Wrapped up the message series “The Foundation for Strong Families” today. This series has been one of the most effective that we have experienced in a long time, particularly for families.
I realize the first three weeks were pretty challenging since it dealt specifically with the subject of submission. Not an easy topic. Not an easy word to use. But once we got over our indigestion and let the idea percolate, its wisdom became apparent.
Today I concluded the series with “Four Stages of the Family” based upon Psalms 127 and 128. All I can say is “wow!”
One lady came up to me after service saying she had been married for sixty-three years before her husband died and expressed how encouraging the message was for her.
One lady came up to me after service saying she had been married for sixty-three years before her husband died and expressed how encouraging the message was for her.
I spoke with a lot of transparency about our own family, some humor, and a measure of wisdom that comes from experience. “Stage 3” of the family seemed to hit home with most people.
How about the song service? Today we used all hymns. It was fantastic. We have had nothing but positive feedback all afternoon. In fact, enthusiastic feedback. Even the young people (teenagers and 20-something year olds) were eating it up!
There was no band. Only an upright (acoustic) piano and six singers. It was nostalgic. It was effective. It was very enjoyable.
Renae and the singers hit a home run. Good call.
There is a reason why hymns are so effective: (1) They affirm the past (2) They sound familiar and are easy to sing (3) They usually contain good theology (4) And because they are easy to sing, we can focus on the words instead of trying to keep timing on a difficult beat.
Attendance was a little lower than our normal average, but the energy in the house was excellent. Giving was strong too.
For the life of me, I don’t know how we did two services for 4 years. Now that we are back to one service, it just feels “right.” It feels better. I’m not so stressed out. Plus I am less fatigued on Sunday afternoons. Although attendance has leveled out a little lower, I’m okay with that. It just means we have found our “sweet spot” and will minister to the faithful ones who remain.
After today’s message I was glad we only did one service because I don’t think I could have pulled I it off twice.
The momentum at PCC is pretty strong right now.
I’m very encouraged that many of the people in the PCC congregation are becoming worshippers who worship “in spirit and in truth.”
I’m very excited about Easter Sunday next week. You’ll want to arrive early for a good seat. Be sure to bring a guest. It’s going to be a life-changing day.
After church today there was an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. A lot of people came and it was a good day. The people who pulled it off did a great job and it was a very strategic event for PCC. Thank you for a job well done!
Tomorrow I’ll be spending more time in my garden. I have a few bean towers to erect and another row to build. After that, I’ll be putting in an irrigation system. Lot ’s of work, but I’m enjoying every bit of it.
My hands are showing signs of digging in the dirt – pretty rough right now. I guess I need some hand lotion to soften them up. My wife will appreciate that :-)
A couple of months ago Renae and I reestablished Thursday nights as “date night” for us. It’s been a lot of fun, healthy, and the right thing to do. No phone calls, no church business, and no interruptions from anyone…. anyone. It’s been good to simply talk and reconnect.
Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most meaningful.
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
This year for Lent I'm givng up Lent.
Blessings….
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