Mark Sorensen Grace and peace, friends.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of youth working on mission projects at my old stomping grounds in Louisiana. It’s always a joy to share the Good News of the Gospel. I love these outreach opportunities because time and again, I see the Holy Spirit show up and show off in so many ways.
As I was taking the day to go and visit the young people and pray over the homeowners, I met one gentleman who introduced himself to me by saying, “Hello. I am Ray Charles.” I couldn’t resist. I immediately responded with, “Hit the road, Jack. You serious?” We had a laugh over that one. As the young people and adults were working on building a wheelchair ramp for Ray and his wife, Regina, Ray opened up about a few things. Ray had a tough upbringing which led to drug addiction and selling drugs on the street. He was eventually arrested (to which he would add, “Best thing that happened to me, Preacher.”), served his time, and was released. He met his wife and they got into a church where they attend each Sunday. As he was sharing his story with me, he got really serious and then said the following. “You know, we attend church, but our church just meets on Sunday. That’s it. Is this normal for church people to go out in the middle of the week and help out others and serve like this?”
It’s funny. Hearing this comment from Ray struck me: If we’re going to be honest, it can be so easy to use Sunday mornings and our worship services as a nice pep talk and get the encouragement and filling we need to hear God’s voice and glean the direction He has for us. But, it mustn’t stop there. It can’t stop there. I often think that we get our “benedictions” and our “calls to worship” out of order. The benediction at the end of the service on Sunday morning really should serve as the call to worship. Why?
The end of the worship service should really serve as the beginning of our song of worship as we take God’s love and grace out into our neighborhoods, schools, work places and community.
This Sunday, we wrap up our Holy Roar series and I am excited to be back closing out this series. Let’s look at the word Shabach, a shout of praise.
Get ready. It’s going to be a big Sunday! Remember, morning worship services are at 9:30 and 11:00, and Sunday night is our Block Party at Northshore Park! Hamburgers, hot dog, sno-cones, inflatables for the kids, and good old-fashioned fun and socializing with our neighbors! Can’t wait!
