There have been very few Sundays in my life when I was too sick to even go to church, much less preach. This past Sunday was one of those times. Joyce and I were both struck with a hard hitting virus all week last week. Thanks so much to Phil Stapp for stepping up at literally the last night minute and doing his typically competent job. Thanks also to Charley Belch for covering things Sunday evening. And thanks also to Marie Larson who very capably took on the leadership for our VBS drama team. Joyce and I appreciate very much your encouragement and prayers.
Speaking of VBS, it is Vacation Bible School time! Except this year we’re doing it all summer long! I must admit when I first heard that idea I shuddered and was unconscious for a few minutes. But when I came to and heard about what Brandi Blaylock had in mind, I thought it sounded terrific. Each week on Wednesday nights we are doing a “VBS-style” format for our children, with lots of folks involved in sharing with them from the life and teaching of Christ.
Kids and adults meet at 7 PM in the Family Center for some singing, then the kids go hear a Bible story told by that storyteller extraordinaire, Margaret Brown, or for a drama skit, or for some games and crafts, and finish up with snacks. While their doing that the adults in the Family Center will hear a lesson led by David Keen based on family issues. Adults who want a more traditional style Bible class meet at 7PM in the auditorium for a series of lessons this summer on the parables of Jesus.
All in all a GREAT format for our summer Wednesdays! Something for everybody that’s for sure. If you want to be involved in helping with the VBS program we will need your help throughout the summer. Be sure and contact Brandi and ask how you can help. Or be here each week for a class and discussion for teens and adults on important matters and teachings from God’s Word.
These next two lessons in our series, “What I Believe and Why,” will focus on worship. Today we look at the important aspect of worship that acknowledges that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) An important part of our discussion today will contrast the “sacred” and the “secular.” For the person who believes worship is confined and limited to what we do “in church,” this is the only sacred there is. But for those who have a more Biblical concept, and recognize that God is present in all parts of our lives, and calls us to live and serve Him faithfully in every activity and at every moment, then all is sacred. We do not “compartmentalize” our lives—we do not have a compartment for God and compartments for other parts of our lives—work, school, recreation, family, etc. All compartments have God in them. All is done to His glory. Everything we say and do is done to honor our Lord and is therefore said and done in worship to Him.