Sunday afternoon reflections
I took a little ribbing today about the fact that I haven't posted in about 3 weeks, and I really have no excuse other than laziness, I guess. But, as Michael Jordan said, "I'm back"!
Our identical Christmas worship experiences of this week were rather interesting, to say the least. On Wednesday night, which was a special service I called, thinking that lots of CLCers would be traveling this weekend and perhaps want to have a worship experience as part of their Christmas, we had as many people on stage as we had in the congregation! The few (under 20) who had gathered insisted that I go ahead and preach as planned, so I did, and honestly, the presence of the Lord was so sweeeeet as we closed.
Saturday night was also a smaller-than-average attendance for us, so I didn't know what to expect going into today. Both services this morning looked a little smaller than normal, but numbers aren't everything, as the Lord met with us in worship in a special way. The response to the message was also wonderful, although we all had a scare at the close when one of our volunteer camera operaters became dizzy and fell off his perch on the camera platform, so paramedics were called to assist. It happened right during the salvation invitation, so it made for a very interesting finish, to say the least. But it didn't keep some young men from praying the sinner's prayer with me, and so all of heaven rejoices with us!
I'll be off the blogosphere again this week while we travel to Detroit for a couple of days with my wife's family before returning here to meet my oldest son and his fiancee' who arrive early Thursday morning.
If at all possible, don't miss out next weekend when we close 2007 with a very unique message - in fact, it would be a great opportunity for you to invite a friend to join you! Until then, may every CLCer enjoy an extra-special Christmas celebration with your family and friends this week!
Our identical Christmas worship experiences of this week were rather interesting, to say the least. On Wednesday night, which was a special service I called, thinking that lots of CLCers would be traveling this weekend and perhaps want to have a worship experience as part of their Christmas, we had as many people on stage as we had in the congregation! The few (under 20) who had gathered insisted that I go ahead and preach as planned, so I did, and honestly, the presence of the Lord was so sweeeeet as we closed.
Saturday night was also a smaller-than-average attendance for us, so I didn't know what to expect going into today. Both services this morning looked a little smaller than normal, but numbers aren't everything, as the Lord met with us in worship in a special way. The response to the message was also wonderful, although we all had a scare at the close when one of our volunteer camera operaters became dizzy and fell off his perch on the camera platform, so paramedics were called to assist. It happened right during the salvation invitation, so it made for a very interesting finish, to say the least. But it didn't keep some young men from praying the sinner's prayer with me, and so all of heaven rejoices with us!
I'll be off the blogosphere again this week while we travel to Detroit for a couple of days with my wife's family before returning here to meet my oldest son and his fiancee' who arrive early Thursday morning.
If at all possible, don't miss out next weekend when we close 2007 with a very unique message - in fact, it would be a great opportunity for you to invite a friend to join you! Until then, may every CLCer enjoy an extra-special Christmas celebration with your family and friends this week!
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 3:56 PM
4 Comments:
In contrast with the low attendance on those days, Christmas eve candlelight service was full.
What can we learn?
To be honest, I don't know - perhaps that things are better w/o me? Or that having only one service instead of multiple services guarantees a full house?
If you have something specific in mind, please let me know, because I'm clueless about what people will respond to during holidays.
I too have noticed low attendance since the One Service in Tinley Park. I know you are joking but it is definitely NOT because things are better without you.
Well, I was at least HOPING that it wasn't me :-)
But I really am clueless as to what's been happening....and esp. about the first anonymous comment as to "what can we learn?" from the full Christmas Eve service in contrast to the low attendance on Christmas weekend.
Anybody out there know what we can learn? Help a pastor out, please-
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