Feeling Right at Home

Sunday I visited another colleague. It began earlier in the week when the Pastor posted that this week's sermon would be about Hope and Prayer. This is a topic I struggle with as to the intent behind "hoping" someone has a good day and "praying they have a good day" or some such. Is God in both or is hoping an ephemeral thing while prayer is placing your trust in God?

Just a little history, this church is the oldest church in Susquehanna County and it has enclosed pews. I walked toward the front and picked an empty pew. I opened the door and sat down in the corner so that I was facing the central pulpit. The pews are rather narrow and so for comfort I put my right arm on the side of the pew. Unfortunately, this put my elbow on the door and several times throughout the morning I would manage to open the door. Luckily, it didn't make any noise as it opened and I was able to pull it closed equally quietly. I just wondered if anyone behind me to the right could see what was happening!

The worship order was the standard basic order of worship. No surprises would be in store. Just familiarity and comfort.

The pastor came forward for the children's message, but there were no children in attendance so the message was addressed to the adults. He noted that he would not be presenting the sermon he prepared. As he had sat in the pew for the special music, he noted that one of the two altar candles was not lit. He then proceeded to speak to those who were "lit" and those who "hit their light". This caused the congregation to chuckle at his choice of "being lit" and it's connotation of drinking.

The message itself was very good. The takeaway was that Paul tells us our hope is in the Lord so both hope and pray are appropriate sentiments for the Christian. But when we say we pray, we certainly should be praying.

If I were looking for a church home for this year, I think this church and this pastor would work wonderfully. Next week is Labor Day weekend, I'm not sure where I'll be on Sunday but I look forward to continuing on this journey of exploring worship.