middle of a verse, I really enjoy being able to finish the parts of whatever segment we are exploring. Hoping this trend continues.

So, how was your church service this weekend?