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(If
you have trouble viewing this Patio eNews on your e-mail, please view
it on the church Web site) October 14, 2007 8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel 9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC Sermon: "You Can Make a Difference" Scripture: Acts 1:6-8; John 15:12-16 9:00 AM - All church, All Age Education/Sunday School (See scheduled Speakers) 10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary Sermon: "You Can Make a Difference" Scripture: Acts 1:6-8; John 15:12-16 10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time. |
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Peter's Message I've been spending some time recently with the second of the Great Ends of the Church, "The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God." As I mentioned last month, The (six) Great Ends are the topics for upcoming sermons; I see these as opportunities to think together about the church's role in our time. The second of the purposes of the church is compelling in its own way, particularly in its mention of "children." It is a tender word. Our children are precious to us. We honor all children. The use of the word in the Great Ends is inclusive, of course; it is a comfort to know that we all are God's children, regardless of age, and that God looks upon the human family with tenderness. Nevertheless, young ones among us need a special form of shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship. Parents can't do it all. Teachers are asked to take on more and more responsibility. The church has a special and critical role today -- and not just in teaching the Bible and faith in Jesus. These are hugely important tasks, but the church is called to do more and to be more. The second of the Great Ends does not apply solely to the Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry departments, it addresses all of us. A quote I came across recently suggests the role we adults play. "Christianity is more caught than taught." Amen! By our sincerity, warmth, love, and good care the people of the church do as much teaching as our teachers. Children "get" this. They notice the adults around them, just as they appreciate being noticed. In years past, my own boys would comment about church members who were nice to them. ("Nice" meant these people were friendly and that they liked them a lot.) I quickly realized that my kids were doing more on Sunday morning than running around with their friends (or standing with me at the sanctuary door, hiding underneath my robe -- something they thought was fun). They were receiving the blessings of the second Great End of the Church. It is true for all our young ones. In a quiet but powerful way, attentive adults shelter, nurture, and provide spiritual fellowship for children and youth in the church. Hence this request: take the time to learn the name of one child or youth and greet that young person by name. Greet your friends and welcome newcomers on Sunday, but go out of your way to say hello to someone small. Offer your name, shake his (her) hand, smile, and speak your heart. Perhaps something like, I'm so glad we're in church together! Grace and peace,Peter |
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Clippers Is Still Going Strong |
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PRAYER AND INTERCESSION
LIFE OF THE CHURCH THE FLOWERS in front of the pulpit this morning are dedicated by Jessie Ling. THE FLOWERS in front of the lectern are dedicated by Craig, Juleine, Tanda & Ev Schmidt in honor of Carol DuCharme, whose birthday is October 30. Following worship the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound. COMING EVENTSAdult Education in Anderson Lounge at 9:00 a.m. |
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