Saturday, March 12, 2016

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: A Sunday of Celebration




Saturday, March 12

A Sunday of Celebration

I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.Psalm 122:1

Going to church on Sunday has always been a part of my life, but why I want to go has changed over the years.  Reasons went from” Mom and Dad took me, I had to go,” to “I really wanted to see my friends in Youth Group,” to “our young adults’ group is our best support group”.  The reasons have now evolved to “it’s where I belong!” 
But how do you feel when you take a group to a Liberian village and it’s time to go to church conducted in a foreign language?  Do we go or do we hold our own service? 

Of course there really was no choice.  We went to the Liberian worship service.  When we got there, the whole group was immediately escorted to seats in the front of the church.  No, not front row, but on the dais!  A translator was supplied and on went the service with all Methodist tradition of liturgy, music, prayer and celebration.  When it was all over, I asked my group how they enjoyed the service.  In an excited response I heard that they wouldn’t have missed it for the world.  It touched their hearts.  

I guess that wraps it up for me, too.  Church just touches my heart.  No matter where you are or what the language, whether you’re on the staff or part of the congregation, you’re still in God’s House.  Isn’t that what church should be?  If I am filled with the Spirit on Sunday, then I am prepared to go anywhere in God’s World and have a better week.

Lord, help me to understand what you have in mind for me each week no matter how you send us that inspiration.  Amen.

Bob Gibb

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