Those of you who regularly read my blogs know that my theme “Just Do It in Twenty-Two” refers to sowing grace and peace to others in a world which is chaotic, where politics is divisive, where prices are soaring and fear of pandemic consequences dominate our conversations. I offer an alternative, especially on the Sabbath. The church, wherever you choose to affiliate, has answers to the dominant questions and trials facing us. When we gather, we find the warmth of welcome, for we’re all in need of God’s grace and mercy, none of us is perfect, none of us has been untouched by difficulties, but we share our burdens and bring them to the Lord of the Universe who knows us intimately and cares for us eternally.
That may be a new concept to many of you, some who have never attended a church, some who have been hurt in the past (no church is perfect), some who feel they must seem “perfect” to even enter a church. We lay all this stuff at the door and come to worship the King of the universe Who provides the peace and grace we need to live in this culture. There we will sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, because Scripture tells us to do so. There we will read scripture and the ancient creeds of the church. We will not discuss politics. We will not harangue about our shortcomings. Instead, we will read the words of the prophets, the saints, and Jesus Himself. We will learn how to cope with the world we live in: its fears, its addictions, its worries, its sorrows, its hurts, its abuse, and its pain,, both physical and emotional. We will fellowship with overcomers, with those suffering similar circumstances, and with those who understand. You will meet, at least at covenantpalmbay.org, Stephen Ministers, and pastors who understand our needs and can answer our questions. You will hear a sermon intended to explain scripture and give applications for our lives. You will follow an outline on your phone, take notes, and refer to these words throughout the week. And you will leave with the pastor’s benediction, a blessing for the week.
Today, too, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, the sacrament which brings us together around the table of Jesus, fellowshipping and remembering His sacrifice for us. There is nothing more important than remembering that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to die to restore us to Himself. Absolutely earth-changing. In no other religion of the world did God come to save us. All others requite man to reach to God, which he can never accomplish on his own.
I know it’s supposed to rain today. But I ask, wouldn’t you “tough it up” to go to some lesser event today–perhaps shopping, perhaps to a game, perhaps out to dinner? I invite you to join us for an hour or so beginning at 10:30, to meet some welcoming people, to hear well-rehearsed and especially chosen music, to hear a message you may never forget and may change your life, and have an opportunity to get your questions answered. But, if you’d just like to see what it’s all about, we are livestreamed on Facebook for you. Today’s pastoral sermon is by Randy Pope, from Atlanta. He established the Perimeter churches, and forty new congregations. Covenant is seeking to do the same. Our network right now is worldwide and local.
We are currently in transition. We have sold our property on Emerson Drive. It will become a K-8th grade school next fall, and we will be worshipping in our new sanctuary and facility at the other end of our property. We still have a full program for our children and youth and congregational worship on Sundays. Come check us out. If you’re reading my blog in California or Michigan, find a local church to attend. Jesus is there too. God’s peace and grace be with you this day and always. Go to www.covenantpalmbay.org to learn more.
About the Author
