Worship on Sunday, April 13
It was a busy day this past Sunday. It was Jennie Carlyle Day. It was the day that we honored the member of our congregation that will be turning 103 this coming Thursday. The house was packed with all kinds of people from all over the state who came to honor Jennie.
LaVaughn Stong led this section of the service. She had special music in Jennie’s honor. Jennie recited a poem about friendship that she had written for this occasion.
Buzz Disinger was the Liturgist of the morning. He called our worship service to order.
Betsy Remaly was our song leader. We opened up by singing “Praise Him! Praise Him!” and “Open the Eyes of my Heart Lord.”
Following the pastor’s prayer, Carolyn Hale taught the children about how others see Jesus in the way we act. She told the story about a lady who had all kinds of Christian bumper stickers and symbols all over her car. As she drove down the road she displayed more signs of road rage than of Christ. As the story goes a policeman pulled her over to investigate if she had stolen this car. We need to make sure we match the witness we are trying to give.
Following the offering we sang, “He Leadeth Me.”
The Scripture lesson was from John 21:15-22.
Pastor Rick talked about how Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Each time Peter told Jesus that he loved him, Jesus responded by pointing out work that needs to be done. The Christian life is not about saying that we love Jesus and resting in that good feeling. It’s about taking care of our fellow sheep.
There are specific tasks that we are each called to tend to. Each of us are called to take care of the flock.
While Peter and Jesus were having this deep conversation, Peter asked Jesus about his fellow disciple who happened to be close at hand. Jesus told Peter that it really doesn’t matter about how any other disciple is called to ministry. Our job is to keep our eyes on Jesus and do the work he has called us to do.
Our closing hymn was “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.”
About 207 folk participated in our worship service. Many of them enjoyed a fine church feast following the service.
