Good Friday morning Church Requel!
I'm really looking forward to telling you the story behind Frederick M. Lehman's "The Love Of God" hymn. It is such an unlikely string of coincidences over a stretch of more than a millennium - that frankly it stretches the very concept of "coincidence."
This is one of those stories that is better described as a "God-incidence!"
Even in my research for this sermon, I was unable to find a single one source for everything I'm going to tell you on Sunday. (I'm not saying there isn't a single source. I just couldn't find it.) However, I think God wanted me to go on a journey (along with you) to fully grasp just how great God's love is for us - and just how much He wants us to know it and be certain of it. I'm praying that comes across to you on Sunday.
For those of you who can't wait until Sunday morning, you can read my written sermon text online by going here: http://bible.com/events/48933455.
The songs we plan to sing. Of course, when it comes to songs about the love of God, there is no shortage. So in addition to the hymn, we plan to sing: "Can't Buy God's Love" (A Beatles Parody); "King of Love" by Jesus Culture; "How Great Is Your Love" by Phil Wickham; "Stand In Your Love" by Josh Baldwin; "God You're So Good" by Passion; and "Your Love Never Fails" by Jesus Culture.
Brandi and her daughters will sing another special song about the love of God: "How He Loves" by David Crowder.
Brandi will lead our communion time. Brian will lead our prayer time. And Eddie will talk about upcoming events.
For those of you who will be watching the online stream, you can join us on our Facebook Page or you can worship with us on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/5SiDqGS_N5k.
Neighborhood Meal Planned For August 13th. A week from Saturday we will serve a healthy meal to those in our neighborhood who are hungry. We so appreciate your support of this meal ministry. Get this date on your calendar now before we flip the page to August. Don and Stephenie will lead the charge but they would love your help. Volunteers should show up by 4pm. We are usually finished with the cleanup by 6pm.
Outdoor Concert Planned for August 27th. We have planned for a two-hour outdoor concert in front of the church on Saturday, August 27th, from 6pm to 8pm. Our own worship band will be singing and playing! The concert will be totally free, so invite all your family and friends to come.
Like last year, we will offer a tip jar. All proceeds will go to St. Luke's Point Of Grace. This is Paul Lintern's non-profit organization that provides the place where we worship. While we do pay a monthly rent to St. Luke's, we know it doesn't cover all the costs of maintaining the property. So we thought it would be a great way to say "thank-you" to Paul and St. Luke's by playing a benefit concert.
I can now confirm that there will be food offered as well! So get this date on your calendar and start telling everyone you know! It should be a grand time together.
Blessings! Love you much! Pastor Mark
