Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“A Church Looks Back on 2001"

A few weeks ago, I asked everyone in our church to list the three most significant events of 2001. I only expected to receive a few interesting tidbits for next week’s sermon. Instead, I was overwhelmed with a barrage of responses passionately describing dramatic life changes through experiences at church. I learned a lot reading those responses. I pray you will too as we prepare for 2002.

Before sharing our top ten experiences, let me share some of the other responses:

U Support during tough times – There were job losses, illnesses and deaths but through it all someone from the church was there to offer prayers, support and love.

U Jacob Bruce and his battle for life – The two year old boy battling against a cancerous brain tumor and mostly succeeding has been a miracle and an inspiration for us all.

U Divorce Recovery Ministry – This ministry touched the lives of many when they were at their worst and helped them find hope. “I had no hope before class. I received a second chance.”

U Team Impact – Four of the strongest men in the world broke bats, bent steel bars and won our hearts with their testimony of how God was actually strongest of all.

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U Exercise Class – It may sound crazy but the love and spirituality shown by our exercise instructor accomplished so much more than simply develop stronger muscles.

U MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) – Our newest ministry accomplished more than providing a safe environment for tired mothers. “MOPS brought me back to church. Thank you.”

U Food and Eating – I know. I know! It’s what all churches do best but several wrote that attending a covered-dish supper was when they really began to feel a part of the church.

U Prayer Candle Mountain – During each worship service we light candles on a miniature mountain for anyone needing prayer. It’s our way of making prayer a central part of worship.

Our top ten actually turned out to be eleven but who’s counting… Here goes:

11. Growth – More than attendance and membership… lives were changed. Growth itself added to our enthusiastic outlook and the feeling that what we were doing mattered.

10. Beach Party Worship – A sermon about surfboards? Music originally sung by the “Beach Boys? Wild and a little crazy? Maybe, but this worship service was so unusual people still talk about it.

9. Music and Special Guests – Whether a cantata, a hymn, a guest musician or an old fashioned Gospel sing, music has a unique way of communicating the awesome love and grace of God.

8. Youth and Youth Missions – One youth wrote about a mission trip to Kentucky. Another rediscovered her faith while serving on a worship team that traveled to other local churches.

7. Ministry and Outreach Ministries – Whether providing Christmas gifts for needy children, repairing someone’s home or working at the local relief center… helping others made a difference.

6. Joining Church/Baptism – Our tradition of bringing new members before the congregation while supporters and relatives gather around as we pray for their ministry was a very moving experience.

5. Friendliness and Caring – One wrote: “You have such loving people. I’ve learned to know more people in three months… so many friendly non-judgmental folks. I came home when I came here.”

4. Sunday School – Sometimes taken for granted but it’s a typical Sunday school class that often offers the best opportunity to ask critical questions, have a little fun and strengthen your faith.

3. Easter and Christmas Services – “When I nailed my sins to the cross… I felt the sacrifice Jesus made for me for the first time. Then to see those sins in the fire on Easter morning was awesome.”

2. Small Group Bible Studies – It’s almost impossible to study and apply God’s word to our everyday lives without help. The Bible study groups provided discipline, fellowship and encouragement.

1. September 11, 2001 – “When I first heard of the events, my first thought was I need to be at church.” Somehow we all needed to be united as a country and as Christians. May we never forget.

The best comment was this one: “I want you to know I’m doing better thanks to your many prayers. I have connected with people who have the same problems. It helps to talk with someone who has been there. They tell me how they got through it and so will I. I believe wholeheartedly that God led me to you. I was feeling low and planned to do something about it. Then I felt the love of your prayers. Thanks so much for not giving up on me when everyone else had. I made a New Years Resolution to “Dance with God” again. I know it’s not going to be easy but it will definitely be worth it. Thank you.”

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Last modified January 11, 2002.

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