What would you do if you were in the company of someone you loved? The question could include someone you have romantic feelings for, but think beyond that. It could include people like long-term buddies, a favorite sister, or grandchildren. How do you behave with them?

They would probably, at least, have your attention. I once watched a room-full of adults captivated by a one-year old who had just learned to walk. It was our kid, but I watched the others. Our son had their willing attention as he waddled from one to another.

With a loved one, you’d probably be careful not to do all the talking, but listen closely to what is being said and what is happening between the lines.

With a loved one you would probably want to do good for them: share a meal, give some encouragement, or just tell a joke to lighten spirits.

The encounter with a loved one might linger in your memory for a while and you might reflect on it later. I remember my last conversation with my Dad and think on it regularly.

And many more expressions of love.

Now, go back over that list and apply it to the Lord in a worship service. Do we love God? Does God have our attention or are we our main focus? Are we listening? Do we give up anything in the encounter? Do we reflect on it all later or is it gone from our consciousness the minute we step out of the room?

Our new Vision Statement asks us to “gather in love.” Is that what is happening with you?

Our scripture lessons include Psalm 100 which some of us memorized as a child (though probably in a different translation) and Ephesians 3:14-21 which urges us to grasp the full dimensions of love.

We are sharing communion this Sunday. If you know you will be worshipping online, ahead of time gather some bread/crackers and some juice/wine in preparation for joining us in that holy time.

Worship can be very real for you this Sunday and I’m excited about the possibilities. I will be sharing in the traditional service at 9:00 and, of course, we also have the contemporary service at 11:00. Both can be shared in-person, live-streamed, or later while viewing the recoding. I would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here.