Spiritual Journey Thursday - Church

 

     I look forward to Thursdays when I can publish thoughts on my spiritual journey and hear the thoughts of others on a weekly theme topic.  It has become a space for an encouraging and fortifying community to come together.  We welcome anyone who would like to join us!

 

This week's theme is CHURCH.

 

Christmas Eve

 

Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the  apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being  the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

  I chose this week's topic after spending Sunday morning at my church, marveling at the way its servants come together and use their spiritual gifts to serve God and each other - not just on Sundays, but daily.  One of the reasons I chose Lebanon Presbyterian Church is because I felt the Holy Spirit there.  It's a place where I feel uplifted, empowered, and comforted. 

 

I'm part of the Adult Education Committee, and Sunday was our 7th annual LPC Fall Kick-Off Breakfast.  We introduce our fall classes and opportunities while serving pancakes, fruit, sausage, bacon, orange juice, and coffee.  It's amazing to me how it comes together every year - a little like the loaves and fishes story!  I only play a tiny part - Nina, our amazing leader, shops for the food, organizes all the helpers, and assists with every part of the event.  Church members volunteer to set up the tables and chairs the day before, wrap silverware, cut up fruit, set the tables, cook the food (starting bright and early that morning), and set up and brew the coffee.  Then our youth pastor and youth groups come about an hour before the breakfast  and set out syrup, butter, and the silverware wrapped in napkins, pour orange juice and milk, and line up in the kitchen to carry plates of food out to about 250 hungry church members and visitors - all while smiling and having fun.  While everyone is eating, teachers and facilitators of fall classes come to the stage and talk about their classes while Lee expertly emcees the event.  Everything is whisked away and cleaned up before the service starts an hour and 15 minutes later,  complete with beautiful contemporary music (1st service is traditional), a sermon on how Jesus sees women, and prayer.  Astounding.

 

The church body was fed spiritually and physically Sunday morning.  This event is only one of many great outreaches that are hosted and sponsored by our church.  How blessed we are to live in a country where we can worship freely and come together in His name.  LPC's mission statement is "Loving People to Christ" - I'm thankful to be a part of it!