Prayer

We have a team of persons who are involved in prayer ministry.  We have recently begun a way to receive prayer requests by e-mail.  It is part of a way to move out of the four walls and seek to minister directly to the needs being experienced by those in this local community, while at the same time extending beyond that local outreach.  We treat prayer requests with sensitivity, confidentiality, and with a serious call to pray for the needs that come to our attention.  How can we pray for you?   Send us an e-mail:  myprayerteam@hotmail.com 

Do you see that visitor?

     When someone sends a note to the church it is opened at the secretary’s desk.  Sometimes Carolyn calls it to my attention, and many times it is posted on the bulletin board so those who stop by there may also read it’s contents.  This week one of those notes was brought to my attention.  The author of the note just wanted to say thank-you, but her expression of gratitude was a reminder to me of more than that.  Take a moment to read her note:

     Dear Sullivan Church of God,

     Some time ago I attended your church with my sister.  First time in years, and what a blessing to me!   You made me feel welcome.  My life had been missing something, or should I say, someone.  Being in God’s house made me realize how much I was missing and needing Him.  I started attending a church of a friend, but it didn’t feel like this was where I needed to be.  A new branch of Orchardville Church opened in Fairfield.  I went the first Sunday service by myself!  The Lord was leading me.  He has shown me where he wants me to be.  I volunteer and I’m trying out for Praise and Worship team.  I give God all the glory and thank him for all the blessings.  I am growing in his Word and walking by faith.  Thank-you for being the first needed step in my life, back to my Lord and Savior, my Father God.

                May God bless you all!

                M.

     I was thinking…I do that you know.  As I reflected on these kind words of gratitude there were some   observations I would like to share with you:

     First of all, the reason I wanted to share this note is that I want that “Thank-you” to be heard (or read).  Something occurred to me while I reflected on her kind words.  I felt a sense of the good kind of pride—that her experience with you as a congregation was that she sensed your friendliness.  When you come to visit a church for the first few times it is usually a time of anxiety.  You do not really know the people, you are not sure of how they conduct themselves, you may be a little apprehensive that you will in some way be singled out or embarrassed if you do something that makes you stand out.  Can you feel the apprehension as you walk into a room full of strangers, that all eyes are on you, watching your every move.  Now, imagine that feeling of anxiety being met with a friendly smile, perhaps a greeting of handshake...and words of welcome.  We have ushers and greeters that do that very thing, but I have also seen several others who make their way over to express greeting to visitors in our services.  Please realize this is an important tool in reducing the anxiety visitors experience. 

     Another observation involves the perspective of the visitor as well.  We have visitors who come to our congregation at various times.  Sometimes they have come at the invitation of one of our regular attenders.  Others come simply as a walk-in, not really knowing anyone, just testing the waters of the church.  In either case, they come looking for something, expecting something.  Some visitors continue to come, some may visit only one time as in the case of the author of this note.  What stands out to me is the importance that every visitor who walks through the doors and into our fellowship should experience that kind of positive, friendly atmosphere.  We never really know what is going on inside the mind or heart of that visitor, but perhaps it might be an important step in their faith journey.  What if that visit did not go well.  Imagine that no one smiles, no one greets, they overhear private conversations of a negative nature, the visit was not a positive experience and they abandon hope that the church is the kind of place for them.  No, a better model is that the visit is one that encourages faith through a friendly smile and greeting.  We have to realize that when a person visits our fellowship, we may have only one time to make an impression for the church of Jesus Christ.

     Let me say to you, “Nice work church!”  Without even being aware of it, God used you in an important step along the faith journey of one visitor.  Make it a priority to do that with every person who makes their way to visit our congregation, and the kingdom of God will be enriched.

June 10, 2011

     This is a special day for me.  Sarah and I were joined in marriage thirty-nine years ago.  It doesn't seem like that many years.  I still can see her as she entered the door to the church in her wedding dress.  It was a windy day, her veil got caught on the handrails as she ascended the steps.  But it was not humor of that moment that is embedded in my memory so clearly.  I remember seeing her face and realizing that in just a few moments I would be marrying this beautiful girl.  My eyes glistened with joyful tears as she made her way down the aisle. 
     For the last three years we have celebrated our anniversary by going out, making hospital calls on the way.  We laughed at that repeating cycle.  This year, no hospital calls!  No, this year I am officiating a wedding for a young couple.  Tonight is the rehearsal.  Sarah and I celebrated our anniversary today at noon by going our for a dinner. 
     Life gets busy, ministry makes demands...I thank God for the blessing of a great wife who enjoys the ministry as much as I.

My first blog

I remember the first trip I took out of the US and into a foreign country.  Stepping off the plane I immediately was aware that I had entered a different culture.  I had taken Spanish in high school (1967), but the language was moving quicker than my translator could handle.  I felt my every word and action would stand out and come under close scrutiny by those in that culture and language group. 

That is closely related to how I feel right now entering a blog for the first time.  It is a whole new world to me, a new culture, and yes even language differences.  Well, every journey begins with the first step ...    hello blog.