As a preacher, I'm familiar with the phrase "you were speaking right to me this morning."
It's a confirmation that the sermon connected on a deep level with the listener. Worship as a whole often has that type of connective disclosure
when what happens in the service is a mirror of what is happening in life. When I reflected upon Sunday's worship at JCPC, I was left nodding a knowing grin that the service was speaking right to me.
We shared our gratitude with Barbara Maples as we said goodbye to her. Miss Barbara, as she will forever be known to me, was the face of JCPC for visitors to the welcome center and the welcoming voice of JCPC on the other end of the telephone line. I will miss Barbara, but she will always be a friend and a leader. Thank you Miss Barbara!!!
Speaking of leadership, Gray has been preaching an inspired series on the leadership Moses models for us in scripture. I left the first service by putting my arm around Gray and saying that I wanted to be a banana tree and not a banyan tree. If you were worshiping with us, you will know what I mean. If you weren't, take heart! You can read Gray's sermon on our website.
Banana tree leadership strengthens a group through a type of shared confidence that we are in this together and even if we don't know what we are doing, we'll figure it out. And how do you attain this confidence? One answer is to practice, practice, practice while you work, learn, and grow together. Strange thing happens when you share confidence as you work together. You develop friendships.
That's why the worship service was speaking right to me.
I have been working with several leadership groups within our growing CanCare community. We are gearing up for an active spring. Our CanCare volunteer training is scheduled for March 20-22 and the third annual In Harmony for Cancer concert and silent auction is scheduled for May 2.
CanCare is a mission of our church that is becoming a true community ministry as leaders share confidence in and with those who answer the call to participate. Deep friendships are forging.
I'm thankful for worship that speaks right to me and I trust to you as well.
Prayer for Today
Thank you Lord, for the fellowship and friendship we develop through our worship of you. Strengthen the bonds we share, so that together, we will reflect the glory of you mercy through our acts of service. Amen.
