The past few days, I’ve been asking people about their experiences with our joint World Communion Sunday service with El Shaddai. Here are some of the comments I’ve heard:
• It was very positive—an exciting and uplifting experience.
• The part with the kids dancing, and their congregation singing, was a real highlight.
• It was amazing when Jerome played the song they were singing, just by hearing it, for the offertory.
• We should definitely do it again.
• We should go there to worship some Sunday.
• The man (Pastor Heritage) can pray!
• One worshipper wrote, “What a beautiful worship time together with El Shaddai brothers and sisters yesterday! My husband and I were both thrilled to be at the service and participate in raising our praises.”
• One member wrote, “And now you see it, people from the other side of the world, who don’t speak the same language, sitting next to us, sharing the same beliefs and hearing the same message. It really connected the dots for me.”
These kinds of experiences stretch us in important ways and expand our vision of Christian faith and God’s kingdom.
As a worship leader, it was an opportunity for me to stretch, and be flexible with whatever unfolded, trusting the collaboration of our guests. There’s something authentic about working things out as a we go sometimes in worship, in order to be more open to the movement of the Spirit. I’m so thankful for everyone from our church who came, and welcomed our guests, and God’s Spirit, so beautifully.
As you continue to reflect on what the experience was like for you, please share your thoughts and comments with me by email or in person.
Also this week I’ve been dedicating time to planning our upcoming Leaders’ Retreat and now turn to Advent preparations. I welcome your prayers for the next few days, as I seek to listen for how God is leading and guiding us in the coming season of ministry.
Blessings to you all!
Pastor Laura
Scripture for Sunday: Exodus 20:1-20; Matthew 21:33-46
Sermon Title: Revenge of the Vineyard
Guest Preacher: Rev. Bruce Boak
