Church bulletin for April
Good morning and welcome to church! You have washed, brushed, clothed, eaten and made your way here safely. Did you forget anything – wallet, Bible, phone, notebook, pen, mints, children? I generally run through a checklist when leaving the house. I think only once in thirteen years have I left my sermon notes at home. I remember on one occasion thinking I had done so, and although I could have drawn up an outline I decided to go and fetch them. From memory as I walked through the front door Basil rang me to let me know they were sitting safely upon the lectern at church.
It is such an inconvenience rushing out of the house only to realise you are inadequately prepared or have left something behind. There are of course things which tend to be second nature. My youngest son regularly forgets his school hat but thankfully that is not the case with the rest of his clothing. Now that you are at church is there anything you have forgotten?
Did you remember to pray for the events of this Lord’s Day? Have you prayed that our worship would be acceptable to God and He would receive the honour He deserves; have you prayed that God would help and bless the Sunday school teachers, service leader, and particularly the preacher; have you prayed for visitors; have you asked God to be merciful to those who are yet to trust Christ; have you prayed that God might minister specifically to your needs? If you have not spent at least a few moments in prayer last night / this morning, you have not adequately prepared for this Lord’s Day. Praying for God’s blessing upon the Sunday services should be second nature.
Have you prepared your heart by reading God’s Word before you left home; have you removed the cobwebs and clutter of the mind by lifting your thoughts toward heaven? People intending to play sport warm up before a game and so get their bodies ready. Have you exercised yourself spiritually so you don’t come to the meeting cold and distracted? You would not dream of leaving the house in your pyjamas, hair adrift and with cornflakes wedged between your teeth. But do you leave for church spiritually unkempt?
Let us be mindful of the significance of corporate worship in the eyes of God and also in the lives of those who attend.