Worship on Sunday, May 4
There was a chill in the air outside, the crowd gathered inside expecting God to meet with us.
Jeff Need was leader of the opening section as announcements were made and the community began focusing on worship together. Mike R., Linda O., Carol M. and Barb W. each spoke about prayer concerns on their heart. Chad D. took the time to praise God for the good things in his life. Jeff closed this section of our worship service in prayer.
Vicki Rabanus was the liturgist and opened the main section of our worship service. She quoted from LeeAnn G. who had a posting on a Christian Blog site. Out there LeeAnn wrote about some good points for hearing God. We should 1) Ask God questions. 2) Be quiet long enough to hear God. 3) Create an atmosphere to hear God. 4) Keep a listening attitude.
These are great tips for hearing God better in our noisy world.
Anita Lowery was our song leader of the morning, with help from her daughters, Rebecca (about 9 years old) and Reanna (around 6). Our opening songs were “He is Exalted” and “Shout to the Lord.”
The pastor escorted us into a time a prayer.
Betsy Remaly taught the children. She asked the kids to count off. We had 32 kids up front for children’s time.
She asked the group for ways that we could help our mom and dad. They talked about a variety of chores they could do that would help their parents.
She asked what they could do to help the pastor. They said they could “read the Bible” “trust him” and “watch TV for him.”
She asked what they could do to help at school. They said they could “grade papers” and “help other kids.”
She asked what they could do to help God. Betsy pointed out that helping others helps God. And that the coloring pages they turn in a sent to shut-in’s. That helps.
Betsy gave them a challenge. Every day each child is to ask someone, “How can I help you today?”
We’ll see how they do.
Following the collection of the offering we sang, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
The scripture lesson was from I Samuel 25:1-13.
The man Nabal was described as a wealthy, a surly and a mean man. David and his men protected Nabal’s flocks. When David asked Nabal for payment he was thrown out.
The pastor pointed out whether we have wealth or not isn’t too important in God’s eyes. God is much more interested in how we represent him to the world. We should reflect God’s love to others. God is not surly or mean. There is no reason for us to be like that.
David pointed out that Nabal’s men and flocks were safe under David’s care. David was asking for “whatever” extra Nabal might have.
God protects us all the time. Through this story God reminds us how good our life is. Can we give some time back to God in worship? Can we give time to God in prayer? Can we take the time to show someone God’s love?
How can we give a little back to God for all the good He does for us?
The closing hymn was “Take Time to Be Holy.”
About 137 folk worshiped together on this day.
