Sunday 01.22.06
In the morning services yesterday, it was good to jump back into our study of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 17:1-13, where we see the transfiguration of Jesus, is such a rich passage. There just wasn't enough time to say what I would have liked to have said. All our Growth Groups will have a great chance to dig in and check out some of the many related passages, like 2 Peter 1:16-18 and 2 Corinthians 4. (Are you in a Growth Group yet? I'm hearing some great things about the start of our Winter Quarter!)
Message, outline and questions are posted now HERE!
3rd service was the fullest I've seen. It's about time to open that 4th section.
I was encouraged to see so many hands raise in response to the question, "Who parked in the parking structure?" One couple approached me after 1st hour and confessed, "We drove up and I said, 'Early bird gets the worm.'" At least they were honest! They also left after the first hour.
The best part of the whole day was gathering again for our Evening Baptism Service. We dunked ten folks, a great mix of young people and adults. So encouraging to hear how God has been at work in such different ways in such different people. So neat to see folks going for it and obeying the Lord's command to identify with Him and proclaim their faith.
The attendance was good, but not great. I was a little disappointed about that, only because its such a precious time. The place should have been packed! So where were you?
With three services, it would be really hard to pull this off in the morning. Also, it was nice to relax a little in the evening, take our time and not be so focussed on managing the clock. We'll talk about it as staff, but I think we'll stick with the evening time slot for now.
Were you there? What did you think? Your feedback is always welcome.
I read every comment though I try and stay out of the fray!
4 comments:
The baptisms are one of my favorite times at Grace, one of the few times we get to hear others' testimonies, which I am always super encouraged by. Last night was no exception. It was an awesome time of singing as well and it's always great for some reason when the church gets together outside of the confines of a Sunday morning.
I'll have to be honest and say that Sunday evenings aren't my favorite times for any service -- probably because I'm worn out by Sunday evening -- I know you must relate Tim, but I will state that baptism services are amazing services. I've been a Christian for a long time and there is no comparing hearing the testimonies of people who have experienced the resurrection life! I loved hearing Tim Irving talk about the change that has occurred in his life! For a seasoned Christian, hearing testimony of true change brought on by the spirit of God, is like sitting down in all peace listening to the best music you have ever heard and just being enthralled!
Sorry to take the fire out Andy! :) I agree living 35+ minutes away makes it hard to attend certain things. After church we had plans with friends in SLO so fortunately we were already in town. (Sunday night is hard anyway, I think, most people are pretty tired, getting ready for the week ahead, etc.)
It really is bittersweet to live so far from church. We are so blessed to be at Grace, yet some of the logistics are pretty tough!
Karen and I loved the baptisms as well. Yes, it makes for a long day especially for out-of-towners and 3 servicers, but I'm all for the evening. When had them in the morning, I missed a lot of baptisms and testimonies because they happened at the other service. In the evening I get to see all of them and rejoice with all of them.
Post a Comment