We enjoyed a spectacular day of weather and another very good day of worship yesterday. My musings …

-Wow, what a gorgeous day we enjoyed yesterday.

-Our time of singing in Worship went well and the congregation is really becoming more and more engaged during the music part of worship. This makes a huge difference in the overall worship service.

-We seemed to overcome the natural letdown that often takes place following a week of great Revival/Renewal services.

-People seemed engaged during the message. After enjoying 5 services of Revival where I did not preach, I had a little too much prepared for the sermon yesterday. I was frustrated with myself because I felt rushed at the conclusion of my sermon.

-We had quite a scare after the service as one of our older gentlemen passed out as he was leaving and fell hard. He has a nasty scrape on his head and will have some sore ribs and back for a while. He was fortunate it happened inside the building, he was only about 4 steps from the door. He was checked out at the hospital and released yesterday afternoon. So thankful that he was not seriously injured.

-While at the hospital visiting with this man and his family I was asked to go to another area of the hospital and pray with another family that was having a difficult day. What an honor to be able to serve and hopefully bring some comfort.

-We had a good time in our small group last evening. It would have gone a little smoother if I had remembered to print the whole study for everyone. In my haste yesterday with everything going on, I only printed 1 page of the 2 pages of material.

-Our small group is great. They still had some great discussion in spite of my error. I love their vulnerability and openness.

-I also love the extra conversations with people after small group or after Sunday morning worship. Sometimes those are the best things that happen on a Sunday.

-Our attendance was reasonable, not great, but still 12 above the same Sunday a year ago.

-It was great to see some people back in attendance who had missed a few weeks with illness and other events.

-I continue to be amazed and so thankful for the many people who serve each week in our church. From cleaning the building in preparation for ministry, to the Sunday School teachers, to nursery workers, children’s church workers, ushers, greeters and more. There are many people who serve so that each Sunday goes well. We are truly becoming a community, a growing community.

Personally I am trying to figure out my weekly schedule. I recently began serving one day a week at our local hospital as a Chaplain. I love this opportunity to minister to people in need. The difficulty is that the day I was given is the day that I had been trying to use as my day off. Now I am trying to figure out another day to try and use as a day off. The problem is that I am going to have to rearrange some standing things in order to find a day I can regularly use. After a month of not having a day off I am feeling the effects. I am not attempting to whine or gather sympathy, but would appreciate prayers as I work this out.

Here’s hoping you have a fantastic week and that you are able to encourage someone that comes across your path.

Dennis