Sunday Mind Dump - October 9, 2011

Today was one of those Sunday’s that you’ll remember for a long time.

We received Communion.  Or should I say we experienced Communion (with God)?  The entire service was built around that event and it turned out to be very meaningful.

The music and song selection were perfect.  The singers and musicians did an excellent job.  Renee J. sang a moving solo part and a high harmony.  The fourth song was written by Renae C. – a scripture song from the book of Psalms.

At the risk of sounding like I am bragging, I have to say that I think our musical department is exceptional.  This is a result of the level of commitment from all the team members, good talent, and good leadership.

I shared a 10-to-15 minute talk about the ending of Passover and the instituting of the Lords Supper.  The talk was from Luke 22:1-20.  A lot of people told me after the service how enlightening it was.  This really set the mood for receiving Communion.

The Spirit of God was doing some stuff in people's hearts.

When Jesus said, “It is finished” on the cross it meant the end of all the ceremonial and symbolic laws of the Old Testament that had been observed for thousands of years.  It meant no more rituals, no more ceremonies, no more sacrifices, no more shedding of blood, no more altars, no more priesthood of Aaron, no more Holy of Holies, and no more temple.  Christ’s finished work was complete, all sufficient, and final.  Now the invitation is simple:  believe, receive, and come to the table of fellowship.

When I woke up this morning, just before daylight, the first thought that entered my mind was what a privilege I was going to have in sharing and administering the Lord’s Supper to hundreds of God’s people.  This really is a privilege.  It’s a sacred responsibility.  It is a fearful thing too.

I had a moment of clarity last week about the strategy of our church, and I have decided that it is essential that we come back to the basics; to the things that have helped make PCC such a great church in the first place.

I think we have become a little ingrown over the last few  years and I want to reverse that trend.

The amount of new people coming through our front doors is very encouraging.

I am also very encouraged by the healing I have experienced by having fellowship with a pastor from a neighboring church.

A wonderful couple in PCC gave me and Renae a nice gift today for Pastor Appreciation Month.  Thank you very much.

I love Jesus, my family, my church, and the people in it.

This morning I discovered a bruise on the back of my left thigh.  I kid you not, it is literally eight inches wide.  It is black and blue all over.  I have no idea where it came from.  Maybe my wife has been beating me in the night  (:-)