Yesterday's Offering

Sunday is past. What a day! I stepped out of the pulpit yesterday in order to teach our new Welcome to Grandview class. Being in Grandview's building on Sunday morning without leading worship or preaching is strange feeling for me. Dr. Fred Norris preached for me and continued the current series on the shaping of the Apostle Paul--this time focusing on Barnabbas' role (Thanks, Dr. Fred).

With me out of the sanctuary, Theresa's role expanded as well. Her duties included hosting the services and leading the prayers of the church. Her prayer is included at the bottom of this post (Thanks, Theresa).

The first service looked packed yesterday and the numbers on the second service looked strong as well. Next week the Milligan students should be back. I always enjoy their return. Of course, some years we have more students around than others, but I'm always amazed at how sharp the Milligan students I meet are.

One of our challenges at Grandview is that of making more space for folks. The first service doesn't have any real room to grow right now. We are looking forward to getting the old sanctuary refurbished into a multi-purpose room. That space could allow us to start another service. The biggest problem with that, though, is parking. The other space issue that is creeping up on us is our children's area. If you haven't noticed, we've got a lot of kids running around Grandview. These are good problems. The temptation we have to avoid, though, is the temptation to be complacent. I invite you to pray about it--and to be creative.

One more thing! Yesterday was anniversary Sunday at Grandview. Cindy and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Getting married the same day as Cindy and me were Keith and Sherry Nakoff. Tom and Barbara Stokes also joined the party. They have been married a little bit longer than the Nakoffs and the Wymers (they've made 40 years, I think!). A special congratulations to the Stokes.

Prayers of the Church
August 19, 2007

To the God who pursues us relentlessly in love, we give all glory.

To the God who knows our potential and sees beyond our flaws, we give all honor.

To the God who creates wholeness out of our brokenness, we give all praise.

We thank you, God, for the people you’ve placed in our lives—for the people who challenge us, who offer encouragement, who give us second chances. Your grace poured out through them has transformed us—shaped us more like You.

Might we also be deliverers of Your grace. Open our eyes to those in need. Embolden us, soften our hearts, speak through us. Let us be extensions of your love. Teach us to forgive and to recognize in others the purpose for which they were created.

We thank you, God, for this community of worshipers. Among these people may we find refuge when we mourn. Among these people may we gather strength when we are overburdened with concern. Among these people may we share our joy and laughter. Among these people, may we find family who accept us where we are but who gently lead us to where we should be.

May we welcome the stranger in our midst and extend our friendship beyond these four walls. May this church be Your church, seeking always to follow more closely the example set by Your son, Jesus Christ. Reveal to us how each of us might preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recover sight to the blind and free the oppressed.

And now, we raise our voices as one, praying together the prayer Christ taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven