Sunday Flashback

Tonight at our Communion Fellowship Juan Johnson shared about the three Ethiopian children he and Pam are in the process of adopting. This will the the second set of Ethiopian kids they have adopted, as well as a boy from China. It's what they do, and they asked their faith family to join them in prayer as they work toward making it happen. Here's their blog site.

This morning wrapped up the series "What If?" with "What If I Loved the World?". Jesus showed His love for those in His world by doing something. He didn't just say, "I love you", but met them (and us) at our point of need. We should do the same.

Here are some bullet points from the message on how to show that love:

• Be a reflection of Jesus. He served; He gave without asking anything in return.
• Be real. Forget about trying to look perfect. You're not.
• Build relationships. Earn the right to be heard. Show that you care.
• Be relevant. Give a thirsty man a drink of water. He'll want to know why you did.
• Be ready. You have no idea when the opportunity to show God's love will pop up.

Today was Chad Hardison's last Sunday with us for a while. He's off later this week to start law school at Liberty University. I wonder if this die-hard ECU Pirate fan will be able to cheer for the Flames? Chad filled in in a big way for us while Nathan was in Durham earlier this year, and we'll miss his guitar, voice and mostly his service for the Lord in leading our worship.

I was told a family left (they arrived ten minutes after the worship gathering began) because there was no more room in the pre-school room for their child. We gotta get that upstairs finished! Hopefully they'll be back (and on time!). The place was really full at 9AM and not far from it at 11.

If you were in the second gathering you know that I was called during the sermon to respond in my role as fire chaplain. I'll post about that later, but it was one of those "God things" that happens.