We pull into the upper parking lot at Church. Wyatt backs into the same parking space he always does. The gentleman at the door, is 99 ½ years young. We will call him Winfree. As soon as Winfree sees us, he rises from his chair to hold the door open for us. I could call him a door man or a greeter, but he is so much more than that.
We go in to say hello to the early morning coffee drinkers. Wyatt goes downstairs and turns on the heat. I go back to talk to Winfree at the door. He apologizes to me. He says I would rather look into your eyes when I’m talking to you, but if I do that, I will miss the cars coming into the parking lot. He is such a servant to God and the church. Even at 99 ½!
More people are coming in. There is another gentleman that is 99 and almost ½. Winfree says he is the kid on the block and is 3 weeks younger. I imagine they have joked about this for years. Another family comes in and there are 5 of them. In a small church this is a crowd. This is maybe the most I have seen in this church. The lady with her dog is sitting in her usual spot. The dog never makes a peep. Another minister and his wife are on the back row. The secretary is sitting over on the right. Her granddaughter isn’t with her. There are a few others sitting where they always sit!
We pray and sing some songs. The piano player is the same lady and so is the song leader and they do a beautiful job. The song leader called me earlier in the week to tell me there will be a potluck. Don’t worry about bringing food because there is always enough. Of course, I bring a dish. It’s like we are family.
It is Pentecost Sunday. I am excited. I start my sermon and the Holy Spirit adds his own touch. Thank you for being faithful to your servant, Wanda. I mention one lady who is in the congregation that she told me she would pray for me the last time I was in their church! I am touched by her love. Others were so in tuned with the Holy Spirit. You could see, the Holy Spirit was moving. I found my place in the sermon but didn’t add any more.
After the service I greet everyone again. One lady I knew from 6 months ago. She said, “I’m sure you were preaching to me!” We hug each other and she says I will pray for you too. I know we are friends for life. Two more people thought I was preaching directly to them. Isn’t it refreshing when so many people are being spoken to by the Father?
Wyatt and I work our way to the potluck. The new family sits down with us. It is a refreshing time. It is what Christians do when we are together. It was a great day to celebrate Pentecost Sunday and our time together with a potluck. None of this was out of the ordinary. It is what happens in church services worldwide. I can barely fathom all of this. I am humbled. I am trying to keep up with the Holy Spirit. I am challenged to stay with him. I continue to praise the Father with what he is doing in this little church.
Yes, Jesus is still working in our congregations no matter the size. Yes, Jesus is still answering prayer. Yes, Jesus is still calling us to follow Him. Yes, Jesus is still the Miracle Worker. Yes, Jesus loves you! If you have any doubt, ask Jesus to help you see.
I close with this verse: Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Blessings to each of you,
Pastor Wanda