Good Friday morning Church Requel!
I'm pleased to announce to you all that Sunday morning we will begin a sermon series from the Gospel of John. The first five sermons are all laid out and will get us all the way to John 1:14. Actually that's the verse we begin with this Sunday.
So why John's Gospel? Lots of reasons. I'll start with this one - it's my favorite. When you get to be 65, I figure you get to the point where each sermon is precious and one had better be preaching from the verses in the Bible that mean the most.
The Gospel of John is so unique! It's different than the other 3. Most scholars tell us that John's Gospel was written after the other 3 gospels. In fact, it may have been written later than most of the other books in the New Testament. We learn things about our faith and about our Savior that we discover no where else besides the Gospel of John.
For me, each week will be pure joy to write and to preach. This week is no exception. I've been digging deep into John 1:14 for several decades now and still don't feel like I've hit bottom. I am very excited to share with you all this Sunday morning.
For those who wish to read the sermon you can do so in your Bible app or by going to this link: http://bible.com/events/48951306
The songs we will sing Sunday include "Great Are You Lord" by All Sons & Daughters; "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong; "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel; "Even If" by Mercy Me; "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns; and "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham.
If you are watching from afar, you can tune in via Facebook or YouTube. Here is our YouTube link for Sunday - https://youtu.be/8hF7Im1mXXo
New Security Procedures Beginning Next Sunday. Starting next Sunday, Sept. 18th, we will lock the side entrance door about five minutes or so after the worship service begins. Most of you arrive quite early and so this change will not affect most of you. But if you should come later, you will need to go through the main doors at the back of the sanctuary.
We are making this change to keep people from wandering in off the street and then wandering through the church. We can better keep an eye on the main entry doorway in the back of the sanctuary. Our students meet downstairs during the worship service and we don't want to risk unknown people going to where our students are meeting.
While I am talking about security, I would remind you all to keep your cars locked in the parking lot when you come to church. Last Sunday our Youth Pastor Eddie discovered that someone had gone through his vehicle and stolen some gift cards. I had the same experience several years ago.
We are so very blessed to be an island of grace in the midst of Downtown Mansfield. But perhaps this would be a good time to remember our Lord's admonition to be as wise as serpents (Matthew 10:16).
Still Celebrating John's Sermon and Service.
I considered it a great honor and privilege to welcome John Vetter to the Church Requel pulpit this past Sunday morning. It was just a year ago that he was baptized in our church (also in a 3-piece suit!)
Since then John has told me that he feels called into the ministry in some fashion - either as a chaplain or as a pastor. When I heard that I knew that I wanted to invite him to preach for us. He did a wonderful job! Many young men his age would have faltered in their speech or delivery. Not John! He wrote down exactly what he wanted to say and then said it. With power and conviction.
Very soon, John Vetter will enter the Marine Corps. I definitely want our congregation to keep in touch with him as best as we are able, especially as he goes through boot camp. When I know an address I can share with you, I will do so. In the meantime, this coming Sunday morning may be your last chance to say goodbye for now.
Love you all much! See you Sunday! Pastor Mark
