On the first Lord’s Day of each month, our church cancels its ordinary afternoon services (ie, hymn sing, group prayer, and family instruction) to provide time for deeper fellowship between the saints and for greater service to our community
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I was reminded once again of the spiritual value of this yesterday, as I joyfully watched the saints doing the work of ministry all day and in a variety of ways.
After worshiping God and being renewed by his Word and Sacrament, the congregation enjoyed and strengthened their fellowship with one another over a shared meal.
In the afternoon, several of the young adults visited a local nursing home to bring the joy of the gospel to others through song.
Later in the day, the saints met at the Pastor’s house for a time of refreshment, singing, and mutual edification.
It is days such as these – filled with rest, worship, fellowship and service – that remind us of the Lord’s command and promise:
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and shall honor him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the LORD…” (Isaiah 58:13-14)
Please consider joining us this coming Lord’s Day; that you too may experience God’s sabbath blessings.
Pastor McShaffrey