Come as You Are

Yesterday’s worship service was encouraging. As I’ve said before, there’s something about when we all come together in worship that gives us strength. As we’ve finished our series through the book of 2 Corinthians, over the past two weeks we’ve seen Paul’s focus upon God’s strength in human weakness. It’s not through our abilities by our strength that God’s work gets accomplished, but it’s when we acknowledge our need for God’s strength. God’s gift of grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus is enough for us.

Yesterday afternoon I came across this article that had been posted just yesterday: Imperfections Make Sundays More Beautiful. I thought this author had some good thoughts about this very concept. In so many areas of our life we try to hide our mistakes and imperfections. We are afraid to show our true selves to others because we feel they will judge us. In worship before God and shoulder to shoulder with our fellow believers should be a place where we can be authentic—in our weaknesses as well as our strengths. In our failures as well as our successes.

I hope North Danvers Mennonite Church is a place where we acknowledge that we are all struggling and imperfect, but we have a perfect God in whom we are placing our full trust. Speaking for myself, I’m far from the ideal leader for this congregation—I'm reminded of my short-comings regularly—yet, I try to make sure that I am trusting in God, listening to his direction, and trusting fully in his strength.

Before I get down off this soapbox, let me apply it to one more area. NDMC will be most fully able to accomplish God’s mission for us when we are all using what we have for him. That doesn’t mean we are perfect in those abilities. What it requires though is for us to be willing to do what we can. If you are not serving in some area of the congregation, find an area where you can serve. We want and need you to be involved. Let me tell you that you’ll find greater satisfaction in that than you will so many things in your life.

You will not want to miss next week. It’s Harvest Mission Sunday. Cala Laible and John Malcolm will be presenting about the work of the Foods Resource Bank. I’ve seen a preview and it’s going to be both informative and encouraging. The week following (November 25) we will be having a Thanksgiving-themed worship service, and then we’ll be participating in the Hanging of the Greens that afternoon. Then it will be time for Advent! Our Advent worship series this year is called “The Old Familiar Carols Play,” and we’ll be examining the Biblical background of some of our most well-loved carols. The young people will be having their Christmas program on December 9, and the choir will present their cantata on December 16.

This is a great time to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us for worship. During the Christmas season people are sometimes more open to the message of the gospel. Let’s invite others to come and celebrate with us during this special season.

Love you all and God bless!

Brian