When the fellowship becomes the sermon
There is a great buzz around the church even although the weather is cold and the forecast is more rain this week. I've been encouraged hearing about at least half a dozen people of all ages finding a voice to openly profess their faith. In addition Sanctuary First turned out to be a great success last Sunday evening. The change of time for the evening services seems to have struck a chord especially with people with young families. We had around 50 at church last Sunday evening and another 10 people on the internet looking in. I'm not sure if the service worked for the people on the internet. I'd love to hear from you. I think we need to think about ways of engaging the internet congregation during the times when people are eating and having fellowship. I guess one way is to start to recruit more people in the congregation to connect with the the internet congregation using the email or texting service.
This Sunday will be interesting the Five O'clock service will have a new band leading worship and I also hear that the Boys Brigade will be leading part of the service. They will be looking at the Pharisees and be exploring the role they played in opposing the Jesus Revolution. I think it may turn out to be a very creative service.
i believe the food for the evening will catch the imagination as it did last week. What an amazing spread appeared. Huge thank you to all who made the service work. I've been trying to encourage those who attend to change their mindset regarding what to expect. The key thing that we all should experience is fellowship. You may not get the traditional sermon but what you will get is an opportunity to meet new friends regardless of your age. So come along next Sunday at 5.00pm and meet the Pharisees. How's that for a line to get you out to church. I just heard that the folks over in Alloa had a great time using Sanctuary First Material . check out their comments at www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk
Posted By: italker On: 17 Mar 2011 At: 12:14am
I think your right Mike people love to hear stories. Especially stories of how God has help or changed the way a person thinks or acts. Stories about God rescuing an individual from themselves or from an addicts of some sort. Stories about God’s provision and care.