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The Rock UMC Newsletter for May 12, 2008 ““Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.”" Exodus 20:8 What an incredible Sunday we had yesterday with all the confirmands making their own decision for Jesus Christ! The weather was perfect for those who had to move outside to witness the confirmands make their own splash in God's waters of grace (if a little chilly for the confirmands). The Spirit was active and moving and worship reflected the same kind of atmosphere that probably surrounded the disciples on that Pentecost morning when the Spirit of God swooped in and allowed them all to speak in different languages -- as any had need. It was exciting and upbeat. And actually a lot of work was done in order to prepare for that wonderful event. One confirmand showed up with his dad at 6:30 in the morning to set up the pool and make sure it got filled up. All the confirmands brought refreshments to share with the congregation after the worship service. The confirmand that showed up at 6:30am also stayed after worship to help empty the water out of the pool. Some folks, who had worked hard on Saturday to support the memorial service that was held at the church on Saturday also came on Sunday to help make sure everything was ready for our confirmands. Tommy, our sound guy, tried out the new portable sound system on Saturday to make sure it would be ready for the confirmands on Sunday. Two of the members of the band not only stayed to help clean up but also took home the dirty laundry so that we could start again next Sunday with a clean slate. Many people stayed after worship to help out and encourage the confirmands -- despite it being Mother's Day. Sometimes we are so busy setting things up to worship God and going to our jobs, and tending to our families that we get a little irritated at God's instruction to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We may find it easy "to keep the Sabbath holy" if God includes working for the glory of God in the definition of "keep it holy." But when we read that God actually wants us to rest one day in seven that seems much more challenging. In a life that's full of work, activity, family, we sometimes wonder what sabbath rest might look like. That's what we are going to talk about this coming Sunday. We are going to talk about our church's call to encourage Sabbath rest, about how we take that seriously and how we struggle together to grow in our faith and in our faithful practices. Until we meet again in worship, may God bless you with a little rest! God calls us ALL to serve.Accept. Love. Listen. |