Easter was incredible. Record numbers of people
worshipped together. Check out Geoff’s blog for some cool pictures and a great recap of the day.
The most exciting thing about this Easter, however, wasn’t about numbers; it
was about changed lives. A friend shared a story about a new Seacoaster he met
this weekend. His story probably sounds a lot like some of yours.
Invited by a
friend, he stepped into Seacoast as someone who had not been connected to God
in a long time. As he watched you worship, he knew something was different
about this church that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Over the next few
weeks, he would watch with a nervous anticipation as people responded at the
cross, lighting candles, receiving prayer, and taking communion, but he wasn’t
quite ready to move.
On Easter Sunday, for the first time, he took that journey
to the cross, connected with God, and watched as a painful part of his life
dissolved in the water before his eyes. Stories like these still remind me that
we will continue to be amazed that God can do more than we ask or imagine.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
PS – If you attend Seacoast Church Don’t forget our Reflect series beginning in 2 weeks. You will want
to make sure you pick up a Reflect study journal April 13. If you’re not part
of a small group, consider joining one now!
Actually, Charlie and I did have an ephiphany moment during the response time one Sunday. We had gone to the back of the church to take Communion and we both stopped and looked at all the people. They were everywhere! Some were going to the Cross, some lighting a candle, others taking Communion but it was a most pleasant experience. It was like we were in "Heaven" and everyone had their own ministry going on but we were all together and the Holy Spirit was leading each and every person. It was AWESOME! Then Charlie broke the beauty and said, "Just think, if we were in the Methodist Church, ushers would be directing these people." But here we are, being lead by the Holy Spirit. Again what an Awesome God we serve.
Comment by Phrona Lybrand — April 10, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Morning Greg,
First, congratulations on your new grand! Don't they make life wonderful? I am off to keep all three of mine for the week-end — challenging, and special.
Yes, two times recently during the response time I was barely able to breathe. Easter was the first, and this past Sunday I KNEW I had to "reach out my hand to God". Translation for me, reach out to Migsie/Vern (I don't know why) for prayers. Before I left Seacoast that morning, an hour after the close of the 8am, I was lighter, like a balloon and felt I could handle my life. Everyone has stuff; mine has been choking the life from me of late. So, thank you, for the moving sermons that allow God to show up and "move the mountains".
Comment by Carol McGill — April 11, 2008 @ 4:48 am